Understanding the Shelf Life of Your First Aid Certificate: How Long Does it Last?
First-aid is really an important skill that anyone should have.
Imagine, you are walking on the streets, and you just saw someone having breathing problems or someone who has collapsed.
In this situation, you would hope that your auto pilot skills will kick in and you can help to rescue the person and perform some sort of first aid.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a background in medicine or you are just a regular citizen passing by, as long as you are knowledgeable enough and have a certificate. Your skills, knowledge, and certificate allow you to provide medical emergency treatment.
But…
Did you know that your certificate has an expiration? Do you know how long does first aid certificates last?
In this blog post, we’ll delve into this question and explore the importance of keeping your certification up to date. So, let’s jump right in and discover the lifespan of your first aid certificate.
WHAT IS A FIRST AID CERTIFICATE?
You might be wondering what it is and why do we need a first-aid certificate.
A first aid certificate is a valuable credential obtained upon completion of a comprehensive first aid course. Just like any other licence or certificate. Take the driver’s license for example. You would undergo driving lessons and get your license to be able to drive a car legally.
First-aid certificate, on the other hand, allows us or gives us the knowledge to perform any first aid activity. A certificate is really important especially when a person’s life is at stake. Performing first aid is not that easy and simple, it really takes an amount of knowledge and skills. Because an emergency treatment has 2 outcomes;
- Save the patient
- Make the situation worse
TYPES OF FIRST AID CERTIFICATES
Before we delve more into this, let’s learn first the different types of first-aid certificates. Provide First Aid HLTAID011 and Provide First Aid In An Education & Care Setting HLTAID012 are the two first aid certifications that certify someone as a first aider. While Provide CPR HLTAID009 is a CPR refresher that should be renewed every year.
EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK
Safe Work Australia defines Provid First Aid as instruction that enables a first-aider to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured or becomes ill while at work. It covers fewer subjects than the Provide First Aid In An Education & Care Setting HLTAID012 but prepares trainers to act with assurance in emergency medical circumstances
Examples of what you will learn in a first aid course:
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- Preventing cross-infection
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- First-aid to wounds and bleeding
FIRST-AID AT WORK (FAW)
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) describes a First Aid at Work (FAW) training course as having the same requirements as EFAW training but “also equipping the first-aider to apply first aid to a range of specific injuries and illnesses.” It is longer than the EFAW training course and is meant to prepare trainers for a variety of scenarios, not simply those that are considered emergencies.
Examples of what you will learn in first-aid course:
- Chest Injuries
- Burns and Scalds
- Eye Injuries
- Poisoning
- Anaphylactic Shock (Allergies)
HOW TO GET A FIRST AID CERTIFICATE?
Now that we know the different types of first aid certificates. How do we obtain them? You must undergo first aid training classes in order to earn a first aid certificate. You can learn the required skills by enrolling in an offline or online course. Basic first aid training typically includes lessons on treating injuries, burns, fractures, heart attacks, asthma emergencies, strokes, seizures, and other conditions.
You must take an exam to demonstrate your understanding of the aforementioned subjects once you have finished all of the course modules. When you pass the test, you can get your certificate.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
First aid certifications typically last for three years before needing to be renewed, however the Safe Work Australia suggests taking a refresher course every year. Your Provide First Aid HLTAID011 and Provide First Aid In An Education & Care Setting HLTAID012 must be renewed every three years, at which point you must complete a course.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF IT HAS ALREADY EXPIRED?
Keeping track of the day you finished the first aid training is important. Normally, your certificate will be valid for three years after this date. In the event that you misplace or lose your certificate, you will need to get in touch with the company where you received your training to learn more about it.
WHY DO WE NEED TO RENEW FIRST-AID CERTIFICATE?
You might be confused as to why we need to renew the first-aid certificate every three years. You might also find the process exhausting and hassle. If you want to still provide an emergency treatment and save lives, you have to go through the renewal process in order to maintain the validity of your training and certificate.
- LEARNINGS FADE OVER TIME
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- There is a good probability that you have lost some of your first aid training’s abilities if you
haven’t utilized them in the previous 12 months. Out of sight, out of mind also applies in the
case of first assistance.
- There is a good probability that you have lost some of your first aid training’s abilities if you
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- Regularly taking refresher courses helps to keep your abilities current and your thinking sharp.
When giving first aid, being able to retain information quickly and without hesitation in an
emergency is essential.
- Regularly taking refresher courses helps to keep your abilities current and your thinking sharp.
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- GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES ARE EVOLVING AND CHANGING
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- Every year, new medical developments are made. It indicates that first aid recommendations are
reviewed, and the process can be improved or updated. Attending your first aid renewal course
is crucial if you want to stay current with all developments.
- Every year, new medical developments are made. It indicates that first aid recommendations are
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- The last thing you want to do is use an outdated first aid technique when a newer and more
efficient one is available.
- The last thing you want to do is use an outdated first aid technique when a newer and more
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HOW DO I RENEW MY FIRST AID CERTIFICATE?
In order to renew your first aid certificate, you must take a refresher course 90 days before the expiration of your certificate.
You have two options when it comes to renewing your first aid certification:
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- Either attend an in-person public course at a facility close by, we run the public courses in Sydney & Melbourne or
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- If you have 5 or more people, sign your workplace or group up for a blended learning course that lets you study online before attending a hands-on skills session in person, or do a full face to face session.
Keep in mind that your acquired knowledge and abilities will come in handy at times of need. You’ll be better equipped to offer prompt support when it counts by comprehending the period of your certification, maintaining it through renewals, and continually improving your skills.
So, embrace the process of lifelong learning, be ready, and let your first aid certification be a symbol of your dedication to improving the lives of others. Maintain your certification and readiness!
The First Aid Nest run public and workplace first aid courses, Australia wide.
Our workplace first aid courses can be run at your site.
Our public classes are here in Sydney and are the best option if you are an individual, a couple or a group
of just a few people.
Our sophisticated system will take the headache out of renewal for you too. Lose your certificate? No problem, just log in and download your certificate again anytime. We will also send you reminders about when your certificate is about to expire!
Book your spot or workplace with us today, contact us with any questions, or head to our FAQ page
