In 2020 the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) endorsed the release of new versions of eight first aid units of competency within the HLT Health Training Package. These updates have been made to reflect industry best practice, expectations and current regulations. The new units include the key competencies required by workplace First Aiders.

In 2021 St John, along with other eligible Registered Training Organisations, will commence delivery of the new units.

See below for a list of changes and FAQs.

New course units:

Here’s what you need to know if you’ve already completed your course in 2020:

If you have any queries on course contents, assessment requirements, or just want to know which course is right for you, our Customer Service team are on hand and happy to answer any questions.

FAQs

Why are the changes being made?

SkillsIQ, the independent Skills Service Organisation under the direction of the First Aid Industry Reference Committee, completed an update of the first aid units in 2020 to ensure skills training is in line with workforce needs and expectations. The review identified and validated the necessary skills required by industry that are now reflected in the newly endorsed Training Package Products.

You can learn more about the recent update to the first aid units here.

What happens if I completed my first aid course in 2020?

The good news is that if you completed your first aid training in 2020, your Statement of Attainment will be recognised for its full, intended duration (until it expires or you are required to complete a refresher).

I very recently studied the course that is being phased out, do I need to re-do my course?

No. Recognition of the superseded course names and units will remain. Your  Statement of Attainment will be recognised for its full, intended duration (until it expires or you are required to complete a refresher).

When will the new units start being offered?

St John Ambulance will be delivering courses with the new units from February 2021.

Will the validity of my recent Statement of Attainment be affected by the changes?

No. Your Statement of Attainment will be recognised for its full, intended duration (until it expires or you are required to complete a refresher). That's 12 months for Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and 36 months or 3 years for Provide First Aid.

Has there been a change in content with the change of units?

Yes. HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation, HLTAID011 Provide First Aid and HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting will include some new content and assessment tasks.

Does this mean that first aid practices have changed?

No, the units of competency don’t specify HOW a First Aider manages a casualty’s illness or injury – that is based on guidelines from the Australian Resuscitation Council and other National peak clinical bodies. The units specify the first aid situations that the First Aider must be able to manage and the skills and knowledge they need to demonstrate.

Will these changes mean first aid courses are now more expensive?

No, the new units will not trigger any immediate changes in pricing. However, prices are reviewed and subject to change naturally over time, but this will not be connected to the transition to the new first aid units.

I need to complete one of the first aid units as part of a qualification that I am working towards. Can I use the new unit?

Some qualifications, for example Certificate III Non-emergency Patient Transport or Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, require a first aid unit as a core or elective unit.

Where the superseded first aid units are embedded in a qualification or accredited course, the superseded unit is required until those training products have been updated. You can check the requirements for the qualification you are studying at training.gov.au.

If you need the old unit of competency, or if you are unsure, please contact our Customer Service Team for assistance.

The new HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting doesn’t include HLTAID011 Provide First Aid on the Statement of Attainment, do participants need to complete HLTAID011 Provide First Aid as well?

Prospective students should check with their employer or industry regulator as to exactly what units they require, as this may vary depending on their role. For information on child education and care industry requirements you can visit the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority here.

Will my class be longer than the advertised time?

If you are participating in a 1 Day - Provide First Aid class, it may run up to 20mins over the originally advertised time, due to the need to conduct additional assessments.   If you have any concerns please contact our Customer Service Team for assistance.