First Aid for Educators: Protecting the Children in Your Care

If you work in early childhood education, outside school hours care, or vacation programs, you know that being ready for a medical emergency isn’t optional — it’s part of the job. Our Short Course in First Aid for Education and Care is designed specifically for educators and support staff who need to respond confidently when a child or infant needs help.

Who This Course Is For

This course applies to educators and support staff working in education or children’s services who are required to respond to a first aid emergency. This includes early childhood workers and educators working with school-age children in outside school hours care and vacation programs.

What You’ll Learn

This course covers the skills and knowledge needed to provide a first aid response to infants, children and adults, in line with guidelines set by Australian national peak clinical bodies. Topics include:

• Differences between adults and children in the provision of first aid
• Normal clinical values for children
• Airway management, including infant airway
• CPR for adults, children and infants
• Automated External Defibrillation
• Medical conditions including asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, epilepsy and convulsions
• Infection control and first aid for minor wounds
• Bleeding, fractures, burns and other trauma
• Choking and drowning
• Hyperthermia and hypothermia
• Eye and soft tissue injuries
• Venomous bites and stings
• Head, neck and spinal injuries
• Signs and symptoms of acute illness in children and infants
• Communicating details of an incident
• Reporting requirements in education and children’s services
• Debriefing and evaluation of response to critical incidents

Course Format

This is a blended course, combining self-paced online learning with face-to-face training and assessment. You’ll need to complete your eLearning before attending the face-to-face session.

• eLearning: 5 hours
• Face-to-Face Assessment: 5 hours

Course Locations, Dates and Fees

Course dates, times and locations do vary — please check our website or speak with our staff for current availability. Ask our team about course fees.

Who Can Enrol?

There are no entry requirements or prerequisites for this course.

Participants will need adequate Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills to interpret work instructions, complete the online theory component, and record work outcomes. If you’re unsure whether this applies to you, speak with our friendly team or refer to our Learner Support Services Policy.

What to Expect on the Day

Wear comfortable, casual clothing — this course includes activities such as bending, kneeling and lying on the floor. Assessment is conducted through:

• Online theory assessments
• A face-to-face practical assessment

Note: The provision of Adult and Child CPR must be demonstrated on the floor.

You’ll also need access to a computer or tablet with internet connection to complete the theory component of the course.

Certification

On successful completion, you’ll receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment from Vital Skills Training covering the following units of competency:

• HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
• HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
• HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
• HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting

These units of competency are nationally recognised and provide a valuable, portable outcome recognised throughout Australia.

Enrolment Details

• Your place on the course is only confirmed once you’ve completed the enrolment form and paid your course fee.
• Numbers are limited, so confirmed enrolments are the only ones guaranteed a spot on the day.
• There’s no work placement requirement for this course.
• Attendance at the compulsory face-to-face workshop is required to be assessed on practical aspects of the curriculum.

Ready to Get Started?

Children’s safety depends on the adults around them knowing what to do in an emergency. Enrol today and gain the practical, nationally recognised skills you need to respond with confidence in an education or care setting.

Training and assessment conducted on behalf of Vital Skills Training Pty Ltd, RTO 46556.

You are welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns, or to book our services. Please use the information here.