What is meant by ‘current First Aid certificate’? How do I know a First Aid certificate is current?
The Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace requires employers to ensure that their nominated first aiders attend training on a regular basis to remain current. The Code of Practice recommends that refresher training in CPR should be undertaken annually from the date of issue and that First Aid qualifications should be renewed every three years from the date of issue to remain current.

There must be evidence that the candidate has completed the following tasks in line with state/territory regulations, first aid codes of practice, Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines and workplace procedures:

Followed DRSABCD in line with ARC guidelines, including:

• manage the unconscious, breathing casualty including appropriate positioning to reduce the risk of airway compromise
• manage the unconscious, non-breathing adult, including:
  • perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an adult resuscitation manikin placed on the floor 
  • follow single rescue procedure, including the demonstration of a rotation of operators with minimal interruptions to compression
  • follow the prompts of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to deliver at least one shock
  • responded appropriately in the event of regurgitation or vomiting
  • handing over to emergency services
  • providing an accurate verbal report of the incident
  • reviewing the incident
• manage the unconscious, non-breathing infant, including:
  • single rescuer CPR on an infant resuscitation manikin placed on a firm surface.

Responds to First Aid incidents:

• Identifying the casualty’s illness or injury through history, signs and symptoms
• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
• Providing appropriate first aid treatment
• Conveying incident details to emergency services or advising casualty on any required post incident action.
• Providing an accurate verbal and written report of the incident
• Reviewing the incident.

Applied first aid procedures for the following:

• Asthma
• Anaphylaxis
• Bleeding control
• Choking and airway obstruction
• Envenomation, using pressure immobilisation
• Fractures, sprains and strains, appropriate immobilisation techniques
• Minor wound cleaning and dressing
• Nosebleed
• Shock