Changes to First Aid Units in 2021

December 15, 2020

In 2021, we have some updates coming to some of our first aid courses. This is because the national regulator for Australia’s training organisations has made a few changes to a number of first aid units and course codes.

These updates to the units of competency have been made to reflect industry best practice, expectations and current regulations. See below for a list of complete changes.

While this is mostly relevant for students who need to complete a particular set of units for their workplace, it’s handy to be aware of the changes.

Remember, if you have any questions at all on course contents, requirements, or want to know which course is right for you, our Customer Service team are on hand and happy to answer any queries. Just call 1300 ST JOHN or email customer.service@stjohnnsw.com.au.

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See below for a list of changes and FAQs.

New course units:

- HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (formerly HLTAID001)
- HLTAID010 Provide basic emergency life support (formerly HLTAID002)
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (formerly HLTAID003)
- HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting (formerly HLTAID004)

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

- HLTAID001: Will remain recognised and valid for 12 months from the date of your course
- HLTAID002: Will remain recognised and valid for 3 years from the date of your course
- HLTAID003: Will remain recognised and valid for 3 years from the date of your course
- HLTAID004: Will remain recognised and valid for 3 years from the date of your course

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FAQS

Why are the changes being made?
Every year the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) look at the results of first aid training and decide on whether changes need to be made to improve course delivery and student outcomes.

In 2020, ASQA announced new recommendations to a number course units. These changes relate to the delivery and assessment of first aid training; ensuring students are not only competent in skills but also in the application when to use the skills in first situations.

I 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No. Recognition of the superseded course names and units will remain. The validity of your qualification will remain fully recognised for its full, intended duration, (until it expires or you are required to take a refresher).

When will the new units start being offered?
St John Ambulance will start running courses with the new units in January 2021.

Will the validity of the certificate will be affected due to the changes?
No. All first aid certificates will remain fully recognised for its full, intended duration, (until it expires or you are required to take a refresher). 12 months for Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and 36 months or 3 years for Provide First Aid.

I’d like to do the Advanced First Aid course in the future. What does that mean for me?
This just means that you will need to complete the new units if you intend on doing the Advanced First Aid, Advanced Resuscitation or Occupational First Aid courses in the future. Speak to our Customer Service Team if you have any concerns on 1300 ST JOHN or customer.service@stjohnnsw.com.au.

Has there been a change in content with the change of units?
The content has not changed. The changes only relate to the delivery and assessment of the courses.

How do I know which course is right for me?
If you regularly renew your CPR and first aid skills, the assessment only courses are suitable for you. If you are training for the first time or it’s been a long time since you’ve completed your first aid training you should do the longer version of the course.