First Aid Training School
Become a fully qualified First Aid Level 1 first aider in just 3 days at Real Skills Technical FET.
First aid training at Real Skills Technical FET is a 3-day intensive programme aligned to SAQA US 119567, quality-assured by HWSETA (Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority). Spanning 2 days of structured theory and 1 full day of hands-on practical training, the course equips you with the complete skill set required of a professional workplace first aider. You will master cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), AED defibrillator operation, wound care and bleeding control, choking and airway management, shock recognition and treatment, burns management, fracture and sprain care, and full emergency response protocols. Graduates leave with a Certificate of Competence aligned to SAQA US 119567, qualifying them as certified First Aid Level 1 first aiders recognised across South Africa's construction, mining, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, and corporate sectors.
First Aid Training — Course Overview
Our first aid training course delivers the complete First Aid Level 1 qualification in 3 intensive days — 2 days of theory covering the full SAQA 119567 curriculum, followed by 1 full day of supervised practical training where every candidate applies their knowledge on mannequins, wound simulation stations, and emergency scenario drills. Every student participates in all practical sessions — no observation-only seats. Theory is integrated with real-world case studies so you understand not just what to do, but why you are doing it in any emergency situation.
First Aid Level 1 — Basic First Aid Qualification
3-day intensive programme — 2 days theory + 1 day full hands-on practical training
- SAQA US 119567 · HWSETA accredited · NQF Level 1
- CPR — adult, child & infant resuscitation techniques
- AED (automated external defibrillator) operation
- Wound care and major bleeding control
- Choking and airway obstruction management
- Shock recognition, positioning and treatment
- Burns and scalds — classification and emergency care
- Fractures, sprains and musculoskeletal injuries
- Medical emergencies — stroke, heart attack, seizures
- Emergency scene management and patient assessment
- OHS Act first aid legal compliance requirements
- Certificate of Competence on successful assessment
SAQA US 119567 — First Aid Level 1 Basic Qualification
The SAQA Unit Standard 119567 is the nationally registered unit standard for First Aid Level 1 (Basic) in South Africa, registered on the National Qualifications Framework at NQF Level 1 (2 credits) and quality-assured by HWSETA (Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority). This unit standard defines the minimum competence required for a workplace first aider to recognise and respond to emergency medical situations — from cardiac arrest and choking through to wounds, fractures, burns and medical emergencies — in any South African workplace.
The OHS Act (Occupational Health & Safety Act 85 of 1993) and its General Safety Regulations legally require every South African workplace to have a qualified first aider on-site. The number of first aiders required depends on the number of employees and the nature of the work — but the requirement is absolute: companies without certified first aiders on their staff are in breach of the law. This means first aid training is not optional career development; it is a legal compliance requirement that every employer must meet — and that every trained first aider benefits from directly in terms of employability and workplace value.
OHS Act Legal Compliance — Every Workplace Must Have Certified First Aiders
The Occupational Health & Safety Act 85 of 1993 mandates that all South African employers provide adequate first aid for employees. Employers without certified, HWSETA-recognised first aiders on site are in legal non-compliance. A SAQA 119567 Certificate of Competence is the credential that satisfies this legal requirement — making qualified first aiders indispensable across every sector of the South African economy.
First Aid Training Modules — What You Master in 3 Days
CPR — Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Adult, child and infant CPR — compression technique, rate, depth, ventilation ratio and hands-only CPR for bystanders
AED — Defibrillation
Automated external defibrillator setup and use, pad placement, shock delivery, CPR integration and AED safety protocols
Wound Care & Bleeding
Wound assessment, wound cleaning and dressing, direct pressure, tourniquet application and management of severe haemorrhage
Choking & Airway Management
Conscious and unconscious choking in adults, children and infants — back blows, abdominal thrusts and recovery position
Shock Management
Types of shock — hypovolaemic, cardiogenic, septic, anaphylactic — recognition, positioning, treatment and monitoring
Burns & Scalds
Burn classification by depth (superficial, partial, full thickness) and extent, emergency cooling, wound covering and referral
Fractures & Sprains
Fracture recognition — open vs closed fractures — splinting, sling application, RICE protocol for sprains and soft tissue injuries
Medical Emergencies
Stroke (FAST test), heart attack, diabetic emergencies, seizure management, asthma attack and anaphylaxis response
Scene & Patient Assessment
Scene safety, primary and secondary patient survey, ABC assessment, SAMPLE history and appropriate EMS hand-over
Emergency Scene Management
Bystander activation, calling EMS, scene control, prioritising multiple casualties and directing emergency responders on arrival
OHS Act First Aid Compliance
Legal first aid requirements under OHS Act 85 of 1993, first aid box contents, first aid register and post-incident reporting
First Aid Records & Reporting
Completing workplace first aid incident reports, patient assessment documentation and emergency procedure handover notes
3-Day Training Structure — Day by Day
The first aid training programme follows a clear, deliberate progression across 3 days. Days 1 and 2 cover the full SAQA 119567 theory curriculum — from the legal framework and emergency principles through to all clinical topics including CPR, AED, wounds, burns, fractures, medical emergencies and scene management. Day 3 is entirely practical — every candidate performs CPR on mannequins, operates AED trainers, manages wound and burns simulations, and completes emergency scenario drills under direct assessor observation.
Day 1 — Theory: Emergency Foundations & Life-Saving Basics
Day 1 Theory Programme
- OHS Act & First Aid Legal Requirements: Overview of the Occupational Health & Safety Act 85 of 1993 and its first aid provisions — the legal obligation on employers to have certified first aiders, the minimum ratios required, first aid box contents mandated by the General Safety Regulations, and the first aider's legal responsibilities and limitations (scope of practice)
- Principles of First Aid & Emergency Response: The core principles of first aid — preserve life, prevent deterioration, promote recovery — and the chain of survival. Scene safety assessment, calling EMS, primary survey (DRSABC — Danger, Response, Shout, Airway, Breathing, Circulation) and the hands-on first aid approach versus bystander activation only
- CPR — Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Theory of cardiac arrest — causes, recognition (unresponsive, absence of normal breathing), and the physiological rationale for CPR. Adult CPR technique — correct hand position, compression depth (5–6 cm), compression rate (100–120/min), compression-to-ventilation ratio (30:2), and hands-only CPR for untrained bystanders. Common CPR errors and how to avoid them
- CPR — Child & Infant Resuscitation: Differences in CPR technique between adults, children (1–8 years) and infants (under 1 year) — compression depth, two-finger vs two-thumb technique for infants, ventilation volumes, initial rescue breaths for paediatric arrest, and the importance of early call to EMS in paediatric emergencies
- AED — Automated External Defibrillator Theory: What an AED is and how it works — ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia as shockable rhythms, the automated rhythm analysis process, pad placement on adult and paediatric patients, safety protocols during shock delivery, and AED integration with CPR sequences (2 minutes CPR → AED check)
- Bleeding & Wound Care — Theory: Types of bleeding — arterial, venous and capillary — and recognition of each. Wound classification: abrasion, incision, laceration, puncture, contusion and avulsion. Principles of wound management: direct pressure, elevation, wound dressing selection, and improvised dressings in emergency situations. Recognition and management of internal bleeding
- Shock — Theory & Recognition: Definition and pathophysiology of shock — the body's compensatory responses. Types of shock: hypovolaemic (blood/fluid loss), cardiogenic (heart failure), distributive (septic, anaphylactic, neurogenic), obstructive. Signs and symptoms: pale/cold/clammy skin, rapid weak pulse, altered consciousness, thirst. Positioning and management of the shocked patient
Day 2 — Theory: Clinical Topics, Medical Emergencies & Scene Management
Day 2 Theory Programme
- Burns & Scalds — Classification & Emergency Care: Burn classification by depth: superficial (redness, pain), partial-thickness (blisters), full-thickness (waxy/charred, painless). Burn extent estimation using the Rule of Nines and the palm method. Emergency cooling protocol — running cool (not cold) water for 20 minutes, wound covering with cling film or non-adherent dressing, preventing hypothermia, and referral criteria for burns requiring hospital treatment
- Choking & Airway Obstruction: Mild vs severe choking — recognition of the universal choking sign, the ability to cough vs inability to speak or breathe. Management of severe airway obstruction in conscious adults and children: back blows (5 firm back blows between scapulae) followed by abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre). Infant choking: back blows and chest thrusts. Unconscious choking patient management and transition to CPR
- Fractures, Sprains & Musculoskeletal Injuries: Open vs closed fractures — recognition and associated risks (blood loss, infection, neurovascular injury). Emergency splinting principles — immobilise above and below the fracture, check CSM (circulation, sensation, movement) before and after splinting. Upper limb slings (broad arm and high arm). Sprain vs strain recognition and RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol. Suspected spinal injury management — manual in-line stabilisation
- Medical Emergencies — Stroke: What is a stroke and TIA (transient ischaemic attack)? FAST recognition test: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 10111/EMS. First aider response — reassurance, rest, do not give anything by mouth, monitor and maintain airway, prepare for deterioration
- Medical Emergencies — Heart Attack & Cardiac Conditions: Signs and symptoms of acute myocardial infarction vs stable angina. Aspirin administration (if not contraindicated and patient is conscious). Patient positioning, monitoring and response to sudden deterioration. Recognising the transition from heart attack to cardiac arrest and initiating CPR
- Medical Emergencies — Seizures, Diabetes & Anaphylaxis: Seizure management — protecting from injury, recovery position, timing and post-ictal monitoring. Diabetic emergencies: hypoglycaemia vs hyperglycaemia — recognition and appropriate first aid (conscious vs unconscious patient). Anaphylaxis: recognition of severe allergic reaction, epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) administration, recovery position and airway management
- Emergency Scene Management & Patient Assessment: Full secondary patient survey (head-to-toe assessment), SAMPLE history (Signs & symptoms, Allergies, Medications, Past medical history, Last meal, Events leading to emergency). Multiple casualty triage principles — START triage (Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment). EMS handover communication: patient name, age, mechanism of injury, vital signs, treatment given. Completing workplace first aid incident report forms
Day 3 — Full Practical Training & Competency Assessment
Day 3 Practical Programme
- CPR Practical — Adult, Child & Infant: Every candidate individually performs a timed CPR sequence on full-body adult mannequins — 2 minutes of solo CPR, assessed on compression depth, rate, hand position and full chest recoil. Child CPR on junior mannequin. Infant CPR using two-thumb technique on infant mannequin. Two-rescuer CPR rotation with correct compression-to-ventilation handover. Assessor gives individual feedback after each performance
- AED Practical: Every candidate operates an AED trainer from start to finish — switching on, following voice prompts, attaching pads to correct anatomical positions on mannequin, clearing for rhythm analysis, delivering simulated shock, and immediately resuming CPR. Common errors corrected: touching patient during analysis, pad placement mistakes, delayed shock delivery and failure to resume CPR after shock
- Wound Care & Bleeding Control Practical: Direct pressure application on simulated wound props — maintaining correct pressure, dressing selection and application, bandaging technique (roller bandage), improvised tourniquet application for limb haemorrhage simulation, and correct documentation of wound care provided
- Choking Practical: Conscious adult choking — back blow delivery technique and force, abdominal thrust positioning and upward-inward thrust mechanics. Infant choking — face-down back blow and chest thrust technique on infant mannequin. Assessment of correct technique and candidate confidence in delivering choking interventions
- Burns & Fracture Management Practical: Demonstration of correct burn cooling technique and wound covering. Upper limb fracture splinting using improvised materials. Broad arm sling application and adjustment. Ankle sprain bandaging using figure-of-eight technique
- Emergency Scenario Drills: Candidates manage simulated emergency scenarios — cardiac arrest in workplace, choking patient, unconscious casualty with head injury, anaphylactic reaction at a worksite. Scenarios test scene safety, correct prioritisation, bystander coordination, CPR/AED deployment, and EMS communication. Assessor observes decision-making and practical execution under scenario pressure
- Formal Assessment & Certificate of Competence: All candidates undergo a formal competency assessment aligned to SAQA US 119567 outcomes — assessed as Competent or Not Yet Competent by a qualified HWSETA assessor. Successful candidates receive their Certificate of Competence — First Aid Level 1 issued by Real Skills Technical FET and quality-assured by HWSETA, valid for 3 years
Book Your First Aid Training
3 days. R2,500. SAQA 119567. CPR · AED · Wound Care · Emergency Response. Certificate of Competence. Free accommodation included.
Your Credential on Completion — First Aid Level 1 Certificate
Candidates who achieve full competency across the practical assessment receive a formal credential from Real Skills Technical FET, aligned to SAQA US 119567 and quality-assured by HWSETA. This credential is recognised by employers across every sector in South Africa and satisfies the first aider certification requirement under the OHS Act 85 of 1993. The certificate is valid for 3 years, after which a refresher course is required to maintain certification.
Certificate of Competence — First Aid Level 1 (Basic)
An official Certificate of Competence aligned to SAQA US 119567, issued by Real Skills Technical FET and quality-assured by HWSETA. The certificate confirms competency across the full scope of First Aid Level 1 practice — CPR (adult, child and infant), AED defibrillation, wound care and bleeding control, choking management, shock treatment, burns and scalds, fractures and sprains, stroke and cardiac emergency response, scene management, and OHS Act first aid compliance. Valid for 3 years. This credential satisfies the workplace first aider certification requirement under the OHS Act 85 of 1993 and is recognised by all South African employers across all sectors. On successful completion of this course, you qualify as a certified First Aid Level 1 first aider.
Entry Requirements — Who Can Enrol
✅ First Aid Training Entry Requirements
No prior first aid or medical experience is required — this course starts from the beginning and qualifies you as a first aider in 3 days
First aid training is designed for anyone — from a mine worker required by their employer to get certified, to a factory floor supervisor adding a compliance qualification, to a domestic employee, teacher, coach, or corporate employee who wants to be prepared for any emergency. Our course takes complete beginners from zero first aid knowledge to full Level 1 certification in 3 days.
Free Accommodation — Train From Anywhere
Why First Aid Training Is in Constant Demand Across Every Sector
First aid training is the single most universally required qualification in South Africa's workplace compliance landscape. Every employer — regardless of sector, size or industry — must have certified first aiders on their payroll under the OHS Act. This creates a permanent, structural demand for qualified first aiders in construction, mining, manufacturing, healthcare, education, hospitality, retail, and every other sector of the economy. Employers pay first aider allowances to employees who hold valid certificates — making first aid training not just a career benefit, but a direct income boost.
OHS Act Legal Requirement
Every South African employer is legally required to have certified first aiders on staff under OHS Act 85 of 1993. This legal mandate creates permanent, recession-proof demand for HWSETA-certified first aiders across every sector without exception.
First Aider Allowances
Most employers — particularly in mining, construction, and manufacturing — pay a dedicated monthly first aider allowance to employees who hold a valid first aid certificate. R500–R1,500 per month above base salary is common.
Mining Sector Mandate
Every mine in South Africa mandates HWSETA-certified first aiders on every shift. A first aid certificate is typically non-negotiable for any mine site, surface or underground — it is treated as a mandatory site compliance credential.
Construction & Engineering Sites
Construction sites must have a designated first aider on site at all times under OHS Act regulations. Contractors and project managers require proof of a valid first aid certificate from site personnel before granting site access.
Schools, Childcare & Sport
Schools, creches, sports clubs, gyms, and community organisations all require first aid certified staff. Teachers, coaches and youth workers with a valid first aid certificate have a significant advantage in hiring and promotion decisions.
Stepping Stone to Higher Levels
First Aid Level 1 is the foundation of a career pathway in emergency care. Build from Level 1 to Level 2 and Level 3, and into Community Emergency Care, Ambulance Emergency Assistant (AEA), and Emergency Care Technician (ECT) qualifications.
Career Paths After First Aid Training
Mine First Aider
Mandatory first aider role on mining operations — required on every shift across all mine sites, surface and underground.
Site First Aider
Designated construction or engineering site first aider — required by OHS Act on all active construction projects.
Factory & Plant First Aider
Workplace first aider in manufacturing, chemical, food processing or industrial facilities — a compliance role in every factory.
School & Sports First Aider
First aid certified teacher, coach, or childcare worker — increasingly required for employment at schools and sports clubs.
Emergency Care Career Path
Use Level 1 as your foundation to advance to Level 2, Level 3, AEA (Ambulance Emergency Assistant) and ECT qualifications.
Africa Projects
Mining, energy and infrastructure projects across sub-Saharan Africa consistently require first aid certified personnel on all project sites.
Job Assistance Programme
Industry Connections
We work directly with mines, construction companies, manufacturing facilities, security firms, hospitality groups and corporate employers who regularly hire our SAQA 119567 certified first aiders by name.
CV Preparation
Our team helps you present your First Aid Level 1 Certificate of Competence correctly on your CV — maximising your impact with HR departments, site managers and recruiters actively hiring compliance-credentialed candidates.
Vacancy Alerts
Registration in our graduate database means direct notification of first aider vacancies at partner companies — in mining, construction, manufacturing and corporate sectors — before positions are publicly advertised.
Graduate Network
Join a growing community of working Real Skills graduates across South Africa — sharing job leads, contract opportunities, and experience from active mining sites, construction projects, and industrial facilities.
Qualify as a Certified First Aider — Start This Week
3 days. R2,500. SAQA 119567. CPR · AED · Wound Care · Medical Emergencies. Certificate of Competence. Free accommodation. Job assistance — all included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about first aid training at Real Skills Technical FET
First aid training at Real Skills is a 3-day intensive course aligned to SAQA US 119567, HWSETA accredited. It covers the complete First Aid Level 1 curriculum including CPR (adult, child and infant), AED defibrillation, wound care and bleeding control, choking and airway management, shock recognition and treatment, burns and scalds, fractures and sprains, medical emergencies (stroke, heart attack, seizures, anaphylaxis), scene management, and OHS Act compliance. Graduates qualify as certified First Aid Level 1 first aiders.
The first aid training course runs for 3 days total. Days 1 and 2 are structured theory sessions covering the full SAQA 119567 curriculum — emergency principles, CPR, AED, wounds, shock, burns, fractures, choking, medical emergencies and scene management. Day 3 is a full hands-on practical day — every candidate performs CPR on mannequins, operates an AED trainer, manages wound and scenario simulations, and completes a formal competency assessment.
You receive a Certificate of Competence aligned to SAQA US 119567, quality-assured by HWSETA — confirming full First Aid Level 1 competency across CPR, AED, wound care, bleeding control, shock, burns, fractures, medical emergencies and scene management. The certificate is valid for 3 years and is recognised by all South African employers as satisfying the OHS Act first aider certification requirement.
First aid training costs R2,500 — all-inclusive. This covers the full 3-day course, all training materials, first aid kit access during practicals, the formal HWSETA-aligned assessment, your Certificate of Competence, job placement assistance, and free accommodation next to the training facility. There are no hidden costs.
Prior first aid or medical experience is not required. The minimum requirement is Grade 9 (NQF Level 1) education, basic literacy, and the physical ability to perform CPR compressions during the practical day. Our trainers build your first aid knowledge and skills from scratch across 3 days — taking complete beginners to fully certified First Aid Level 1 first aiders.
Yes. Real Skills Technical FET provides free student accommodation for the full 3-day course for all first aid training students. The accommodation is located next to the training facility. Whether you're from the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, or travelling internationally — travel to Pretoria and your housing for the full stay is covered at zero extra cost.
Industry Resources for First Aiders
Key official links for first aid training, qualification, and OHS Act compliance in South Africa
HWSETA
Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority — the quality assurance body for first aid training in South Africa. HWSETA accredits first aid providers and quality-assures assessments and certificates.
Visit HWSETASAQA — US 119567
Official SAQA registration for Unit Standard 119567 — the First Aid Level 1 (Basic) unit standard. Access the qualification scope, outcomes and assessment criteria on the national qualifications register.
View on SAQADepartment of Employment & Labour
OHS Act 85 of 1993 and General Safety Regulations — first aid requirements, workplace first aider ratios, first aid box contents and employer compliance obligations for South African workplaces.
Visit WebsiteRelated Safety & Trade Courses
Build a comprehensive workplace safety and trade skills portfolio — pair first aid with a health & safety or technical qualification
Become a Certified First Aider in 3 Days
Intensive first aid training. SAQA 119567, HWSETA accredited. R2,500 all-inclusive. CPR · AED · Wound Care · Medical Emergencies. Certificate of Competence — 3 year validity. OHS Act compliant. Free accommodation. Job assistance — all included.