Trainer discussing practical first aid with a group of learners and training manikins.

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First Aid Essentials

Certificate course

First Aid Essentials

Four-hour introduction covering the essential first aid skills.

Duration: Half day4 contact hours
Onsite: £345per group, up to 12

Train your team onsite.

Practical training at your workplace.

£345per group

Up to 12 learners

Course details

Everything you need to know about this course.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn the essential first aid skills in a short, practical session.

It is ideal for community groups, charities, volunteers, sports clubs, faith organisations, parents, students and members of the public who want the confidence to help someone in an emergency.

It’s a friendly, accessible introduction to first aid, giving you useful life skills and more confidence handling everyday incidents.

What you’ll learn

In just four hours, this course gives you the basics you need to step in and help when someone is hurt or suddenly unwell, whether that’s at home, out and about or in your community. You’ll learn how to check it’s safe to help, work out what’s wrong and get the right help on the way.

It’s relaxed, supportive and very hands-on. You’ll practise CPR, using a defibrillator (AED), the recovery position and helping someone who is choking, and you’ll learn simple, practical steps for bleeding and burns and for recognising emergencies such as a heart attack, stroke or asthma attack. You’ll leave knowing what to do in those first few minutes, and feeling much more confident about doing it.

Basics and assessment

The basics of first aid and staying safe at the scene
Checking a casualty and calling for help

Life-saving skills

Adult CPR
Using an AED (defibrillator)
The recovery position
Choking
Bleeding and wounds
Shock

Emergencies and injuries

Burns and scalds
Recognising a heart attack or stroke
Asthma attacks
Seizures
Everyday accidents and minor injuries
Looking after yourself after an emergency

Every topic on this course, free

Open the First Aid Essentials guide →

Ongoing trainer assessment is used throughout the course to provide support, monitor your progress and ensure you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to achieve the learning outcomes.

Practical learning

You'll take part in practical activities and realistic scenarios to apply what you've learned.

Trainer assessment

Your trainer will observe your performance throughout the course, giving feedback and support to help you build confidence and competence.

Achieve the learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you'll be assessed as competent in the key skills and knowledge covered.

Practical, real-world skills

Gain the confidence and skills to respond in real-life situations.

Northlight certificate

Successful learners receive a Northlight certificate.

Successful learners receive the Northlight First Aid Essentials Certificate, valid for three years.

This course builds confidence and practical ability in essential first aid. If your organisation needs workplace first aiders, we recommend our Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work courses.

Is this the same as Emergency First Aid at Work?

No. First Aid Essentials is a four-hour course for anyone who wants practical first aid skills for everyday life. Emergency First Aid at Work is a full-day regulated qualification for people appointed as first aiders at work. If your employer has asked you to be a first aider, that’s the course to choose.

I’ve never done any first aid. Will I be okay?

Yes. The course is designed for beginners. It’s relaxed and supportive, and your trainer will guide you through each skill.

Can teenagers attend?

Yes. The course is suitable for anyone aged 14 and over.

Will I need to get down on the floor?

CPR and some other skills are practised on manikins at floor level, so wear comfortable clothing you can kneel and move in. If you have a mobility, medical or other need that might make this difficult, please let us know as early as possible before the course and we’ll consider what adjustments we can make.

When will I receive my certificate?

Certificates are usually issued within 72 hours of the course. You’ll receive yours by email, and you can access it any time through My Northlight.

Will I have anything to refer back to afterwards?

Yes. Northlight Knowledge, our free online first aid guide, covers topics such as CPR, burns and scalds and asthma attacks, so you can refresh your memory whenever you need to.

Can you run this course for our group?

Yes. We regularly deliver First Aid Essentials for charities, community organisations, sports clubs, workplaces and other groups across Northern Ireland.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn the essential first aid skills in a short, practical session.

It is ideal for community groups, charities, volunteers, sports clubs, faith organisations, parents, students and members of the public who want the confidence to help someone in an emergency.

It’s a friendly, accessible introduction to first aid, giving you useful life skills and more confidence handling everyday incidents.

What you’ll learn

FREE WITH THIS COURSE

Read the First Aid Essentials guide

All 18 topics on the course, written and reviewed by our trainers. Use it to prepare, and keep coming back to it after your certificate.

Adult CPR

Using an AED

Choking

Unresponsive but Breathing

External Bleeding

Minor Injuries

Open the First Aid Essentials guide

Free on Northlight Knowledge. No sign-up.

CHOOSING A COURSE

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Helpful guidance

Read all guidance →

An employee holding a first-aid kit while speaking with a colleague in an office.

Training Advice

What is an appointed person?

What an appointed person does, what the role doesn’t include, and when an appointed person can be enough for your workplace.

Training Advice

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Trainer wrapping a bandage around a learner’s forearm during practical first-aid training.

Guide · Courses

Do I need EFAW or FAW?

Choose between Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work by matching course content to the needs your workplace has identified.