A blended first aid course delivers the theory online while keeping the hands-on skills in person. At Scope Institute, you work through the theory and its short quizzes in your own time and then attend one practical session, where a trainer coaches you and assesses your skills on manikins. Both HLTAID011 Provide First Aid and HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation run this way, and in each case you must finish the theory first.
What is done online in a blended first aid course?
The administrative steps and the knowledge component are both completed in Scope's first aid student portal.
- Enrol by entering your details and your Unique Student Identifier (USI).
- Complete a short self-check of your reading, writing, numeracy and digital skills. Its only purpose is to identify whether you might need support, so it is not treated as a test.
- Work through the theory at your own pace, answering the knowledge questions as you go.
Those knowledge questions form part of your assessment. Most people need 2 to 4 hours for the HLTAID011 theory and about an hour for HLTAID009.
Can you do a first aid course fully online?
Not at Scope. Both units require you to physically demonstrate CPR and other skills, which Scope assesses face to face.
The units' assessment requirements on training.gov.au call for at least 2 minutes of uninterrupted single-rescuer CPR "on an adult resuscitation manikin placed on the floor" and 2 minutes on an infant manikin on a firm surface, as well as following the prompts of a training automated external defibrillator (AED) to deliver a shock. Their assessment conditions add that compressions and breaths must be demonstrated on manikins that follow Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.
At Scope, the practical takes about 3 hours for HLTAID011 or about 2 hours for HLTAID009, and it runs either at Scope's training venue or, for on-site group training, at your workplace. Your trainer coaches each skill before assessing it. HLTAID011 also includes scenarios such as asthma, anaphylaxis and bleeding, along with a written incident report.
If kneeling for CPR could be difficult for you, tell Scope before you book so that you can talk through adjustments.
Do you have to finish the theory before the practical?
Yes. Scope's student handbook and terms both state that you must finish the online theory before your practical session, which leaves the session free for practice and assessment.
If you will not finish in time, call Student Support on 1300 508 809 before the day. Moving to another session is free with at least 7 days' notice, while shorter notice attracts a $25 transfer fee, which is waived if you have a medical certificate.
Do you need a USI for a first aid course?
Yes, you do. A USI is a free, lifelong reference number issued by the Australian Government, and a registered training organisation (RTO) must confirm that you have a valid one before issuing a Statement of Attainment, unless you are exempt.
If you have completed nationally recognised training since 2015, such as an earlier first aid course or a white card, you may already have one, so look it up with Find your USI first. Creating a new one requires a single form of ID or your Digital ID.
When do you get your first aid certificate?
Usually within one business day. Scope emails your Statement of Attainment once you have completed both the theory and the practical, your USI is verified and your fees are paid.
Scope's terms and the national RTO standards both set 30 calendar days as the outer limit. If your employer booked your place, an unpaid invoice will not hold your certificate back, and your employer only receives a copy with your written consent.
If a skill is not yet at the required standard on the day, your trainer explains what to work on and arranges another attempt, and your first two further attempts are free.
Which course should you book?
The right course depends on what your role requires. For the full workplace first aid certificate, you will need HLTAID011 Provide First Aid, while HLTAID009 Provide CPR is the shorter option if you only need CPR, including the yearly refresher that many workplaces expect. If you are considering Scope Institute, you may like to look at our HLTAID011 Provide First Aid and HLTAID009 Provide CPR courses, or request a group quote if you are booking on-site training for a team. Once you are enrolled, please make sure to read how to prepare for your first aid practical session.
Sources
- Assessment Requirements for HLTAID011 Provide First Aid – training.gov.au
- Assessment Requirements for HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation – training.gov.au
- Create your USI – Office of the Student Identifiers Registrar
- Find your USI – Office of the Student Identifiers Registrar
- Reporting requirements and exemptions – Office of the Student Identifiers Registrar
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