Safety Courses
Being the first to help in a medical emergency takes more than good intentions. It takes skill, calm thinking, and the right training. That’s what FAR training provides. Short for First Aid Responder, FAR training teaches you how to step up when someone needs immediate care, long before an ambulance arrives.
Across Ireland, more people than ever are now required to hold a FAR certificate. This includes workplaces, schools, sports clubs, and childcare settings. But beyond the legal requirement, this course gives you practical knowledge you can carry for life.
Emergency First Aid runs trusted FAR training sessions across the country. We work with individuals, businesses, and organisations who want to be prepared and compliant. Our goal is simple. We give you the tools to act fast with confidence when it matters most.
This training is open to everyone. You do not need a medical background. If you’re likely to be first on the scene when something happens, then FAR training is for you. People who benefit most from this course include:
Health and safety reps
Childcare workers and SNAs
Teachers and school staff
Gym and fitness professionals
Builders, tradespeople, and supervisors
Office managers
Security personnel
Taxi drivers, retail staff, and hospitality workers
Volunteers, carers, and parents
In most workplaces, at least one person must be trained in FAR to meet Health and Safety Authority (HSA) requirements. Many organisations now train multiple staff to ensure cover across all shifts.
FAR training is practical and hands-on. It covers a wide range of medical emergencies and gives you real-life skills you can use straight away.
During the course, you will learn how to:
Assess a scene for safety and respond without putting yourself in danger
Check a person’s breathing, circulation, and consciousness
Perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED)
Respond to choking incidents and allergic reactions
Manage wounds, bleeding, and burns
Help someone having a seizure, stroke, or diabetic emergency
Treat fractures, sprains, and head injuries
Place someone in the recovery position
Keep calm and communicate clearly with others
Keep simple records of what happened
The course also includes training on scene management, infection control, and caring for someone until medical help arrives.
There are lots of basic first aid courses available, but FAR training is on a different level. It is the only first aid course recognised by the Health and Safety Authority for workplace compliance. It also meets the standards of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), which oversees emergency medical training in Ireland.
What makes FAR training stand out is the depth of the content, the hands-on approach, and the practical skills you walk away with. You do not just learn how to respond. You practise how to handle real situations.
FAR training also includes a focus on your own wellbeing. Being first on the scene can be stressful. The course gives tips on how to manage your own stress, stay in control, and work as part of a response team.
A full FAR course runs over three days. Many providers, including Emergency First Aid, now offer blended options. This means two days can be done online, followed by one practical day in person. This makes the course easier to fit around work and personal schedules.
The course includes theory, discussion, and lots of practical scenarios. At the end, you will complete a multiple-choice test and a skills demonstration. Once passed, you will receive a certificate that is valid for two years.
The certificate shows that you have completed certified First Aid Responder training, approved by PHECC. It is accepted by all employers, schools, childcare bodies, and insurance providers.
To keep your skills up to date, a Recertification course must be completed before your FAR certificate expires. The Recertification takes two days and is required to keep your qualification valid.
Emergency First Aid also offers Recertification courses throughout the year. These are perfect for anyone whose current certificate is nearing expiry. If your certificate has already expired, you will need to complete the full three-day course again.
FAR training is available across Ireland. Emergency First Aid delivers courses in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Offaly, Carlow, Laois, and surrounding counties.
We provide open public courses that anyone can join, as well as private courses for groups, teams, and companies. On-site training is also available if you want us to come to your workplace.
We keep class sizes small to make sure every person gets the attention they need. All trainers are certified, experienced, and supportive.
We are a trusted provider of certified FAR training in Ireland. Our courses are:
Fully recognised by PHECC and the HSA
Taught by qualified emergency care professionals
Designed to be clear, practical, and hands-on
Delivered in small groups for individual support
Suitable for individuals, employers, and community groups
We have trained people from offices, construction firms, schools, sports clubs, gyms, childcare centres, and healthcare settings. Many learners return to us for Recertification training or to train additional staff.
You’ll leave our course not just with a certificate, but with real confidence in your ability to respond.
FAR training does not require any experience or qualifications. It is open to everyone. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the most from the course.
Wear comfortable clothes. You will be moving around during the practical sessions, practising CPR, placing others in the recovery position, and using training equipment like bandages and AED trainers.
Bring a notebook if you like to take notes, although all essential materials are provided. You will also be given a manual or course booklet to support your learning during and after the course.
For online sessions, make sure your internet connection is steady, and you are in a quiet space where you can focus and interact with the trainer.
If you are a business owner, school principal, sports club manager, or HR officer, FAR training can be arranged for your group at a time and location that suits you.
Emergency First Aid offers private training options for:
Workplaces of all sizes
Sports teams and gyms
Schools and colleges
Childcare providers
Nursing homes and care centres
Community groups and charities
We can come to your site with all the equipment, or host the course in one of our training venues. If your team has already done the course before, we can also arrange Recertification sessions.
Group bookings can save money and reduce downtime by training everyone at once. We also offer flexible dates, weekend options, and tailored sessions to meet your needs.
There are plenty of reasons why people across Ireland choose FAR training. Some need it for work, others for peace of mind. Whatever your reason, the benefits are always real and lasting.
You will be prepared for emergencies at home, work, or in public
Your employer will meet legal safety obligations
You will gain a recognised qualification accepted across Ireland
You will learn skills that can save a life
You will feel more confident and capable in crisis situations
You will stand out on job applications, especially in public-facing roles
Many past students say the course helped them stay calm and take action in real situations after training. Others have used the qualification to move into new roles or boost their career in safety, security, or childcare.
How long is the FAR certificate valid?
It is valid for two years. You must take a two-day Recertification course before it expires to stay certified.
Is FAR training hard?
No. It is designed for beginners and taught in a simple, supportive way. Most people pass without trouble, especially with practical effort and participation.
What age do I need to be?
Most providers accept learners aged 16 and up. For younger groups such as transition year students, shorter introductory first aid courses are more suitable.
Can I use my FAR training outside of work?
Yes. These skills can help in any setting, at home, in public, or when travelling.
Do I need to lift people during the course?
No. You will practise placing people into positions like the recovery position, but there is no lifting or physically demanding activity.
Booking your FAR training is simple. Emergency First Aid provides fast and flexible options. You can:
View upcoming course dates online
Call or email our team to check availability
Arrange private or workplace group training
Ask about Recertification sessions if your certificate is expiring
We make the process easy, from your first enquiry to your final certificate. Once booked, you will receive full instructions on what to expect and what to bring.
If you or your organisation need certified First Aid Responder training anywhere in Ireland, contact Emergency First Aid today. We deliver nationwide training with flexible options for individuals, businesses, schools, and groups of all sizes.
Our courses are fully certified by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council and meet all Health and Safety Authority requirements. We offer public courses, private bookings, on-site training, and blended learning formats to suit every schedule.
To check course availability or arrange a group session, visit emergencyfirstaid.ie or get in touch with our team directly.
