Description
FAR Course – Certified First Aid Training in Ireland
The FAR course is the recognised standard for first aid training in workplaces across Ireland. Backed by PHECC and approved by the HSA, this course gives learners the confidence and skills to act in an emergency, whether it’s a minor injury or a life-threatening situation.
Delivered by experienced trainers, the FAR course blends theory and practical learning to prepare participants for real-world first aid scenarios. Whether you’re looking to upskill for your job, volunteer role, or simply want to be prepared, this training gives you all the essentials in just three days.
What is the FAR Course?
The FAR course (short for First Aid Response) is a three-day programme designed to meet the needs of workplaces and individuals who need reliable, up-to-date training in first aid and emergency response.
This course replaced the old Occupational First Aid training and is now the legal standard under Irish health and safety law for workplace first aiders.
Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate that’s valid for two years and is recognised across Ireland by employers, insurance providers, and training regulators.
Who Should Do the FAR Course?
The FAR course is open to anyone aged 18 and over. It’s ideal for:
-
Staff in offices, retail, factories, hospitality, construction and more
-
Sports coaches and fitness instructors
-
Teachers, childcare workers, and youth group leaders
-
Self-employed professionals and tradesmen
-
Volunteers or community members who want to be prepared
-
Anyone looking to gain a nationally recognised first aid qualification
No previous experience is needed. The course is delivered in clear, simple language and includes plenty of time for questions and hands-on practice.
What You’ll Learn
This isn’t just textbook training. The FAR course prepares you to stay calm, assess the situation, and step in with the right actions — even under pressure.
Here’s a breakdown of the key areas covered:
-
Scene safety and patient assessment
-
Managing cardiac emergencies (including use of AED)
-
Choking and breathing difficulties
-
Stroke and heart attack response
-
Responding to unconscious patients
-
Seizures, burns, bleeding, and fractures
-
Shock, fainting, and diabetic episodes
-
Managing asthma, allergies, and anaphylaxis
-
Handling spinal and head injuries
-
Bandaging and wound care
-
Dealing with poisoning, hypothermia, and heatstroke
-
Recording and reporting incidents
-
Self-care for the responder
All modules follow the guidelines laid out by PHECC and are delivered by qualified trainers with real-life experience.
Format and Schedule
We understand that people have different schedules and preferences. That’s why we offer the FAR course in a blended format:
Blended Option:
-
Day 1 & 2: Online via Zoom (interactive and instructor-led)
-
Day 3: In-person for practical assessment and skills demo
Alternatively, if you have a group or staff team, we can deliver the full 3-day training in person at your site or chosen venue. This option is ideal for businesses or organisations looking to certify multiple team members at once.
Training is run regularly throughout the year, and spaces fill up quickly, especially before compliance deadlines. So if you’re looking for an upcoming course, make sure to check the latest dates.
Why the FAR Course Matters
Emergencies don’t give warnings. They happen at work, on the road, at home, or during community events. The FAR course ensures that if something goes wrong, someone in the room knows what to do.
Employers are also required under Irish health and safety law to have trained first aiders on site, especially in environments where accidents are more likely. The FAR course helps businesses stay compliant and makes workplaces safer for everyone.
Even outside of work, having a FAR certification could make all the difference. If a friend collapses at the gym or your child gets injured at home, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to step in right away.
What Makes Our FAR Course Different?
There are plenty of training providers in Ireland, but here’s why this one stands out:
-
Blended learning flexibility – Join the Zoom sessions from home, then complete the practicals in person.
-
Experienced instructors – Trainers who’ve worked in emergency response, not just classrooms.
-
Clear, practical lessons – No boring slideshows. You’ll learn through real-life scenarios and practical demos.
-
Nationwide options – We run courses in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, and other areas.
-
Small group sizes – Better interaction, more one-on-one attention during practicals.
-
Recognised certificate – Fully compliant with PHECC and valid for workplace requirements.
You’ll finish the FAR course not just with a piece of paper, but with real skills you’ll feel confident using.
Assessment and Certification
To complete the FAR course and receive your certification, you’ll need to:
-
Attend all three days (including online and in-person sessions)
-
Pass a short multiple-choice exam
-
Demonstrate practical skills with your trainer
There’s no need to be nervous — your instructor will walk you through everything. The aim is to help you feel comfortable and capable, not to catch you out.
Once you pass, you’ll receive your official PHECC FAR certificate, valid for two years. After that, you can book a refresher course to stay certified without needing to repeat the full training.
Refresher FAR Courses
If you’ve already completed the FAR course before, it’s important to keep your qualification active. A refresher course is required every two years to keep your skills current and your certification valid.
The refresher version is shorter — usually two days — but it still covers all the essential updates, hands-on practice, and a practical assessment. If your certificate has recently expired or is close to expiring, booking your refresher ensures there’s no gap in your compliance.
FAR Course for Groups and Businesses
If you’re an employer or responsible for health and safety at your organisation, we offer tailored FAR course packages for teams of all sizes. On-site training is a popular choice, where we send a qualified instructor directly to your location.
This is ideal for:
-
Construction sites
-
Factories and warehouses
-
Retail chains and hospitality groups
-
Offices and corporate environments
-
Sports clubs and community centres
-
Schools, crèches, and childcare facilities
We’ll work with your schedule and ensure every team member is fully trained and certified. Group rates are available, and we can include custom modules if your business faces specific risks (e.g., burns, chemicals, high falls, etc.).
Upcoming FAR Course Dates
We run FAR courses throughout the year across Ireland. Upcoming sessions are available in:
-
Dublin
-
Cork
-
Galway
-
Limerick
-
Waterford
To check the next available dates and secure your spot, visit the official course booking page. Places are limited and tend to fill quickly, especially in peak months.
If you’re unsure which date or format suits you best, just get in touch. We’re happy to help you pick the right option based on your schedule or location.
What to Expect On the Day
For the in-person practical day of the FAR course, here’s what to bring and expect:
-
Comfortable clothing (you’ll be kneeling and moving)
-
A notebook and pen
-
Your ID for certification
-
A willingness to get hands-on — this is where the real learning happens
You’ll go through a series of practical stations where you’ll practise CPR, choking procedures, bandaging, recovery positions, and more. You’ll also take part in realistic first aid scenarios designed to test your thinking and technique.
The instructor will guide you every step of the way, and there’s plenty of time for questions and feedback. By the end of the day, you’ll be ready to deal with common emergencies with confidence.
Why This FAR Course Is Worth It
Let’s be real — not all training is useful. Some courses tick a box but don’t prepare you for real-life situations.
The FAR course we deliver is different. It’s not just about passing an assessment — it’s about learning how to react when it matters most. You’ll walk away with:
-
Practical, lifesaving skills
-
A qualification that boosts your CV
-
Confidence in any emergency situation
-
Peace of mind knowing you can help others
It’s a small time investment for something that could one day save a life.
Book Your FAR Course Today
Ready to get certified? Whether it’s for work, volunteering, or personal growth, the FAR course is a smart choice. Join hundreds of people across Ireland who have trusted this course to become competent, certified first aiders.
Book your FAR course now or contact us to find out more.
