It is the responsibility of principals and preschool directors to ensure that students and children can access first aid at all times.
On this page:
Is first aid training compulsory? Which course is acceptable? About the training Training costs Where is the training held?
Book the training Is first aid training compulsory?
A recognised first aid qualification is compulsory for teachers applying to work in South Australia.
The first aid certificate generally lasts three years and non-permanent teachers are not allowed to teach if it has expired.
Teachers, other staff and OHSC staff required to undertake first aid duties as part of their role must:
- have completed the relevant type of first aid course
- ensure their certificate is current.
When determining how many trained staff are needed principals and preschool directors consider the following:
- the number of children
- the physical layout of the site
- accessibility to first aid – including at sports events, camps and on excursions
- the number of part-time staff
- the nature of foreseeable injuries, past injury and illness rates
- likely absences of first aid trained staff
- local needs - eg the number of students with health care needs.
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Which course is acceptable?
The recommended basic emergency first aid training is the education department-approved BELS course delivered by the Australian Red Cross. This program complies with national guidelines. Additional training may be required depending on the role of the staff member.
Other courses
Due to the nature of their role some staff require more advanced training such as the Apply First Aid course, previously known as Senior First Aid Level 2. The BELS course can be run as the first day of this two-day course - the second day needs to occur within 6 weeks.
Alternatively, the Apply First Aid (HLTFA301B) course is available through most recognised first aid training organisations.
Education department staff who are involved in providing health support can access a range of courses specific to their role, including:
- oral eating and drinking
- transfers and positioning
- medication management
- infection control
- manual handling
- developmental coordination disorder
- spinal health in the school environment.
For more information phone the child health and education support services officer on 8361 6819.
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About the training
The BELS course takes 7.5 hours to complete and includes:
- response for an emergency situation
- competency-based assessment of CPR
- administration of adrenalin via an autoinjector for anaphylaxis reactions
- use of a puffer with a spacer
- management of bleeding.
The course can be completed in one block of 7.5 hours, or over two 4-hour sessions.
There are separate one-hour courses for seizure management, anaphylaxis prevention and first aid management.
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Training costs
The education department pays the cost of BELS courses for its permanent teachers and support workers. Non-permanent staff usually do the training at their own cost.
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Where is the training held?
Preschools and schools can host a course at their site for up to 15 participants. People from other schools can attend to make up the quota. The host site will be invoiced for vacant places and anyone who is not a permanent staff member.
Course are held at a variety of locations including:
Australian Red Cross Training Centre
2/229 Marion Rd
Marleston
Education Development Centre (during school holidays)
Manton Street
Hindmarsh
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Book the training
To book the training phone the Red Cross on 8293 9299.
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More information
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Camps and excursions
Health wellbeing and special needs
Other websites
Australian Red Cross