First Aid Course: Breaking Down EMCARE's Accreditation and Certifications

EMCARE has specialised in health and safety since 1997. Our instructors, facilitators and expert trainers have many hours of theoretical and practical experience. All our training courses, including our industry leading first aid course are not only taught by professionals with extensive experience but are also fully accredited by several of South Africa's most important local authorities. With our training, you will be equipped to handle an emergency medical situation with level-headedness and proficiency.

We offer basic first-aid training, as well as first-aid courses in all three qualification levels. Our first aid courses have various certification options to choose from upon completion. In this article, we break down what certification you can get from each of our first aid courses, where they are recognized and how long they are valid for.

EMCARE's Training and Accreditation

Since 1993 the South African Government legislated the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which states that for every hundred employees, shops and offices need to have one employee who has first aid training. For every business organisation that is not an office or shop, one in fifty employees must have taken a first aid course. In order to comply with this legislation, all first aid training needs to be provided by an accredited first aid training provider. EMCARE is a leading training academy in South Africa, pioneering medical and responsive expertise in the Health and Safety industry.

Since EMCARE is fully accredited with South African accreditation bodies, completing our first aid courses will guarantee your certificate after completion is valid for 3 years and recognized nationally. These are the four South African accreditation bodies whose certifications are available after completing our first aid training.

Below are some of the most significant local authorities we at EMCARE are proud to be working with and accredited by:

1. Department Of Employment and Labour (DOL)
   
   According to the Department of Labour, all employers must take necessary precautions that guarantee any employees will receive swift first aid treatment in the case of an emergency or injury. DOL regularly sends inspectors to ensure businesses and organisations are complying with the minimum requirements of first aiders and first aid kits in the work environment.
   
   Making sure your employees are well equipped and properly accredited is essential to not ensure any fines, criminal cases and in the most severe cases - imprisonment if there are negligible or dangerous conditions in the workplace. At EMCARE all three of our First Aid Courses are recognized with DOL, making sure you meet the requirements of DOL inspectors.
   
   
2. Department Of Mineral and Energy Resources (DME)
   
   The Department Of Mineral and Energy Resources requires employees to be equipped with knowledge of first aid, legislative proficiency, CPR, and hazard training. Mine Health and Safety regulations need to be met in order to ensure emergency preparedness and responsiveness according to the DME. Particularly in the mining industry, emergency response and rescue responses are the difference between life and death. EMCARE's first aid course levels are all recognized by DME and provide extensive knowledge that gives employees the skills and tools to respond quickly and accurately to any workplace risks and emergencies.
   
   
3. Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA)
   
   FP&M SETA consists of 13 sub-sectors, from clothing to general goods, packaging to publishing and textiles to forestry. First aid courses are required in these industries to comply with government risk legislation. Making sure you or your employees are accredited with the right qualifications guarantees quality assurance in the workplace. Levels 1-3 of EMCARE's first aid courses are all recognized with FP&M SETA.
   
   
4. Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA)
   
   HWSETA is responsible for education, training, and skills development. First aid in the workplace is a requirement by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. HWSETA falls under the Health Sciences and Social Services control, and as such all first aid standards need to be met. HWSETA certificates for all 3 levels of EMCARE's first aid courses are available.
   

EMCARE's Training Certifications

Now that we know where your first aid training will be recognized and the types of certifications available upon completion of our first aid courses, let's take a look at the courses themselves and what you will learn.

First Aid Course: Level 1

Our first aid course at level one offers an introduction to basic first aid and emergency care. The course takes a day and a half to complete and includes training on choking, bleeding and wounds, burns and CPR - amongst many others. If you are looking to learn the theoretical and practical foundations of first aid, this course is ideal. First Aid Course: Level 1

First Aid Course: Level 2

Our first aid course at level two provides more extensive knowledge of patient and emergency care. The course takes two and a half days to complete and includes more thorough knowledge of injuries, infections, and accident protocols in addition to pediatric patient knowledge. These are just some of the many things you will learn. If you are looking to build your knowledge, our level two first aid course is a steppingstone.

First Aid Course: Level 3

The final and highest first aid course is level 3. This course is advanced and most recommended for hazardous or dangerous jobs, as well as those who work in remote areas without access to immediate healthcare services. Level 3 takes 4 days to complete and includes training on emergency childbirth, water incidents and oxygen therapy. There are many other practical demonstrations and exercises that will be taught throughout the four days. If you work in a dangerous field or plan to be a first responder - this course is indispensable.

Conclusion

EMCARE offers extensive training with our first aid courses. Not only are our instructors equipped to train you, but you will walk away with a 3-year valid certificate recognized by all South African accreditation bodies. You will not only be able to protect yourself from emergencies or ensure your employees are able to aid one another, but you will also be complying with governmental laws required according to the OHS Act. If you are ready to equip yourself or your employees with the necessary skills, or applicable qualifications - don't hesitate to contact us.