First Aid Training · Nationwide
Become an Accredited First Aider in Days
EMCARE offers Department Of Labour and QCTO-accredited first aid training at three different levels. Choose from First Aid Level 1, First Aid Level 2 or First Aid Level 3 and learn from Level 6 ILS Paramedic instructors at one of six branches across South Africa.
Trusted by more than 2,394 students
DOL Accredited
Department of Labour
QCTO Accredited
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations
Apply For Your First Aid Course
Takes 2 minutes - we'll confirm your branch and next available date.
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29+
years of experience
Training South Africans since 1997
6
branches nationwide
Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane and Nelspruit
2,394+
five-star reviews on Google
Feedback from EMCARE students across the country
100%
DOL and QCTO accredited
Recognised training at every available course level
What You Get From EMCARE
EMCARE’s first aid courses are designed to give students the practical skills needed to respond when someone is injured or ill.
Start with a Two-Day Course
If you are being trained as an appointed workplace first aider, the two-day First Aid Level 1 course is a good place to start.
Complete Accredited Training
Every EMCARE first aid course is accredited by the Department of Labour and QCTO. This means you can complete recognised training that supports workplace first aid requirements.
Practise Before an Emergency Happens
First aid cannot be learned through theory alone. Practical exercises give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned and become more comfortable responding under pressure.
Build Your Skills at the Right Pace
The three course levels provide a clear progression from basic first aid to advanced emergency response. You can begin at the level that suits your current needs and continue your training at your own pace.
Train at One of Six Branches
EMCARE provides training in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane and Nelspruit. Find a branch near you!
Prepare for a Workplace First Aid Role
If your employer needs to appoint a first aider, EMCARE can help you choose the right course so you can walk away with the exact qualification needed to meet legal first aid requirements.
Find The Course You Need
Your ideal course depends on why you need first aid training and how much responsibility you will carry during an emergency. All four levels are DOL and QCTO accredited. What changes from one course to the next is the duration, depth of the content and range of situations covered.
Not sure which to choose? Tell EMCARE what you need training for, and we’ll help you find a suitable option.
Employer’s Default Requirement
First Aid Level 1
A starting point for workplace first aiders. The course covers scene management, CPR and the initial response to shock and injuries.
Duration
2 days
Price
R1,450
Skills covered
Scene management, CPR, shock and injury response.
For Supervisors
First Aid Level 2
First Aid Level 2 expands on foundational first aid knowledge and prepares participants for a wider range of emergencies.
Duration
3 days
Price
R1,950
Skills covered
Paediatric emergencies, illness and poisoning.
Most Advanced
First Aid Level 3
First Aid Level 3 is the most advanced option. It’s intended for Emergency Response Team leaders and those who must manage complicated incidents in high-responsibility environments.
Duration
4 days
Price
R2,450
Skills covered
Childbirth, water emergencies and oxygen administration
Why Employers & Individuals Trust EMCARE
Dual Accredited
DOL & QCTO recognised nationally
Paramedic Instructors
Level 6 ILS, 1,000+ hrs experience
Media Recognised
Featured on 5FM national radio
Corporate Trusted
Samancor, De Beers, Vopak & more
At Your Nearest Branch
Not ready to apply? Get full course details, no obligation
Download the course guide
EMCARE vs. Generic Training Providers
In South Africa, first aid training is not tightly governed, meaning the provider you choose determines whether your certificate is nationally recognised and accredited.
| WHAT MATTERS | EMCARE | GENERIC / UNVERIFIED PROVIDERS |
|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | ✓ DOL & QCTO, every course | X Often unverified or partial |
| Instructor qualification | ✓ Level 6 ILS Paramedic, 1,000+ hrs | X Varies widely, rarely disclosed |
| Track record | ✓ 28 years, since 1997 | X Often newly established |
| National footprint | ✓ 6 branches across SA | X Usually single-location |
| Verified reputation | ✓ 2,394+ 5-star Google reviews | X Limited or no public reviews |
See What EMCARE Students Have To Say
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course actually DOL/QCTO accredited?
Yes. EMCARE’s First Aid Level 1, First Aid Level 2 and First Aid Level 3 courses are accredited by the Department of Labour (DOL) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO). This means your certificate is nationally recognised and supports workplace first aid compliance.
Which level do I need for my job or workplace?
First Aid Level 1 is commonly chosen for appointed workplace first aiders. First Aid Level 2 provides broader training for supervisors and designated responders, and First Aid Level 3 is intended for Emergency Response Team leaders and advanced responders.
What if I can't make the scheduled dates?
Courses run monthly at EMCARE branches in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Polokwane and Nelspruit. When you apply, we will confirm the next available session for your branch.
How much does a first aid course cost in South Africa?
EMCARE’s First Aid Level 1 costs R1,450 and takes two days, First Aid Level 2 costs R1,950 and takes three days, and First Aid Level 3 costs R2,450 and takes four days. The price depends on the level and the amount of material covered.
Is a first aid course free?
EMCARE courses are not free of charge. Keep in mind that not every free first aid course includes accredited training, so check whether the qualification will be recognised before enrolling. EMCARE courses start at R1,450 for First Aid Level 1 and increase according to the course level and duration.
What are the requirements to study first aid?
First Aid Level 1 is open to beginners and do not have formal prerequisites. First Aid Level 2 and First Aid Level 3 cover more advanced material and are better suited to people with previous first aid knowledge or greater emergency-response responsibilities.
How long is a first aid training course?
The course length depends on the level. First Aid Level 1 takes two days, First Aid Level 2 takes three days, and First Aid Level 3 takes four days. Each additional level covers a wider range of emergency situations and prepares participants for greater responsibility.
Every certificate is DOL & QCTO accredited and only issued once you’ve demonstrated genuine competence, so it holds real weight with employers and auditors.
Takes 2 minutes to apply
Find Your Next Available Course Date
EMCARE runs First Aid Level 1, First Aid Level 2 and First Aid Level 3 courses weekly at all six branches. Class sizes are kept manageable so that each person has enough time to practice important techniques with an experienced instructor. Course spaces are limited.
Ready to Learn First Aid?
Choose the level that lines up with your needs and complete accredited training at an EMCARE branch near you.
✓Choose from First Aid Level 1, First Aid Level 2 or First Aid Level 3.
✓Train with experienced Level 6 ILS Paramedic instructors.
✓Complete DOL and QCTO-accredited training.
✓Choose one of six branches across South Africa.
✓EMCARE is backed by 28+ years of experience.
Apply For Your First Aid Course
Takes 2 minutes - we'll confirm your branch and next available date.
No payment required to apply – we’ll confirm details first
Not ready to apply? Get full course details, no obligation