first aid AND PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE

first aid AND PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE

Course overview

The BLS Instructor Course with First Aid Coaching is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to become certified instructors in Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR and AED training at healthcare provider level.

This programme follows the standards of the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) and the American Heart Association (AHA) and is delivered by experienced IHF Faculty. The focus is on developing confidence, competence and effective facilitation skills to deliver high-quality BLS courses.

Training is available in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick, with nationwide in-house delivery available. Courses may be delivered fully in person or through a blended learning format to suit individual and organisational requirements.

Who this course is for

  • Nurses
  • Paramedics
  • EMTs
  • Doctors
  • Healthcare Assistants
  • Other Healthcare Professionals seeking to become certified BLS Instructors

Participants should be committed to delivering CPR, AED and CFR training within healthcare or clinical environments.

Outstanding medical expertise, delivered in a clear and engaging way

The knowledge of the medical world is simply outstanding and breathtaking, but I was most impressed with the way they taught the class. It was a breath of fresh air. Anyone can read off PowerPoint, but First Aid Coaching used their own technique which was far more interesting and easier to take in. I can highly recommend First Aid Coaching.

John Dorgan

A first aid course that redefines learning

Our memory favours fun and stimulating experiences. If someone were to sit down and try to design a perfect first aid course, they would fall short of the delivery through Real First Aid. I have been on a few first aid courses — this not only changed my perception of what first aid is about, but altered my understanding of how to teach effectively.

Mary Power

A breath of fresh air in training

Having done one before that was up for renewal (with a different provider), I hadn’t expected to learn much new. How wrong was I. The thoroughly in-depth knowledge combined with creative delivery meant the course was a breath of fresh air, and although the topics were familiar, it felt completely new. What really stood out was that they welcomed questions specific to our individual working environments, which I have found invaluable and definitely made me a better leader.

Adam Collins

First aid training that finally sticks

I have attended several first aid courses over the years and, like most people, I find it increasingly difficult to stay awake, let alone take in the important information. This course was great. It kept you on the edge of your seat and wide awake. I truly believe that I have learnt first aid for the first time.

Niall Horgan

Calm, reassuring support when it mattered

I am so thankful for attending the course today. I was very anxious with all that had happened during the week, and I have to say Danny made me feel very comfortable, as I am sure he did the other girls in attendance. Thank you so much, and I look forward to attending another course with you in the near future. I would highly recommend First Aid Coaching.

First Aider, Cork

Engaging, practical and thoroughly enjoyed

I just wanted to sincerely thank both instructors, Karen and Mark, on a fantastic day. The girls thoroughly enjoyed the first aid course, and that is down to both Mark and Karen for making it so engaging and practical.

Kate, St Angela's

A great pace and a supportive atmosphere

Excellent pace of session, with lots of opportunity to practice, relevant feedback and a very supportive atmosphere.

Helena, HSE Staff BLS Candidate

The best in the country

PJ was brilliant last night — the three of us enjoyed it and learned from it! You were right, PJ is the best in the country!

Karina, Cork

Course prerequisites

  • Participants must hold a current Healthcare Provider BLS Certification.
  • Attendees must be proficient in required practical BLS skills prior to attending the instructor course.

What you will learn

  • Adult, Infant and Child CPR
  • Adult, Infant and Child Foreign Body Airway Obstruction
    Recovery position
  • AED training and safe defibrillation practice
  • Bag Valve Mask (BVM) device use
  • Pocket masks
  • Barrier devices
  • Facilitation skills and course delivery techniques
  • Running and managing BLS provider courses

The programme includes extensive hands-on practice, role-play scenarios and instructor development exercises.

Re-certification guidelines

  • BLS Instructor certification is valid for two years.
  • Re-certification is required every two years.
  • Certification expires at the end of the month, two years from original issue or last renewal.

Why choose First Aid Coaching

  • Delivered by certified Irish Heart Foundation Faculty
  • Training aligned with Irish Heart Foundation and AHA standards
  • Strong focus on practical instructor development
  • Nationwide delivery with flexible scheduling
  • Suitable for hospitals, clinics and healthcare organisations
  • Professional, structured and clinically relevant instruction

All instructor courses are delivered to consistent national standards, ensuring participants leave prepared to teach with confidence and competence.

Certification and post-course requirements

On successful completion, participants receive an Irish Heart Foundation BLS Instructor Certificate / CFR Instructor Certificate.

Following certification, new instructors must teach and be monitored on three BLS Provider Courses.

Monitoring must be completed within 90 days and carried out by a current BLS Faculty Member or Instructor Trainer.

Certification and post-course requirements

On successful completion, participants receive an Irish Heart Foundation BLS Instructor Certificate / CFR Instructor Certificate.

Following certification, new instructors must teach and be monitored on three BLS Provider Courses.

Monitoring must be completed within 90 days and carried out by a current BLS Faculty Member or Instructor Trainer.