first aid AND PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE

first aid AND PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE

Course overview

The PHECC Cardiac First Response (CFR) Advanced Instructor Course is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and instructional competence required to deliver CFR Advanced training to the highest professional standard.

This instructor programme combines theory-based learning with structured, hands-on teaching practice. Participants develop the confidence to deliver CFR Advanced programmes effectively while ensuring all learners meet PHECC learning outcomes and Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Training is delivered in Cork and Dublin, with nationwide availability across Ireland for organisations, emergency services, and healthcare providers in partnership with UFAS.

Who this course is for

Minimum age requirement: 18 years

Participants who have successfully completed CFR Advanced level within the previous 12 months

  • Suitable for those working or volunteering in:
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
  • Fire and Rescue Services
  • Civil Defence and First Responder groups
  • Healthcare professionals

The CFR Advanced standard is intended for responders who require advanced airway and ventilation skills in emergency settings.

If maintaining competency in airway management or bag-valve-mask (BVM) skills is a concern, PHECC recommends certification as a CFR Community Instructor instead.

CFR Advanced is not designed for teaching basic life support (BLS) to members of the public.

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

What you will learn

Module 1: Basic Emergency Care

  • Recognising signs of life-threatening emergencies
  • Initiating basic life support for collapse or choking
  • Understanding the indications for Aspirin and administering it appropriately

Module 2: Airway and Ventilation

  • Use of oropharyngeal airway (OPA)
  • Use of non-inflatable supraglottic airway (SGA)
  • Bag-valve-mask (BVM) techniques
  • Oral suctioning
  • Maintaining a patent airway and effective ventilations
  • Correct application and management of oxygen therapy

SGA use is limited to adults in cardiac arrest only, in line with PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Module 3: Automated External Defibrillation (AED)

  • Accessing and using an AED without delay
  • Safe and effective operation of AEDs in accordance with PHECC CPGs

Module 4: Safety and Communication

  • Scene safety and dynamic risk assessment
  • Activation of Emergency Medical Services
  • Effective communication throughout the continuum of patient care

The programme focuses on both technical competence and structured instructional delivery.

Ongoing competency and re-certification

Instructors are encouraged to participate in annual refresher training.

Re-certification is recommended every two years in accordance with PHECC guidance to maintain instructional status and professional competence.

Why choose First Aid Coaching

  • Delivered in partnership with UFAS
  • Training aligned with PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines
  • Structured instructor development with practical teaching focus
  • Nationwide delivery for emergency and healthcare organisations
  • Experienced instructors with frontline emergency backgrounds
  • Professional, standards-driven and compliance-focused delivery

All instructor programmes are delivered to consistent national standards, ensuring graduates are confident, competent and fully prepared to instruct CFR Advanced responders.

Certification and standards

Successful completion of the CFR Advanced Instructor Course leads to a PHECC award issued by The Cpl Institute, a PHECC Approved Training Institution (ATI).

This certification confirms that the instructor has met all PHECC educational and training requirements and is competent to deliver CFR Advanced training in accordance with public and professional standards.

Certification and standards

Successful completion of the CFR Advanced Instructor Course leads to a PHECC award issued by The Cpl Institute, a PHECC Approved Training Institution (ATI).

This certification confirms that the instructor has met all PHECC educational and training requirements and is competent to deliver CFR Advanced training in accordance with public and professional standards.