first aid AND PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE
first aid AND PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE
Transition Year First Aid Training for Schools in Ireland
Practical, engaging first aid training
designed specifically for Transition Year students
1 school day | On-site delivery | Secondary schools
Nationwide across Ireland
Competitive rates available for small schools and Deis Schools.
Course overview
Transition Year is a key stage in a student’s development, combining independence, responsibility and real-world learning. The Transition Year First Aid course equips students with life-saving skills, confidence and practical knowledge they can use at school, at home and in their community.
The course is designed to be interactive, hands-on and engaging, with a strong focus on practical scenarios rather than passive learning. Students actively participate, practise skills and ask questions in a supportive and age-appropriate environment.
Training is delivered by experienced instructors who understand how to work effectively with secondary school students and TY programmes.
Why first aid for Transition Year
This course supports the core aims of Transition Year by:
- Building confidence and personal responsibility
- Developing practical, real-world life skills
- Supporting the personal development goals of TY programmes
- Encouraging teamwork, communication and leadership
- Providing skills students may use throughout their lives
Emergencies can happen at any time. Knowing how to respond safely and calmly can make a real difference.
Transition Year Students
Transition Year exists to build independence, responsibility and real-world skills — and few activities deliver on those aims like first aid. Our course is not a watered-down workplace course. It was designed from the ground up for TY students: fast-moving, scenario-based, and almost entirely practical.
Students spend the day doing, not listening. They practise compressions on manikins, use AED trainers, bandage real (volunteer!) arms, and work through realistic emergency scenarios in teams. Our instructors work with secondary school groups every week and know how to keep a full TY class engaged, confident and involved.
The course fits neatly into a single school day and slots into your existing TY timetable. You provide a hall or large classroom; we bring everything else.
Certification for the TY Portfolio
Every student who completes the course receives a First Aid Coaching Certificate of Attendance and, where appropriate, an IHF Hands for Life Certificate. Certification is valid for 2 years.
The certificate is a genuine addition to a student’s TY portfolio and CV — concrete evidence of life-saving skills that stands out for part-time jobs, college applications and future careers in healthcare, sport, childcare and education.
How it works for your school
Tell us your student numbers, preferred dates and school location. We confirm availability, provide a quote, bring all training equipment, deliver the course on-site and issue certificates after completion.
What students will learn
Students will develop practical awareness and confidence in:
- CPR training (including virtual reality where available)
- Safe and effective use of an AED
- Bleeding control
- Fractures and broken bones
- Choking response
- Heart attack and stroke awareness
- Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
- Poisoning
- Concussion
- Epilepsy, asthma and diabetes
- General emergency response and scene safety
All content is age-appropriate, practical and engaging, with a strong emphasis on participation and confidence-building.
How the course is delivered
- Fully interactive and hands-on
- Balance of practical skills and essential theory
- Scenario-based learning
- Relaxed, supportive learning environment
Courses are structured to fit school timetables and TY programme requirements.
Why choose First Aid Coaching
- TY first aid training designed for secondary school students
- Hands-on CPR and AED practice with all equipment provided
- Experienced instructors who know how to keep TY groups engaged
- On-site delivery in schools across Ireland
- Suitable for individual classes, DEIS schools and full year groups
- Instructors are referenced, vetted and insured
- Certification provided for TY Portfolios and Student CVs
Transition Year First Aid Course FAQs
How long is the TY first aid course?
The Transition Year first aid course usually runs for one full school day, typically from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm. We can adjust the timing to suit your school’s timetable. A half-day option covering CPR, AED use and choking is also available for schools with tighter timetables.
Do students receive a certificate?
Yes. Every student receives a certificate of completion from First Aid Coaching. This is a useful addition to a student’s TY portfolio and CV, especially for part-time work, volunteering and future workplace training.
How many students can take part in one day?
Group size depends on the course format and the level of practical training required. For larger groups or full year groups, we can bring additional instructors and run rotating sessions so every student gets hands-on practice.
What does the school need to provide?
The school should provide a hall or large classroom with enough space for practical first aid activities. We bring the training equipment, including manikins, AED trainers, bandages, VR headsets and course materials.
Are your instructors vetted and insured?
Yes. Our instructors are referenced, vetted by First Aid Coaching, and carry their own instructor insurance. First Aid Coaching also carries full public liability insurance. Documentation can be provided to the school before the course date. We are also happy to assist you with your own vetting requirements.
What topics are covered?
The course covers CPR, AED use, choking, severe bleeding, heart attack, stroke, asthma, anaphylaxis, seizures, diabetes, concussion, poisoning, the recovery position and emergency scene management. The training is practical, hands-on and age-appropriate for Transition Year students.
Is there a discount for DEIS schools?
Yes. We offer reduced rates for DEIS schools and for full-year-group bookings. Please mention your school’s DEIS status when requesting a quote.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking four to six weeks in advance where possible. September to October and January to February are usually busy periods for school first aid training, so early enquiry helps secure your preferred date.
Do students need any previous first aid experience?
No. The course is designed for complete beginners and helps students build confidence step by step.
Can the course be tailored to our TY programme?
Yes. We can tailor the course to suit your TY programme. For example, we can place more emphasis on sports injuries, wellbeing, SPHE links, emergency response skills or workplace readiness.
Do you deliver TY first aid training nationwide?
Yes. We deliver Transition Year first aid training for schools across Ireland, including Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Galway and surrounding areas.
Our instructor team
Our instructor team includes PHECC, IHF, QQI, EMT and tutor-level instructors, with many coming from frontline and specialist backgrounds such as paramedicine, nursing, emergency services, the Defence Forces, auxiliary and voluntary organisations, and education.
This mix of practical experience and teaching skill means students receive training that is accurate, engaging and easy to understand.
Proud to support Transition Year
Proud sponsor of the Transition Year Teacher Professional Network (TYTPN) National Conference 2026. We work alongside the TY teaching community, not just in it — delivering practical, relevant first aid training for schools.
Sponsor and supporter of tyhub.
Exhibitor and supporter of AVCON.
Certification and standards
On completion, participants receive a First Aid Coaching certificate.