Level 1 Award in Occupational First Aid (OFA-1)

The Level 1 Award in Occupational First Aid provides essential knowledge and practical skills for responding to common workplace emergencies. The course introduces learners to fundamental first aid techniques, including CPR, airway management, bleeding control, recovery positioning, and the safe use of an automated external defibrillator.

The training is designed to help participants respond calmly and effectively when an emergency occurs at work, at home, or in other everyday environments. Through practical and scenario-based learning, students develop the confidence needed to provide immediate assistance while professional medical help is being arranged.

• Understand the fundamental responsibilities of a first aider.
• Assess an emergency situation and determine an appropriate response.
• Manage an unconscious casualty safely.
• Maintain an open airway and assess breathing.
• Provide effective CPR to adults, children, and infants.
• Understand the basic operation and purpose of an AED.
• Recognize and respond to common respiratory and cardiac emergencies.
• Provide appropriate assistance for shock and anaphylaxis.
• Control bleeding and treat common minor injuries.
• Apply appropriate first aid bandaging techniques.
• Communicate effectively during an emergency.

• Employees seeking basic first aid knowledge
• Hospital and healthcare support staff
• HSE and workplace safety personnel
• Engineers and technical workers
• Rescue and emergency response teams
• Anyone wanting practical first aid skills for workplace or everyday emergencies

This course focuses on practical first aid knowledge that can be applied in real emergency situations. Learners work through essential response procedures and develop confidence in dealing with casualties until further medical assistance becomes available.

• Emergency scene assessment
• Airway and breathing management
• CPR for adults, children, and infants
• AED awareness
• Cardiac and respiratory emergencies
• Shock and anaphylaxis
• Bleeding management
• Basic wound and injury care
• Bandaging techniques
• Emergency communication

The final assessment is available after the learner completes the course content and required module quizzes. The examination measures understanding of the first aid principles and procedures covered in the training.

• The examination is open book.
• Students have 2 hours to complete the assessment.
• A minimum score of 65% is required to pass.
• An unsuccessful attempt may be followed by a retake.
• Students may attempt the examination up to three times within a 10-hour period.
• After three unsuccessful attempts, a 24-hour waiting period applies.
• A passed examination cannot be retaken for the purpose of improving the score.
• There is no separate comprehensive program examination at this time.