Every year, thousands of workplace incidents are reported in Ireland. In 2024 alone, over 10,000 non-fatal incidents were reported to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), with manual handling, slips and falls among the most common causes. And while Ireland recorded its lowest ever workplace fatality rate in 2024, the sharp rise to 58 work-related deaths in 2025 is a sobering reminder that safety can never be taken for granted.
For employers, the message is clear: having staff who know how to respond in a medical emergency isn’t just good practice. In many cases, it’s a legal requirement. But even where formal first aid responder certification isn’t mandated, building a culture of first aid awareness across your workforce can make a real difference when it matters most.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the key things Irish employers need to know about first aid training, from the legal requirements to practical steps you can take today.
What does Irish law say about first aid in the workplace?
The legal framework for workplace first aid in Ireland comes from the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. Under these regulations, employers are required to assess the risks in their workplace and put appropriate first aid measures in place. What “appropriate” looks like will depend on several factors, including the size of your workforce, the nature of the work and the level of risk involved.
In practical terms, employers need to consider things like:
- Having a well-stocked and clearly marked first aid kit (or multiple kits in larger workplaces)
- Appointing trained occupational first aiders based on the findings of your risk assessment
- Displaying the names and contact details of first aiders prominently in the workplace
- Keeping records of first aid incidents and ensuring first aid equipment is regularly checked
- Having clear emergency procedures and making sure everyone knows what to do
The HSA published updated Guidelines on First-Aid at Places of Work in late 2024, which now align with the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid Response (FAR) training standard. These guidelines are essential reading for anyone responsible for health and safety in an Irish workplace.
The difference between FAR certification and basic first aid awareness
It’s worth understanding the distinction between formal occupational first aid certification and broader first aid awareness training, as they serve different purposes.
PHECC First Aid Response (FAR)
The FAR course is the recognised standard for occupational first aiders in Ireland. It’s a minimum 18-hour classroom course (or a blended learning option that reduces classroom time), delivered by PHECC-approved training providers. FAR certification is valid for two years and covers advanced skills like CPR, use of an AED and managing serious injuries. If your risk assessment identifies a need for designated first aiders, this is the certification they’ll need.
Basic first aid awareness
Not every employee needs to be a certified first aid responder, but every employee can benefit from understanding the basics. Basic first aid awareness training covers things like recognising common injuries, knowing when to call emergency services, understanding how to help someone who is choking or unresponsive and learning practical skills for treating minor wounds and burns.
This kind of training complements your designated first aiders by creating a workforce where more people can respond confidently in the critical moments before professional help arrives. It’s also particularly valuable in low-risk environments like offices, where a full FAR course may not be required but basic knowledge is still essential.
Why first aid awareness matters for every workplace
The reality is that medical emergencies don’t just happen in high-risk industries. A colleague could have an allergic reaction in the canteen, a visitor could faint in reception or someone could choke during a lunch meeting. In these moments, the few minutes before an ambulance arrives can be critical.
Having a wider pool of employees with basic first aid knowledge means there’s a better chance that someone nearby will know what to do. It also helps to create a culture where health and safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just the job of a few designated people.
From an employer’s perspective, there are clear benefits too. Investing in first aid training demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee wellbeing, which can support morale and retention. It also reduces risk. The HSA has made it clear that non-compliance with first aid regulations can result in penalties, fines and legal action.
What does a basic first aid course cover?
A good basic first aid course should give your team the confidence to act when it counts. Typically, this includes:
- Understanding first aid responsibilities and legal obligations in the workplace
- Knowing what should be in a first aid kit and how to prevent infection
- Recognising and treating common injuries such as burns, cuts, nosebleeds and sprains
- Identifying the signs of medical conditions like asthma attacks, seizures and allergic reactions
- Responding to life-threatening emergencies including cardiac arrest, choking and stroke
- Learning when and how to contact emergency services
The key is that the training should be practical and engaging, not just a passive box-ticking exercise. Interactive eLearning lets learners apply what they’re learning through scenarios and activities. This leads to much better retention than simply reading through slides.
The benefits of online first aid training
While hands-on training is essential for certified first aid responders, online eLearning is an excellent way to build first aid awareness across your wider workforce. There are several practical advantages to consider:
- It’s self-paced, so employees can complete it without taking a full day out of work
- It’s consistent, so every learner gets the same high-quality content
- It’s scalable, making it easy to roll out across teams, departments or even entire organisations
- It provides a certificate of completion, giving you a clear record of training for compliance purposes
- It’s accessible, with features like closed captions and keyboard navigation supporting learners with different needs
Online first aid training works for all staff, while your designated first aiders complete the more intensive PHECC FAR certification. Together, these two approaches give you comprehensive coverage.
Get your team started with our basic first aid course
The Learning Rooms, interactive Basic First Aid eLearning course will give your team the knowledge and confidence to respond in an emergency. The course takes around 95 minutes and covers three modules: workplace requirements and best practices, common injuries and medical conditions, and responding to emergencies.
It’s delivered through video, animation and interactive activities. Each module includes an assessment so you can be confident your team has genuinely understood the content. On completion, learners receive a digital certificate.
Enrol in basic first aid now or get in touch to discuss group licensing for your organisation.
