Provide risk-based primary emergency care/first aid in the workplace (Level 2)
Equip your team with the skills and confidence to respond to any workplace emergency — in full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and South African workplace first aid regulations.
DESCRIPTION
Unit Standard (SAQA Reg. No 120496)
This course equips employees with the knowledge and practical skills to provide primary emergency care and first aid in response to occupational risks and health emergencies in the workplace. Covering the recognition and management of emergencies affecting adults, children, and infants, the course is structured around current and accepted emergency care protocols — ensuring every learner is prepared to respond effectively, confidently, and compliantly when it matters most.Successful candidates credited with this unit standard are able to:
- Demonstrate the principles of primary emergency care
- Assess and control a single injury emergency scene in the workplace
- Demonstrate primary emergency life support for adults, children and infants
- Explain and manage shock
- Carry out secondary assessment of the sick or injured person and provide appropriate primary emergency care at the scene
- Keep records of the incident/accident
COURSE DURATION: 3 days
NQF LEVEL: 2
CREDITS: 5
Quality Assured Partner: Construction Education And Training Authority
Description
This course will be useful for employees to enable them to provide primary emergency care (first aid) in response to an occupational risk induced or any health emergency in their specific workplaces. The area of focus of this course will be;
Principles of Primary Emergency Care
This module establishes the foundational knowledge every workplace first aider needs before responding to any emergency. Learners are introduced to the aims and legal requirements of primary emergency care, what documentation is required on site, and what all employees should understand about first aid in the workplace. A key focus is placed on personal protective equipment and universal precautions — including hand washing, use of protective barriers, safe disposal of contaminated materials, and prevention of infectious disease transmission during casualty treatment. Learners also conduct a workplace hazard assessment to determine the first aid requirements specific to their environment.
Assess and Control a Single Injury Emergency Scene
This module equips learners with the skills to assess and take control of a workplace emergency scene quickly, calmly, and safely. Learners study emergency response planning, vulnerability assessments, emergency warnings, and the identification of people requiring assistance. The principles of emergency scene management are covered in full, including the objectives of the emergency plan, procedures during an emergency, and the critical concept of the Golden Hour — the window within which prompt emergency response significantly improves patient outcomes.
Primary Emergency Life Support for Adults, Children and Infants
This is the core practical module of the course. Learners develop hands-on competence in primary emergency life support techniques for adults, children, and infants. Topics include rescue breathing, management of choking, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), mouth-to-nose and mouth-to-mask resuscitation, recovery position, and the control of bleeding using direct pressure, bandages, and suitable materials. All techniques are demonstrated and assessed according to current and accepted emergency care protocols.
Explain and Manage Shock
This module focuses on the recognition and management of shock in a workplace emergency context. Learners study the conditions in which shock presents, how to identify the signs and symptoms of shock, and the correct management protocols for each type. Particular attention is given to anaphylactic shock — its causes and triggers, how to manage it symptomatically, how to prevent further exposure, and which individuals are most at risk. All management protocols align with current accepted emergency care standards.
Carry Out Secondary Assessment and Appropriate Primary Emergency Care
This module covers the full range of injuries and conditions a workplace first aider may encounter during a secondary assessment of a sick or injured person. Learners study immobilisation and transporting techniques for suspected neck and spinal injuries, management of fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains, head injuries and levels of consciousness, wound management, burn wound care, thermal stress and heat stroke, and the management of poisoned patients. All care is provided in accordance with current accepted emergency care protocols and South African workplace health and safety requirements.
Keep Records of the Incident or Accident
This module equips learners with the record-keeping skills required of a competent workplace first aider following any incident or accident on site. Learners study risk management principles for incidents and accidents, correct completion of incident and accident report forms, claims handling procedures, and the maintenance of an accurate claims record. Proper documentation protects both the employee and the employer, ensures legal compliance under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and supports the workplace’s ongoing risk management programme.
.Entry Level Requirements Into This Programme?
- Certified copy of your ID document
- School certificate Grade 9 or Skills certificate equivalent NQF Level 1
- In order for the learner to achieve this unit standard the learner must already be competent in Unit Standard ID 119567 “Perform basic life support and first aid procedures“
Learning Assumed To Be In Place And Recognition Of Prior Learning:
- Communication at NQF Level 1 or ABET Level 4.
- Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for employees, supervisors, and managers across all industries who are required to fulfil a first aid responsibility in the workplace. It is particularly suited to:
Designated Workplace First Aiders Employees appointed by their employer as the responsible first aid responder on site are legally required to hold a valid, accredited first aid qualification. This course provides the formal CETA-accredited certification needed to fulfil that appointment compliantly under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Health and Safety Representatives Health and safety representatives play a frontline role in identifying and responding to workplace emergencies. This course equips them with the practical emergency care skills to complement their broader health and safety responsibilities and ensure a coordinated response to any workplace incident.
Construction Site Supervisors Construction sites carry a higher-than-average risk of occupational injury. Site supervisors who hold a first aid qualification are better positioned to manage emergency scenes, support injured workers before emergency services arrive, and maintain compliance with CETA and construction sector health and safety requirements.
Factory and Warehouse Supervisors In manufacturing, engineering, and warehouse environments where machinery, chemicals, and physical hazards are present daily, supervisors with first aid training provide a critical layer of protection for their teams and help organisations meet their OHS Act obligations.
Emergency Response Team Members Employees identified in their company’s emergency response plan as first aid responders need a recognised, accredited qualification to perform that role effectively and legally. This course provides exactly that — a 3-day, NQF Level 2 qualification assessed against current and accepted emergency care protocols.
Any Employee Seeking Formal First Aid Certification Any individual wanting to develop life-saving skills and earn a nationally recognised first aid qualification at NQF Level 2 will benefit from this course — whether for personal development, career advancement, or to meet a specific employer requirement.
