Here's what to bring to a first aid course with us: your Unique Student Identifier (USI), your pre-course eLearning finished at least 24 hours before the session, and comfortable clothes you can kneel on the floor in. If you're doing an Express (renewal) course, bring a copy of your current statement of attainment too. That's the whole list, and the rest of this guide explains each item so you turn up ready.
Your first aid course checklist
Tick these off a few days early and there's nothing to chase on the morning.
- Your USI (you'll need it for your statement of attainment)
- Pre-course eLearning completed at least 24 hours before your session
- A copy of your current statement of attainment (Express courses only)
- Comfortable clothes you can kneel and move in
- A water bottle, plus reading glasses if you use them
- Our number saved (0439 324 848) in case you're running late
Get your USI sorted
A USI is a free, lifelong reference number for nationally recognised training. If you've done vocational training before, you may already have one. If not, you can create your USI online using a form of verifiable ID.
Your statement of attainment can't be issued until your USI is verified, so it's worth getting right. Make sure the name on your USI matches the name on your enrolment.
Finish your eLearning 24 hours early
Every course with an eLearning component needs it finished at least 24 hours before your face-to-face session. The practical session assumes you've done it.
Depending on the course, the eLearning takes up to 1 to 2.5 hours. Leave yourself enough time before the 24-hour cut-off.
Renewing? Bring your current certificate
Express is for renewing a certificate that's still current, so bring a copy of your current statement of attainment. If your certificate has already expired, you'll need the Standard course instead.
Not sure which one fits? Our guide on which first aid course you need walks through it.
What to bring to a first aid course, Standard vs Express
The list barely changes between the two. The main differences are the certificate and the time you'll spend with us.
| What to bring | Standard | Express |
|---|---|---|
| USI | Yes | Yes |
| Completed eLearning | Yes | Yes |
| Current statement of attainment | No | Yes |
| Clothes you can kneel in | Yes | Yes |
| Face-to-face time, Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) | 4 hours | 1 hour |
What to wear
Dress for the floor, not the office. Practical training means you'll be kneeling, bending and getting down beside a manikin.
Any course that includes CPR asks you to perform two minutes of uninterrupted CPR on a manikin on the floor. Comfortable clothing that isn't tight or restrictive works best, such as shorts, jeans or activewear. Closed-in shoes are a sensible choice for moving around the room.
Every student has to complete two minutes of uninterrupted CPR on a manikin on the floor to be assessed. If kneeling is hard for you because of an injury or a health condition, please call us before you book so you know exactly what's involved.
On the day
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time. Late arrivals may not be able to join the session, so leave a little buffer for parking at our Kirwan classroom.
Bring a water bottle, and a snack if you're on a longer course like Provide First Aid (HLTAID011). A pen and notepad is optional, but some people like jotting down tips from our trainers, who bring real world experience from nursing, paramedicine, defence and emergency response.
Most of all, bring your questions. Plenty of people on our courses are first-timers, and asking "what if" is how you build the confidence to respond. Our student information page covers attendance, assessment and your rights as a student in more detail.
Booking for a team? We run onsite training in Townsville from eight people, including after hours and on weekends. Have a look at our workplace training options.
After the course
Once you're assessed as competent, your fees are paid and your USI is verified, ABC First Aid emails your statement of attainment as soon as possible. A hard copy is available for $25 including postage, and employers can verify your certificate on ABC First Aid's website.
First aid certificates are valid for three years, while CPR is renewed every 12 months. Our guide on how often you need to renew CPR has the detail.
Common questions
Do I need a USI for a first aid course?
Yes. Your statement of attainment can't be issued until your USI is verified. Creating one is free and you only do it once.
What if I haven't finished my eLearning?
Your eLearning needs to be done at least 24 hours before your session. If you're running behind, call or text us on 0439 324 848 as early as you can and we'll talk through your options.
Do I need to bring my old certificate?
Only for an Express course. Bring a copy of your current statement of attainment. If it has expired, book the Standard course.
What should I wear to a CPR course?
Comfortable clothes you can kneel in. You'll do two minutes of uninterrupted CPR on a manikin on the floor, so skip anything tight or restrictive.
What if I'm running late?
Call or text us on 0439 324 848. Late arrivals may not be able to join, so aiming to arrive 15 minutes early gives you breathing room.
