Overview
Step into the role of a confident first responder providing initial pre-hospital and out-of-hospital care when patients need urgent medical assistance.
This nationally recognised qualification prepares participants to deliver foundational emergency health care across a range of real-world environments — from industrial worksites and remote locations to community and event settings. The course builds practical capability in patient assessment, vital signs monitoring, oxygen therapy, trauma care, and safe patient handling, aligned to workplace procedures and clinical best practice.
Clinical placement — real patient care experience
To achieve this qualification, participants must complete a minimum of 80 hours of workplace clinical practice providing direct patient care.
SDS students can access up to 80 clinical placement hours through SDS, with additional opportunities available via Perth Medical Volunteers, ensuring meaningful, supported exposure to real clinical environments.
This course is ideal for those working — or seeking to work — in roles such as:
Industrial Medics and site-based medical responders
Patient Transport Officers
Emergency response personnel in high-risk or remote workplaces
This qualification is highly practical and designed to reflect the environments graduates will work in. The focus is on hands-on skills, realistic scenarios, and building the confidence to step forward when someone requires urgent medical care.
Learning outcomes
This qualification requires successful completion of 16 units of competency, consisting of 9 core units and 7 elective units. The elective units have been selected based on industry requirements.
Core Units:
- CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people
- HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status
- HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
- HLTOUT001 Implement safe access and egress
- HLTOUT004 Assess and deliver basic clinical care
- HLTOUT008 Manage a scene
- HLTOUT010 Communicate in complex situations to support health care
- HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care
- HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment
Elective Units:
- CHCLEG001 Work legally and ethically
- BSBMED301 Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
- HLTAID011 Provide first aid
- HLTAID014 Provide advanced first aid
- HLTAID015 Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy
- HLTOUT006 Transport emergency patients
- HLTOUT007 Transport non-emergency patients under operational conditions
Additional Units Delivered:
- HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- PUAEME008 Provide pain management
Entry Requirements
Participants must:
- Complete the designated online pre-course learning module(s) prior to attending the face-to-face training and assessment session
- The pre-course learning provides essential underpinning knowledge required for successful participation in classroom and practical activities
- Participants must have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection to complete the pre-course online learning
- Basic computer literacy is required, including the ability to navigate online learning platforms and submit assessments electronically
- Provide photo I.D on entry
- Hold and provide an unrestricted valid Australian Drivers Licence for a standard automatic vehicle
- Present to the course with a Blood Alcohol Content no greater than 0.00
- Perform uninterrupted CPR for at least 2 minutes on an infant manikin and adult manikin on the floor and use of an AED and apply appropriate first aid procedures.
- Unless exempt, provide a verifiable USI number
- Be physically fit and healthy with capacity to perform manual tasks
- Be able to read, write, communicate orally, and understand and interpret complex information and situations
- Interact with others and work under pressure
- Dress appropriately i.e., long sleeve, long pants or overalls, safety boots/closed in shoes, safety glasses
Please ensure you read our Student Handbook for further information on our policies, procedures, terms, and program conditions.
SDS is committed to identifying and supporting the language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) needs of all learners. Where required, SDS may conduct an LLND assessment prior to training to determine whether any additional support or reasonable adjustment is needed.
Participants are encouraged to advise the training team at any time if they believe they may require learning support so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Delivery method
This program is delivered through a blended model combining self-paced pre-course learning with fifteen (15) days of intensive classroom-based training and assessment.
Self-Paced Pre-Course Learning
Prior to attending the classroom component, participants must complete the online pre-course learning and successfully pass the required knowledge assessments.
The time required to complete this component will vary depending on individual experience and learning pace, however, participants should allow approximately 60-80 hours.
Classroom-Based Training and Assessment
The face-to-face component is delivered full-time and intensive over 15 consecutive weekdays (Monday to Friday) across a 3-week period and includes:
- Theory-based learning
- Practical hands-on activities
- Formal assessments
100% attendance is mandatory due to the intensive nature and volume of content covered during the in-person training.
Post Course Logbook
On completion of the classroom-based component, participants will be required to undertake 80 clinical hours of direct patient care.
***SDS students can access up to 80 clinical placement hours through SDS. Further clinical opportunities are also available via Perth Medical Volunteers.***
Assessments
Assessment includes written and/or multiple-choice knowledge assessment and practical based skills assessments.
Completion
On successful completion of all pre course, in class and post course learning and assessment and logbook showing 80 clinical hours of direct patient care participants will receive a nationally recognised qualification in:
- HLT41120 Certificate IV in Health Care
Skills maintenance
To ensure your skills and knowledge are maintained it is critical you undertake regular skills maintenance training.
