What is HLTAID012?
The HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an education and care setting is a nationally accredited qualification that demonstrates your competence in providing emergency medical response. This credential, issued by Australia Wide First Aid (RTO 31961), is recognised across Australia by employers, training facilities, and healthcare providers as evidence that you have successfully completed formal training in life-saving techniques.
Why You Need This Credential
Employment Requirements: Many employers require staff to hold current first aid certification. Whether you work in healthcare, education, childcare, hospitality, construction, or office environments, having this credential demonstrates your commitment to workplace safety and duty of care.
Legal Compliance: Organisations must maintain trained personnel to meet Australian workplace health and safety regulations. By completing this course, you help your workplace meet its legal obligations and reduce liability.
Life-Saving Skills: In a medical emergency, immediate first aid response can be the difference between life and death. This credential ensures you have the knowledge and confidence to act decisively, perform CPR correctly, control bleeding, treat shock, and manage other critical situations until professional medical help arrives.
Career Advancement: First aid certification enhances your employability. Many roles in healthcare, security, hospitality, and education prioritise candidates with current credentials, opening doors to better opportunities and higher wages.
Peace of Mind: Whether in your workplace, home, or community, knowing you can respond appropriately to emergencies gives you confidence and peace of mind. Your skills could save a family member, colleague, or stranger.
Credential Validity
Credential validity period: P3Y. Industry standards and employer requirements may recommend earlier refresher training to maintain current best practices.
Recognition
Recognised by the Registered Training Organisation Australia Wide First Aid (RTO 31961), and accepted by employers and organisations across Australia. This is a nationally accredited statement of attainment, meeting AQF (Australian Qualifications Framework) standards.
Next Steps
- Book or view classes near you
- Download digital certificate from your student portal
- Contact support for verification requests
What You'll Learn
Upon successful completion of this credential, you will be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
- ✓ Assess Emergencies in Care Settings: Evaluate incidents specific to education and childcare environments.
- ✓ Provide Comprehensive First Aid: Respond to injuries and illnesses common in children, including wounds, bleeding, fractures, and burns.
- ✓ Manage Medical Emergencies in Children: Handle asthma attacks, allergic reactions, seizures, and anaphylaxis.
- ✓ Perform CPR on Children and Infants: Execute age-appropriate chest compressions and rescue breathing techniques.
- ✓ Use AEDs Correctly: Operate automated external defibrillators with understanding of pediatric considerations.
- ✓ Control Bleeding and Manage Shock: Apply techniques appropriate for pediatric patients.
- ✓ Recognize Common Childhood Illnesses: Identify signs of meningococcal disease, gastroenteritis, and other common conditions.
- ✓ Work with Education and Care Procedures: Understand duty of care in educational and childcare settings.
- ✓ Communicate Effectively: Report incidents to parents/guardians, manage emergency contacts, and work with responders.
- ✓ Follow Infection Control and Hygiene: Maintain standards to protect children and staff.
- ✓ Maintain Professional Responsibility: Understand legal obligations, mandatory reporting, and confidentiality in care environments.
Key Benefits
- ✓ Industry-recognised certification
- ✓ Practical, hands-on training
- ✓ Same-day certificate issued
- ✓ Valid for P3Y
- ✓ Expert instruction
- ✓ Confidence in emergencies
How HLTAID012 Compares
Choosing the right first aid credential depends on your industry, role, and specific needs. Here's how HLTAID012 compares to other available credentials:
| Feature | HLTAID012 | HLTAID009 | HLTAID011 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus Area | Childcare First Aid | CPR & Cardiac Only | General First Aid |
| Validity Period | 3 years | 12 months | 3 years |
| CPR Training | Adult + Pediatric | Comprehensive | Included |
| General First Aid | Yes | Not included | Comprehensive |
| Pediatric Focus | Yes - Specialized | No | No |
| Scope | Childcare/Education | Narrow & Specialized | Broad & Versatile |
| Best For | Childcare, Schools | Healthcare, Events | General Workplace |
Choose HLTAID012 if: You need specialized first aid training for childcare or education settings.
HLTAID012 – Elements and performance criteria
These outline the core tasks and expected outcomes for HLTAID012. Each element describes what must be achieved, and the associated performance criteria describe how success is demonstrated during training and assessment.
What are the four elements in HLTAID012?
HLTAID012 focuses on four elements:
- Respond to an emergency
- Apply first aid procedures
- Communicate incident details
- Review the incident
How do I recognise and assess an emergency (1.1)?
Apply DRSABCD: danger, response, send for help, airway, breathing, CPR/defibrillate. Tailor assessment to infants/children where relevant.
How do I ensure safety for self, bystanders and casualty (1.2)?
Control hazards, use PPE, maintain supervision ratios and isolate the area to keep everyone safe before care.
How do I assess the casualty and recognise need for first aid (1.3)?
Check responsiveness, airway and breathing. Identify time‑critical issues and begin care per ARC and workplace procedures.
When should I call emergency services (1.4)?
Dial 000 early for life‑threats, use speakerphone, give exact location and follow instructions (Emergency+ app optional).
How do I perform CPR to ARC guidelines (2.1)?
CPR per ARC: 100–120/min, 30:2, depth one‑third of chest. Use age‑appropriate techniques and attach an AED early.
What are established first aid principles (2.2)?
Principles: preserve life, prevent deterioration, promote recovery. Follow current guidelines with PPE and continuous monitoring.
How do I ensure a child feels safe and supported (2.3)?
Communicate calmly at the child’s level, explain actions, maintain privacy and involve parents/caregivers where appropriate.
How do I obtain consent in an education and care setting (2.4)?
Obtain consent from a conscious child (age‑appropriate) and parent/carer. In emergencies, consent is implied.
How do I make a casualty comfortable (2.5)?
Provide comfort with optimal positioning, keep warm, reassure and use approved resources to avoid further harm.
How do I operate first aid equipment correctly (2.6)?
Use equipment per manufacturer instructions (AED, spacer, auto‑injector). Check readiness/expiry and document use.
How do I monitor and respond to changing condition (2.7)?
Continuously reassess ABC/responsiveness, escalate to 000 or advanced care if condition changes and prepare for handover.
What incident details should I give emergency services (3.1)?
Share location, child’s age, condition, relevant action plans, treatment given and access details.
How do I report incidents per workplace procedures (3.2)?
Follow service procedures: notify a supervisor and complete incident reports promptly per policy and legislation.
What documentation must I complete (3.3)?
Complete incident report forms documenting times, observations, treatments, responses and notifications.
How do I report incidents to parents or caregivers (3.4)?
Inform parents/caregivers promptly with accurate, plain‑language details and any required follow‑up or action plans.
How do I report serious incidents to the regulator (3.5)?
Report serious incidents to the regulatory authority within required timeframes per service policy and law.
How do I maintain privacy and confidentiality (3.6)?
Maintain privacy: share on a need‑to‑know basis, store records securely and comply with policies and law.
How do I recognise psychological impacts after an incident (4.1)?
Identify signs of stress in yourself and others. Use debriefs, EAP and professional support when needed.
How do I contribute to a response review (4.2)?
Join debriefs, document lessons learned and recommend improvements to training, procedures and equipment.
What child-specific consent and dignity considerations apply?
Use age‑appropriate explanations, obtain consent where possible and protect dignity with privacy measures.
How should I use action plans (e.g., anaphylaxis, asthma)?
Follow the child’s action plan exactly (e.g., anaphylaxis, asthma) and document medications/timings accurately.
How do I adapt communication for infants and children?
Communicate with a calm tone, simple words and visual cues. Involve caregivers to support understanding.
What hazards are common in education and care emergencies?
Common hazards: choking, falls, playground injuries, allergies and environmental risks. Control/remove hazards first.
How do I manage AED use around children safely?
Use paediatric pads when available, perform stand‑clear checks and resume compressions immediately after shock.
What infection control steps are essential in child care first aid?
Apply hand hygiene, gloves, barrier devices for breaths, and safe disposal/cleaning per service policy.
How do I document and store incident records?
Record accurate details (child identifiers, times, treatments) and store securely per organisational policy.
How do I escalate if a child’s condition worsens?
Reassess ABCs, call 000, notify leadership and prepare a concise handover for paramedics.
HLTAID012 – Assessment requirements
Assessment requirements for HLTAID012 include performance evidence, knowledge evidence and assessment conditions. These requirements align with Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines and other national peak clinical bodies, as well as State/Territory regulations and workplace procedures.
Performance evidence
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria for HLTAID012 in realistic workplace or community settings. Candidates must demonstrate practical skills in accordance with State/Territory regulations, first aid codes of practice, ARC guidelines, national peak clinical bodies and workplace/site procedures.
What practical skills are assessed in HLTAID012?
You will demonstrate ARC-aligned first aid for children and infants, including:
- CPR on adult, child and infant manikins
- AED operation and safe shock delivery
- Recovery positioning for an unconscious, breathing casualty
- Management of anaphylaxis, asthma, bleeding, choking, envenomation, fractures/sprains/strains, minor wounds, nosebleeds, shock
- Completion of a simulated incident with accurate handover, reporting and review
How do I manage an unconscious breathing casualty in HLTAID012?
Place the casualty in the recovery position to reduce airway compromise, monitor breathing, control hazards and call 000 per ARC and workplace procedures.
What adult CPR performance is required?
Perform ≥ 2 minutes of single-rescuer adult CPR (5 cycles at 30:2) on a manikin placed on the floor, meeting ARC rate, depth, recoil and minimal-interruption criteria.
Do I need to deliver an AED shock during assessment?
Yes. Follow AED prompts, deliver at least one shock safely with stand-clear checks and resume compressions immediately.
How do we rotate single rescuers during CPR?
Rotate rescuers about every 2 minutes (e.g., during AED analysis) with minimal interruptions to compressions.
What should I do if regurgitation or vomiting occurs during CPR?
If vomiting occurs, turn to protect the airway, clear the mouth, re-open the airway and resume CPR promptly.
What child CPR performance is required?
Perform ≥ 2 minutes of single-rescuer child CPR (5 cycles) on a floor-placed child manikin using age-appropriate ARC technique.
What infant CPR performance is required?
Perform ≥ 2 minutes of single-rescuer infant CPR (5 cycles) on a firm surface using ARC rate, depth and ventilation volumes.
How is anaphylaxis managed for children?
Recognise anaphylaxis, follow the action plan, promptly administer an adrenaline auto-injector, call 000 and monitor closely.
What asthma first aid is assessed?
Assist with a reliever inhaler + spacer, monitor breathing and call 000 if symptoms persist, worsen or are severe.
How do I manage non-life-threatening bleeding in children?
Apply firm pressure, dress/bandage, elevate if appropriate and monitor for shock.
What is the difference between choking first aid for a child and an infant?
Use back blows and chest thrusts per ARC. Adapt technique/force for infants versus children; seek medical review after.
How is envenomation treated in children?
Apply Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) where indicated, keep the child still and arrange urgent medical help.
What immobilisation is expected for fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains?
Stabilise with slings/splints, support the limb, check circulation and avoid unnecessary movement.
How do I clean and dress minor wounds?
Irrigate with saline/clean water, pat dry, apply a suitable dressing and monitor for infection.
How do I stop a child’s nosebleed?
Sit leaning forward, pinch the soft part for 10 minutes and avoid blowing/picking. Seek care if persistent.
How do I recognise and manage shock in children?
Signs include pale, cool skin, rapid pulse and dizziness. Lay flat if appropriate, keep warm, control bleeding and call 000.
What is the simulated incident requirement for HLTAID012?
Respond to a realistic scenario involving a child or infant, with no prior knowledge of their condition. Identify the problem and provide appropriate first aid.
What PPE is required during simulated incidents?
Use PPE (e.g., gloves) to apply standard precautions, protecting the child and rescuer.
How do I identify a child’s illness or injury in scenarios?
Use history, signs and symptoms and any action plans to identify likely conditions and guide treatment.
What incident details must I convey or advise post-incident?
Provide location, child’s condition, treatments and hazards. Advise on post-incident actions as required.
What reporting is required after the scenario?
Give an accurate verbal handover and complete a written incident report documenting times, observations, treatments and outcomes.
Do I need to review the incident after treatment?
Yes. Complete a brief review noting positives, improvements and follow-up for equipment, training or wellbeing.
Knowledge evidence
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria for HLTAID012. This typically includes current first aid principles, legal and ethical considerations, risk minimisation, infection control and context-specific factors relevant to the unit.
What knowledge does HLTAID012 cover for child care settings?
HLTAID012 covers ARC-aligned first aid for infants, children and adults, workplace procedures, legal obligations, infection control, CPR/AED and recognition/management of common paediatric conditions.
Which ARC guidelines apply in HLTAID012?
ARC guidelines inform airway management, CPR rates/depths, AED use, choking care and recovery positioning across ages.
What other first aid guidelines are referenced?
Guidance from Australian national peak clinical bodies supports best-practice treatment for paediatric and adult conditions.
How do I identify hazards and minimise risk before care?
Survey for traffic, electricity, sharps, chemicals, violence and weather risks; control/avoid hazards before treating.
What infection control steps are required?
Use standard precautions: hand hygiene, gloves, mask, eye protection and barrier devices; clean/dispose per policy.
How do I keep my first aid skills current?
Maintain currency: refresh CPR annually and HLTAID012 at recommended intervals; follow ARC updates and service drills.
What are first aid codes of practice?
State/Territory codes of practice set practical guidance for training, kits, facilities and procedures in workplaces, including education and care.
Which workplace procedures are relevant in education and care?
Follow emergency plans, supervision ratios, incident reporting, kit maintenance, infection control, medication records and regulator notifications.
What should be in a child care first aid kit?
Include gloves, resus mask, saline, dressings, roller/triangular bandages, tape, antiseptic, tweezers, scissors, thermal blanket, spacers and age-appropriate supplies.
What are first aid requirements under the National Law?
The National Law requires approved first aid training, adequate kits, policies and accurate records within education and care services.
Do State/Territory regulations affect first aid in child care?
Yes. State/Territory regulations set first aid qualifications, ratios, reporting and equipment standards for services.
What is duty of care in education and care first aid?
Duty of care means reasonable care within training, prioritising safety, following policies and acting in the child's best interests.
Why must I know my skills and limitations?
Act within your scope, call for help early and escalate to advanced care to reduce risk.
How does consent work in education and care first aid?
Seek consent from the child (age-appropriate) and parent/caregiver when possible; in emergencies, consent is implied.
What are privacy and confidentiality requirements?
Share on a need-to-know basis, protect personal information and store records securely per policy and law.
How can rescuers and children manage post-incident stress?
Use debriefs, EAP and caregiver support; provide age-appropriate reassurance and seek professional help if needed.
How does airway position affect breathing in children?
Use head-tilt chin-lift for children, neutral head for infants; place unconscious, breathing casualties in the recovery position.
When should CPR be stopped?
Cease CPR on signs of life, when professionals take over, the scene is unsafe or you are exhausted.
How do I use an AED safely for children?
Use paediatric pads if available, follow prompts, ensure stand-clear and resume compressions immediately after shock.
What AED maintenance and safety are required?
Check pad/battery expiry, run self-tests, keep AED accessible and use appropriate pads per size guidelines.
What is the chain of survival?
Chain of survival: early recognition/call, early CPR, early defibrillation and advanced care.
How do I access emergency services quickly?
Call 000, use speakerphone, provide precise location/landmarks and follow instructions (consider Emergency+ for GPS).
How do I recognise unconsciousness and abnormal breathing?
Check response, open the airway and look, listen, feel; agonal gasps are not normal—start CPR.
What are age-appropriate CPR rate, ratio and depth?
CPR: 100–120/min, 30:2; depth one-third of chest—adults ~5–6 cm, children ~5 cm, infants ~4 cm.
Where do I place hands for chest compressions?
Compress the lower half of the sternum: two hands (adults), one/two hands (children), two fingers (infants).
What anatomy differences affect paediatric CPR?
Differences in airway, chest compliance and lung volumes require adjusted hand position, depth and ventilation volumes.
How do I manage allergic reactions vs anaphylaxis?
Mild allergy may need observation; anaphylaxis requires immediate adrenaline auto-injector, 000 and close monitoring.
What is first aid for childhood asthma?
Sit upright, use a reliever inhaler + spacer, monitor breathing and call 000 if symptoms persist, worsen or are severe.
How is bleeding managed (minor vs severe)?
Apply firm pressure, dress/bandage; escalate life-threatening bleeding urgently and monitor for shock.
What should I do for breathing difficulties?
Reassure, sit upright, monitor ABCs, use prescribed relievers and call 000 if severe or deteriorating.
What is first aid for paediatric burns?
Cool with running water for 20 minutes, remove tight items, avoid ice/creams and cover with a non-stick dressing.
How do I treat choking in a child vs an infant?
Give back blows and chest thrusts per ARC; adapt for infants and seek medical review after.
What are diabetes first aid priorities for children?
For suspected hypo, give fast-acting glucose if conscious; monitor and call 000 if uncertain or no improvement.
How do I manage dehydration in children?
Offer small frequent fluids; watch for lethargy, dry mouth and low urine; seek medical care if severe.
What are first aid priorities after drowning?
Ensure rescuer safety, remove from water if safe, start CPR if needed and manage for hypothermia.
How is envenomation treated in children?
Apply Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) where indicated, keep the child still and seek urgent medical care.
What is first aid for paediatric eye injuries?
For chemicals, flush copiously; for embedded objects, shield both eyes, do not remove and seek urgent care.
How do I respond to febrile convulsions?
Protect from injury, loosen clothing, time the seizure, cool gradually and seek medical advice.
When is a child's fever concerning?
Concerning signs: very young age, persistent high fever, rash, lethargy, breathing difficulty or dehydration—seek care or call 000.
How do I manage fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains?
Immobilise, support with sling/splint, check circulation and avoid unnecessary movement.
What should I do for head, neck or spinal injuries?
Stabilise head/neck, avoid movement, call 000 and monitor airway and breathing.
How do I manage hypothermia in a child?
Move to warmth, remove wet clothes, insulate and warm gradually; call 000 for moderate/severe cases.
How do I manage heat illness or hyperthermia?
Rest in a cool place, cool with water/fans/ice packs to neck/armpits/groin, give fluids if conscious and call 000 if heatstroke suspected.
What is first aid for minor wounds in children?
Clean with saline/clean water, apply a suitable dressing and monitor for infection.
How do I manage pain in first aid?
Use RICE where appropriate; follow service protocols for analgesia and seek advice if pain is severe.
How is shock recognised and treated in children?
Signs: pale, cool, clammy skin and rapid pulse; lay flat if appropriate, keep warm, control bleeding and call 000.
How do I stop a child's nosebleed?
Sit leaning forward, pinch for 10 minutes and avoid blowing/picking.
What should I do in a poisoning emergency?
Do not induce vomiting. Call the Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26 or 000 if life-threatening.
How do I help a child having a seizure?
Protect from injury, time the seizure, use the recovery position afterward and call 000 if over 5 minutes, repeats or first known event.
How do I manage vomiting and diarrhoea in children?
Offer small frequent fluids, monitor for dehydration and seek medical advice for persistent or severe symptoms.
How do I identify a sick infant or child?
Look for lethargy, poor feeding, irritability, fast breathing, fever, rash and reduced urine—seek advice or call 000 if severe.
When should I call an ambulance for a child?
Call 000 for difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, seizures >5 minutes, severe bleeding, suspected anaphylaxis or serious head/spinal injuries.
How do I use asthma and anaphylaxis action plans?
Follow the child's current action plan precisely, administer medications promptly and document times/doses.
How do I communicate with children during first aid?
Use calm, simple language, visual cues and distraction; involve parents/caregivers to reduce anxiety.
What physiological differences change the first aider's response?
Smaller airways, compliant chests and lower volumes require modified airway positioning, compression depths and ventilation volumes.
Assessment conditions
Each candidate must demonstrate skills in an environment that provides realistic, in‑depth scenarios and simulations to assess practical skills and decision‑making.
Due to the nature of first aid training, it is acceptable for performance evidence to be collected in a simulated environment, provided that conditions reflect real‑world constraints, resources and timeframes.
What is the HLTAID012 assessment environment like?
You are assessed in realistic, in‑depth scenarios focused on infant and child casualties, mirroring real education and care settings.
Is simulated assessment acceptable for HLTAID012?
Yes. Performance evidence may be collected in a high‑quality simulated environment reflecting real workplace/community conditions.
Do I need to perform CPR on manikins?
Yes. Demonstrate compressions and ventilations on adult, child and infant manikins per ARC guidelines.
Why are adult, child and infant manikins used?
They verify age‑appropriate CPR technique, rates, depths and ventilation volumes per ARC guidance.
Will I use AED training devices during assessment?
Yes. Operate an AED trainer, follow prompts, perform stand‑clear checks and resume compressions immediately after a shock.
Is an adrenaline auto‑injector trainer used?
Yes. Practice with an adrenaline auto‑injector training device in anaphylaxis scenarios.
Will I use a placebo bronchodilator and spacer?
Yes. Use a placebo reliever puffer and spacer to demonstrate asthma first aid.
Do I need to work with a workplace first aid kit?
Yes. Use a workplace first aid kit to select and apply appropriate resources.
What wound care items are included in assessment?
Use different types of dressings and bandages to manage minor wounds, bleeding and immobilisation.
How is shock management assessed?
Use blankets and appropriate positioning to treat for shock while monitoring ABCs.
Is PPE required during HLTAID012 assessment?
Yes. Use PPE and standard precautions throughout assessment activities.
Are emergency action plans used during assessment?
Yes. Apply asthma and anaphylaxis action plans and follow them precisely.
What documentation must I complete?
Complete a workplace injury/trauma/illness record or incident report form accurately and legibly.
How realistic are simulated assessment scenarios?
Scenarios replicate real‑life child and infant emergencies with relevant equipment, hazards and resource constraints.
Do scenarios include infant and child‑specific conditions?
Yes. Scenarios include anaphylaxis, asthma, choking, bleeding, fractures, minor wounds, nosebleeds and shock.
Are ARC guidelines followed in assessment?
Yes. CPR and first aid procedures must align with current ARC guidelines.
Who can assess HLTAID012?
Assessors must meet Standards for RTOs and hold this unit or demonstrate equivalent skills/knowledge.
What AED practices are checked during assessment?
Assessed AED practices: correct pad placement (paediatric where appropriate), stand‑clear checks, following prompts, delivering shocks and immediate CPR resumption.
Will communication and reporting be assessed?
Yes. Provide a clear verbal handover and complete written incident documentation per workplace procedures.
How do I prepare to succeed in HLTAID012 assessment?
Revise ARC CPR (all ages), action plans, AED use, PPE, documentation, and practice with manikins and common first aid equipment.
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