Frequently asked questions

Is the Red Cross College a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)?
Yes, Red Cross College is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO); our registration license number is 3605. Please refer to our scope of registration information at training.gov.au.

Does the Red Cross College deliver courses other than first aid training?
The Red Cross College offers a suite of accredited and non-accredited courses ranging from Occupational Health & Safety, Manual Handling through to Certificate courses in Business, Frontline Management, Aged Care Work, Food Processing, Retail and Hospitality. For a comprehensive list of our scope of registration please go to training.gov.au.

How do I become a Red Cross volunteer?
Red Cross offers a vast array of volunteering opportunities. If you wish to become a volunteer, visit our Volunteer in Australia and Volunteer overseas pages. 

Are Red Cross College first aid courses the same as St John's?
Yes, both organisations must comply with legislative requirements, peak professional, registering, licensing and auditing bodies. Teaching techniques may differ slightly but our certificates are issued from the same training package.

Why do you teach CPR the way you do?
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) the Red Cross College must ensure it delivers training as per the industry requirement, this is documented in the Health Training Package (HLT07). In addition, the Red Cross College follows the expert guidelines developed by the Australian Resuscitation Council. You can find out more about the Australian Resuscitation Council by visiting its website.

What is the maximum class size and why?
Class sizes vary and are dependant upon the venue size, type of course being delivered and the resources required to deliver the course. Class sizes are typically a maximum of 20 students.

I have booked onto a course. What do I need to bring to class?
All students should wear comfortable clothing with long pants or shorts recommended, as you may be required to get down on the floor as part of the practical simulations. Students should also bring a pen, note paper, reading glasses, and medications and lunch (if the training venue is not close to a shopping centre).

Student conduct
Students attending Red Cross College first aid training course are expected to conduct themselves in a polite and considerate manner. This is to ensure a positive learning environment for all students and to provide respect to the trainer delivering the course. All students are required to actively participate in group discussions, practical exercise and courses assessments, regardless of their level of education and training.

Please be advised, disruptive or inappropriate behaviour and language is not appreciated at Red Cross. Students behaving in such a manner will be asked to rectify their behaviour and should it persist they may be removed from the course.

What if I am running late for my course?
Red Cross College accepts that on some occasions students will arrive late to training as a result of circumstances beyond their control, such as a sick child, motor vehicle accidents, public transport delays and inclement weather.

Students will be accepted in to class no later than 30 minutes after the commencement of the training. For example, if a class commences at 0830hrs, a student will be accepted into that class no later than 0900hrs.

Weekday training: Students who will be arriving late to class on a weekday must contact the National Contact Centre on 1300 367 428 to advise they are running late.

After hours training: The trainer will accept students into classes who are no later than 30 minutes late.

Any student who arrives later than 30 minutes may need to pay a transfer fee or forfeit the money already paid. First aid training is competency based training, meaning a student must demonstrate they hold the underpinning and essential knowledge, skills and attitudes to be deemed compete. Students arriving late to class must review the material they have missed in their own time to ensure they have the knowledge and are adequately prepared for their competency assessments. Due to the large amount of information a trainer must deliver, trainers are unable to repeat information already delivered.

If I am unwell on the day of my course what should I do?
Should you become unwell prior to your scheduled course with the flu, mouth or facial lesions or any other infection, please contact our National Contact Centre on 1300 367 428 and we will reschedule your booking at no extra cost. The Australian Resuscitation Council guideline 9.6.1 recommends students who are suffering from respiratory infections or have lesions should not attend training (medical certificates are required to avoid a cancellation or transfer fee).

Should a trainer identify a student who is unwell, the trainer will quietly discuss the potential health risks associated with group training and politely request the student to leave. The student's course will be rescheduled.

Is parking available?
Red Cross College delivers training in over 80 venues around Australia. Please check your confirmation letter for all details regarding parking.

I really need a copy of my certificate for my interview or job. Can I get one on the day of the course?
The trainer can provide you with an "Interim Course Completion Letter" on the day of your training which outlines which course you have successfully completed. Your certificate will be posted to you at the address you have entered on your enrolment form within 14 to 21 days of the course. In some cases the certificate will be sent to your employer.

I have lost my certificate. Can I get a new one?
Yes. The cost of a qualification reprint is $25. To request your reprinted certificate please contact the National Contact centre on 1300 367 428.

What is the Red Cross College refund policy?
The Red Cross College will make appropriate financial arrangements to guarantee the refund of fees when:

• the course is cancelled or discontinued, or
• the customer has a verifiable reason for discontinuing the course i.e. medical illness.

The customer will be refunded 50% of fees paid if the Red Cross College is notified less than 5 working days before the commencement of the course. A 20% administration fee applies if notification is received more than 5 working days before the commencement of the course.

If the Red Cross College cancels or discontinues a course, fees already paid by a customer will be refunded. Alternatively, a substitute course or date may be offered and mutually agreed upon.

If a customer is unable to attend a course, a substitute person may take their place at no additional cost. Please advise the National Contact Centre on 1300 367 428 so the class registers can be updated. Enrolled customers who fail to attend without notifying the Red Cross College will not be entitled to a refund.

Penalties for cancellations of private courses will be determined by agreement with the customer.

Students must complete their first aid course within 3 months of commencement.

What is the Red Cross College course transfer policy?
When customer requests transfer to another course within 5 working days of course commencement, an administration fee equivalent to 20% of the course fee will be applied. Where the request is made more than 5 working days before the course commencement there will be no additional fee applied.

How do I lodge a complaint?
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Red Cross College is required to manage complaints and appeals made by clients against any aspect of the training service provided (or not provided). Red Cross College views the management of complaints and appeals as a fundamental component of its continuous improvement process.

Clients have the right to lodge a complaint about the services they have received or appeal against decisions made. Red Cross College's Complaints and Appeals Policy outlines on what grounds complaints and appeals can be made, and our service standard in managing complaints and appeals received. Please note that attempts should be made to resolve a complaint informally with the responsible party prior to lodging a formal written complaint. To lodge a formal complaint or appeal, please complete the Complaints and Appeals Form and submit to your respective regional Red Cross College office or the National Quality Team at Quality@redcross.org.au.

What are the legal issues I need to consider when administering first aid?
All Red Cross College first aid courses cover the legal issues related to first aid. The key legal principle for first aiders to remember is to act reasonably and to the level of your training. Ensure you gain consent to help the person, ascertain if you hold a duty of care, provide care only to the level of your training to avoid breaches of standards and record the event and the care you provide.

What sort of assessments will I be required to complete?
All students will be assessed against the competencies as stated in the relevant course training package. A variety of methods for assessment (both formative and summative) will be used and students will be deemed "competent" once they have demonstrated the required essential knowledge and practical skills.

All assessments are conducted in English and assessment methods include: demonstration of practical skills, role plays, case studies and a mini quiz. The assessments are noted on our website for each course at www.redcross.org.au/firstaid

For those students who are completing a course via our online mode, the mini quiz has been incorporated in the online program. Therefore it is important for you to print off the "Certificate of Completion" and present it to the trainer when you attend your practical day.

What happens if I am not deemed competent?
All students have the opportunity to re-sit their mini quiz paper or practical assessment, free of charge, at a date and time negotiated between the Red Cross College and the student. This provides the student with time to reflect upon the feedback provided by the trainer and to improve their knowledge and skill level prior to their re- assessment.

Unfortunately Red Cross College can not provide reassessments on the same day as the initial course.

If after the second attempt you are deemed "not yet competent" you will be advised to resit the course again and pay the full course fee.

Which first aid kit should I buy?
Whether at home, work or play, the Red Cross College recommends that you have a first aid kit and somebody trained in first aid to deal with an emergency. Red Cross College first aid kits contain quality dressings, bandages, hygienically packaged items and a 40-page booklet containing helpful hints and instructions on first aid procedures.

All Red Cross College first aid kits are compliant with Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) guidelines and are listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Workplace kits meet relevant State and Territory occupational health and safety regulations.

How do I order a kit?
To purchase a first aid kit or browse the first aid kits catalogue, visit the first aid kits online shop or you can call 1300 367 428 to place an order.

Some of the items in my workplace first aid kit have expired, do you sell refill packs?
Yes, Red Cross have developed refill packs for all workplace first aid kits to allow easy replenishment of the first aid kit contents. To purchase a refill pack or browse the first aid kits catalogue, visit the first aid kits online shop or you can call 1300 367 428 to place an order.

How long will my first aid kit take to arrive?
Once you have placed your first aid kit order online you will receive your delivery within 14 days.

Where can I get information regarding prerequisites and other course information?
Please visit our website at www.redcross.org.au/firstaid or call our National Contact Centre on 1300 367 428.

My teenager would like to do a course. How old do they have to be?
There are no minimum age requirements for anyone attending our courses. In fact the Red Cross College offers tailored first aid training to school students as young as 8 years of age. Parents, guardians and school teachers must be mindful of the physical requirements related to performing CPR. Red Cross College requires all parents / guardians to complete a Parental Consent form if a school student attends training at any of our venues.

If required, can a course be delivered over extra days if issues with literacy are identified?
Yes, this can be arranged with prior notice for specific group training, Please call our National Contact Centre on 1300 367 428 to discuss your needs.

I have a disability with special requirements, am I able to attend training?
Yes. The Red Cross College applies access and equity principles in the provision of its training to all students and is outlined in our Code of Practice. A copy of our Code of Practice can be downloaded by visiting www.redcross.org.au/firstaid.

If you have any concerns or particular requirements, for example assistance with a disability, numeracy or literacy, please contact our Red Cross College National Contact Centre on 1300 367 428 who will refer the matter onto the relevant state / territory Training Coordinator.

I am not fluent in English and not comfortable in undertaking assessments in English. Can I do the course and assessments in my own language?
No, the course cannot be undertaken in another language; however you can bring your own interpreter to the course. The Red Cross College asks that you let us know prior to you attending he course so we can make the appropriate arrangements to accommodate the interpreter.

Calling for an ambulance requires basic English language skills and Australian workplaces require injury report forms and other documentation to be completed in English. Therefore, all first aid training and assessments are conducted in English. Specific performance criteria exist for each first aid course you undertake. These have been developed based on extensive industry consultation throughout a variety of Australian workplaces.

Please contact the National Contact Centre on 1300 367 428 to discuss alternative arrangements.

If I choose to complete the HLTFA301B - Apply first aid (formerly known as Senior First Aid, Workplace level 2) online, how long is my practical face to face day?
The practical day is approximately 7 hours and includes CPR, practical assessments and participation in group discussions to ensure understanding and appropriate transfer and application of theoretical knowledge. Students are not required to complete a mini quiz.

I have recently completed a HLTCPR201A - Perform CPR but want to get Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for the HLTFA301B - Apply first aid. What do I need to do?
You will need to book into the full course and advise you wish to seek RPL for the CPR component. The Red Cross College National Contact Centre will then contact the relevant Training Coordinator to organise the dissemination of the RPL forms which you will need to complete and return. If you are completing the course due to workplace requirements your employer must complete Form C.

It is vital you provide as much information as possible and attach all relevant evidence to your RPL application. The review of your RPL application attracts a fee of $50.

You must submit this application 3 weeks prior to your scheduled course to allow enough time for your application to be processed and for you to be notified of the outcome. Alternatively, you can enrol in the HLTFA301B - Apply first aid course and refresh your CPR skills whilst attaining the higher qualification.

What is the expiry date of my certificate (statements of attainment)?
Workplace first aiders must hold a current certificate and the Red Cross College advises you check industry and WorkCover (or equivalent) requirements that are relevant to you.

It is recommended the following are updated annually and this is supported by the Australian Resuscitation Council:

• HLTFA201A - Perform CPR
• HLTF404A - Apply Advanced Resuscitation Techniques.

It is recommended the following are updated every three years:

• HLTFA201A Provide Basic Emergency Life Support (Workplace level 1)
• HLTFA301B Apply First aid (Workplace level 2)
• HLTFA301A Provide First aid in Remote Situations
• Occupational first aid

Will the Red Cross College send me a reminder letter when my certificate needs renewing?
The Red Cross College usually provides a reminder letter service for only the course HLTFA301B - Apply first aid. To help the Red Cross College send you your reminder letter please ensure we have your most up to date contact details. If you move house or change employers remember to give our National Contact Centre a call on 1300 367 428 so we can update your details.

My HLTFA301B - Apply first Aid (formerly known as Senior First Aid, Workplace level 2) qualification was due to be refreshed last week. Can I book in to do a refresher or do I have to enrol in the full 2-day course?
Red Cross follows the Australian Resuscitation guidelines and recommends that all refresher courses are completed within standard timeframes. However depending on your peak industry bodies standards you could be offered a grace period. The Red Cross College urges all workplace first aiders to comply with their local workplace or industry specific requirements regarding first aid qualifications. Once they have expired they are not recognised as being valid by industry therefore you will have to complete the full 2-day Apply First Aid course.

What type of training is delivered in a refresher course?
Recertification courses do not re-teach the material and skills previously covered. The focus is upon revising the knowledge and skills learnt through practical demonstrations, group participation in scenarios and discussion. A recertification course will also update you on any changes to first aid techniques that may have occurred since your last course. Students attending recertification courses are expected to review their training manual / notes prior to attending a course. Students will be required to demonstrate their competency via practical assessments and a mini quiz.

How do I know how many first aiders I need in my workplace?
You will need to check with your local WorkCover (or equivalent) office for this information as it varies from industry to industry and state to state.

I have been asked to be the first aider at my workplace, what course do I need to complete?
Most workplace first aiders are required to hold a HLTFA301B - Apply First Aid qualification (formerly known as Senior First Aid, Workplace level 2). Red Cross suggests you check with your employer prior to booking any course.

I want to work in the childcare industry. Should I do the Emergency first aid for parents & carers course or should I do the HLTFA301B - Apply first aid (formerly known as senior first aid, workplace level 2)?
HLTFA301B - Apply First Aid (formerly known as Senior First Aid, Workplace level 2) is a compulsory unit for the following child care courses:

• CHC30708 Certificate III in Children's Services
• CHC41208 Certificate IV in Children's Services (Outside school hours care).

However, a current HLTFA301B - Apply First Aid (formerly known as Senior First Aid, Workplace level 2) is an entry requirement for the following courses:

• CHC50908 Diploma of Children's Services (Early childhood education and care)
• CHC51008 Diploma of Children's Services (Outside school hours care).

Our school wishes to organise first aid training. What are the requirements?
Please call our National Contact Centre on 1300 367 428 to discuss your needs. Before the booking is confirmed the Red Cross College must gain evidence the proposed training facilities comply with the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act. The Red Cross College can email a form to you for completion or conduct a formal site inspection. We will send a form for you to complete and return, which outlines our physical venue and technology requirements including laptop, data projector, and whiteboard.

In addition prior to the delivery of training, the school / organisation are required to complete an OH&S induction with the trainer and a school teacher must be in attendance at all times whilst training is being delivered

I would like to book some onsite training, what are the requirements?
Please call our National Contact Centre on 1300 367 428 to discuss your needs. When both parties are in agreement the Business Development Manager will request email confirmation of your compliance with the OH&S Act. In addition, we will send a form for you to complete and return, which outlines our physical venue and technology requirements including laptop, data projector, and whiteboard.

What is an AED and how does it work?
An AED is a life saving device that restores normal rhythm to the heart of a victim of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). A defibrillator works by delivering a therapeutic shock to the heart through electrodes (pads) placed on the victim's chest, a defibrillator polarises a critical mass of cells in the heart muscle. This allows the heart's natural pacemaker to restore normal rhythm to the heart.

Does Red Cross sell Automated External Defibrillators?
Yes, to purchase an AED or browse the first aid kits catalogue, visit the first aid kits online shop. Alternatively call 1300 367 428, a member of our contact centre will arrange for a Business Development manager to contact you to discuss you AED needs and requirements.

What are the benefits of purchasing an Automated External Defibrillator?
An AED is a device that is specifically designed to help the rescuer in the event of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The AED provides visual and voice prompts to enable a rescuer with minimal training to effectively save a life.

Who should have a defibrillator?
There is no current legislation that either supports or excludes the use of an AED in a workplace. However, Red Cross following guidelines from the Australian Resuscitation Council now includes an AED in the standard emergency plan of Danger, Response, Send, Airway, Breathing, CPR and Defibrillation (DRSABCD). The guidelines also support the introduction of AEDs into public access locations and workplaces.

Where an employer elects to have an AED in the workplace, they should ensure that:

• the AED is located in a clearly visible location (for example, a main reception or foyer area)
• the AED is accessible to all employees and other persons within the workplace
• there is clear signage in the workplace which identifies the location of the AED
• regular maintenance inspection procedures are established to ensure that the AED is operational and the pads are not out of date.

The AED is designed so that it cannot be accidentally or inappropriately used on another person, therefore vicarious liability is no higher than under current first aid practices.