Highfield Level 3 International Award in Emergency First Aid at Work and Use of an AED
Qualification Description
The Highfield Level 3 International Award in Emergency First Aid at Work and Use of an AED is an internationally recognised first aid qualification designed to equip learners with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to respond effectively to workplace medical emergencies.
This qualification meets global best‑practice standards for emergency first aid provision and is suitable for organisations operating in a wide range of sectors and environments.
Qualification Overview
This course provides comprehensive training in emergency first aid procedures, with a strong emphasis on life‑saving skills, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the safe and effective use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Learners who achieve this qualification will be competent to take charge of an emergency situation, manage casualties safely, and provide appropriate first aid care until professional medical help arrives.
Aims of the Qualification
The primary aim of the Highfield Level 3 International Award in Emergency First Aid at Work and Use of an AED is to:
- Prepare learners to act as designated emergency first aiders
- Enable fast, confident, and safe response to workplace accidents and sudden illness
- Provide learners with the practical ability to use an AED in cardiac emergencies
- Support organisations in meeting health and safety and first aid compliance requirements
Target Audience
This qualification is suitable for:
- Employees appointed as Emergency First Aiders
- Staff working in low‑risk workplaces, such as offices, retail, education, hospitality, and administration
- Supervisors, team leaders, and managers
- Security personnel and facilities staff
- Individuals required to operate or be responsible for AEDs in the workplace
- Anyone seeking an internationally recognised emergency first aid qualification
No previous first aid experience or qualifications are required.
Course Duration
- Total Guided Learning Time: Approximately 6–7 hours
- Typically delivered over one day
- Can be delivered as classroom-based or blended learning (subject to centre approval)
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:
- Understand the role and responsibilities of a first aider
- Assess an emergency situation safely and effectively
- Provide CPR to an unconscious casualty
- Safely and effectively use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- Assist a casualty who is choking
- Manage common workplace injuries and sudden illnesses
Course Content
1. Roles and Responsibilities of an Emergency First Aider
- Responsibilities and limitations of a first aider
- Incident and accident reporting
- Personal safety and infection prevention
- Communication and casualty care
2. Assessing an Emergency Situation
- Primary survey procedures (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
- Scene safety and risk assessment
- Activating emergency medical services
3. Unconscious Casualties
- Managing an unconscious casualty who is breathing
- Placing a casualty into the recovery position
- Continual monitoring until help arrives
4. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Recognition of cardiac arrest
- Adult CPR techniques in accordance with international guidelines
- Combining CPR with AED use
5. Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- When an AED should be used
- Safe operation of an AED
- Safety considerations and team response
- Post‑incident procedures
6. Choking
- Recognition of partial and complete airway obstruction
- Treatment of choking in adults
7. Managing Common Workplace Injuries
- Control of external bleeding
- Recognition and management of shock
- Burns and scalds
- Minor injuries and casualty reassurance
Assessment Methods
Learners are assessed through:
- Practical demonstrations (CPR, AED use, choking management, emergency response)
- Instructor observation
- Short written or oral knowledge assessment
Certification and Validity
- Successful learners receive a Highfield Level 3 International Award certificate
- Annual refresher training and requalification before expiry are strongly recommended to maintain competence
Benefits of the Qualification
- ✅ Internationally recognised and respected qualification
- ✅ Meets workplace health and safety requirements
- ✅ Builds confidence to handle real emergencies
- ✅ Includes certified AED training
- ✅ Improves organisational emergency preparedness
- ✅ Supports compliance and audit requirements
Progression Opportunities
Learners may progress to:
- Highfield Level 3 International Award in First Aid at Work
- Paediatric First Aid qualifications
- Advanced life support or specialist emergency response training
- Health and safety qualifications
