PHECC Instructor Courses in Kildare

Want to teach CPR and first aid to PHECC standards? C-TAC runs all three PHECC responder-level instructor courses in Naas, Co. Kildare: Cardiac First Response (CFR) Community Instructor, CFR Advanced Instructor and First Aid Response (FAR) Instructor.

This page explains what each course involves, who can apply, and which route will get you qualified to teach the courses you want to deliver.

All three courses follow the same format: two classroom days in Naas, followed by three supervised teaching sessions.

Most people become a PHECC first aid instructor in two stages. First they qualify as a CFR instructor, then they progress to FAR Instructor. Which CFR instructor course you take depends on your background.

For workplace trainers, safety officers, teachers, sports coaches, childcare professionals and anyone without a PHECC practitioner registration.

1. Complete a CFR course. Your CFR Community certificate must be less than 12 months old when you start the instructor course.
2. Qualify as a CFR Community Instructor. You can now teach CPR, AED use and choking response.
3. Hold a valid FAR certificate. Complete the First Aid Response course or FAR Recertification if yours has lapsed.
4. Qualify as a FAR Instructor. You can now teach the full PHECC workplace first aid course.

For registered prehospital practitioners who want to teach advanced airway and ventilation skills as well as first aid.

1. Hold an in-date CFR Advanced certificate. It must have been gained within the last 12 months. Our CFR Advanced course runs regularly in Naas.
2. Qualify as a CFR Advanced Instructor. You can now teach CFR Advanced, including airway and ventilation management.
3. Use your PHECC practitioner registration. It meets the FAR Instructor entry requirement, so you don’t need a separate FAR certificate.
4. Qualify as a FAR Instructor. You can now teach first aid and cardiac response at every level from CFR Community to FAR.

Not sure which route fits your experience? Call us on +353 85 722 4006 or send us a message. We’ll check your current certificates with you before you book.

The first step for most new instructors. You’ll learn to deliver the PHECC Cardiac First Response (Community) course, teaching candidates to recognise a life-threatening emergency and respond using basic life support.

• CFR course framework and PHECC teaching materials
• Feedback, remediation and inclusive teaching
• Manikin hygiene and the learning environment

For EMTs, Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics. You’ll learn to teach the PHECC CFR Advanced course, including airway and ventilation management, to workplace and responder groups.

• CFR Advanced course framework and standards
• Teaching advanced basic life support skills
• An entry route to the FAR Instructor course

The highest responder-level instructor qualification. You’ll learn to deliver the full PHECC First Aid Response course, which meets HSA requirements for occupational first aid and is recognised by Tusla for childcare settings.

• FAR course framework, lesson plans and course design
• Reflective practice and the learning cycle
• Teaching first aid for home, recreational and workplace settings

Every PHECC instructor course at C-TAC follows the same practical structure, so you build real teaching confidence before you’re signed off.

1. Two classroom days in Naas. Covers PHECC Education and Training Standards, the course framework, teaching materials, the learning environment, feedback and remediation, and accommodating different learners.
2. Assist on a live course. Support an experienced instructor and see how a course runs from start to finish.
3. Teach under supervision. Deliver a course yourself, with an instructor supervising and giving feedback.
4. Final instructor assessment. Show you can deliver the course to PHECC standards.

Once you pass, you’ll receive instructor certification valid for two years.

Our courses take place in Timahoe East, Donadea, Naas. It’s within easy reach of Naas, Clane, Prosperous, Kilcock, Maynooth, Celbridge, Newbridge and Edenderry, with quick access from the M4 and M7 for learners travelling from Dublin, Meath, Offaly and Laois.

• Hands-on teaching with realistic scenarios
• Courses delivered to PHECC Education and Training Standards and Clinical Practice Guidelines
• A clear progression from CFR to FAR Instructor, all with one provider
• Group instructor training for organisations, on request

How do I become a first aid instructor in Ireland?

To teach PHECC first aid, you first qualify as a CFR instructor, then complete the FAR Instructor course. Most people take the CFR Community Instructor course first. EMTs, Paramedics and Advanced Paramedics can take the CFR Advanced Instructor course instead. You’ll also need a valid FAR certificate or PHECC practitioner registration before the FAR Instructor course.

Do I need to be a CFR instructor before the FAR Instructor course?

Yes. Valid CFR instructor certification is an entry requirement for the FAR Instructor course, and you need to keep it in date to remain a FAR Instructor.

Can I do the CFR Advanced Instructor course if I’m not a paramedic?

The CFR Advanced Instructor course requires the ability to maintain competency in all CFR Advanced skills. This means being an EMT, Paramedic or Advanced Paramedic. If that isn’t you, start with the CFR Community Instructor course. It still gives you a route to FAR Instructor.

How long does PHECC instructor certification last?

CFR Community, CFR Advanced and FAR instructor certifications are each valid for two years.

How long does it take to qualify?

Each course is two classroom days followed by three supervised sessions: assisting on a course, teaching under supervision, and your final assessment. How quickly you finish the supervised sessions depends on the course schedule. We’ll plan them with you when you book.

Is the FAR course recognised for workplace first aid?

Yes. The PHECC First Aid Response standard satisfies the Health and Safety Authority’s requirements for occupational first aid training. It’s also recognised by Tusla as the standard for childcare settings. As a FAR Instructor, you can deliver training that meets these requirements.

Can you run an instructor course for our organisation?

Yes. If you have several staff who need to become instructors, contact us to discuss a dedicated group course.

How can I check a PHECC course or instructor?

PHECC publishes a public register of practitioners and recognised training. You can check it at phecit.ie.