First Aid Courses: Level 1 and Level 2 Compared

What you need to know about first aid training

First aid training in South African workplaces is set by law: regulation 3 of the General Safety Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993 decides what an employer must have in place.

A first aid box

Once a workplace has more than five employees, the employer must provide a first aid box at or near the workplace.

1 : 50

Certified first aiders

At least one first aider with a valid certificate for every group of up to 50 employees, or up to 100 in shops and offices, during normal working hours.

2021

Accredited training

Since 1 April 2021, first aid training must be on QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) or SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) accredited unit standards.

The law asks for a valid certificate of competency in first aid; it does not name a level. Most employers start their first aiders on Level 1. Sites with higher risks, such as mines, workshops and construction sites, usually train at least some first aiders to Level 2.

First Aid Level 1 and Level 2 compared

Both first aid courses take 2 days and are assessed in writing and practically. First Aid Level 2 builds on Level 1.

	First Aid Level 1	First Aid Level 2
Duration	2 days	2 days
Fee	R957	R2 178
Who it suits	New workplace first aiders who must stabilise a patient until emergency services arrive	Appointed first aiders who must handle the emergencies their own workplace carries
CPR	Adults	Adults, children and infants, plus AED (automated external defibrillator)
What you learn	Take control of an emergency scene, clear a blocked airway, control bleeding, treat shock, burns, fractures and head injuries	Anaphylactic shock, spinal and pelvic injuries, poisoning, medical emergencies (diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, stroke, heart attack), recording an incident
Assessment	Written and practical, on a manikin	Written and practical

Which first aid course should you do?

Pick the first aid course by where you are now.

You have never done first aid

Start with First Aid Level 1, the entry certificate for a workplace first aider.

First Aid Level 1 →

You are your site's appointed first aider, or your site has higher risks

Build on Level 1 with First Aid Level 2.

First Aid Level 2 →

You are training a team

Book a group and we train on your site. Group size and travel are quoted per booking.

Ask for a group quote →

You also need fire training

Many employers book first aid together with fire fighting, since both appointments come up in the same safety plan.

Fire Fighting Level 1 →

A typical first aid training route

Most workplace first aiders move through first aid in this order, often alongside fire training.

First Aid Level 1

Your first certificate as a workplace first aider.

First Aid Level 2

For appointed first aiders and higher-risk sites.

Fire Fighting Level 1

Often booked alongside first aid for the same safety plan.

Training outside Limpopo?

Individual learners train at our Mokopane centre, 11 Van Riebeeck Street. We don't provide accommodation. Companies can book a group and we train on site anywhere in South Africa: we have trained teams as far as Cape Town, for mines, construction companies and municipalities.

Book first aid for your team

Group size and travel are quoted per booking.

Ask for a group quote Or call 087 630 2506

First aid course FAQs

Can't find your answer? Talk to us about your team.

How much does a first aid course cost at Fundza?

First Aid Level 1 costs R957 and First Aid Level 2 costs R2 178 at Fundza. Each course runs over 2 days, and the fee includes training, assessment and certification, with a certificate you can download. Group bookings for on-site training are quoted per booking.

How many first aiders does my workplace need?

Under General Safety Regulation 3, an employer needs at least one certified first aider for every group of up to 50 employees, or up to 100 in shops and offices, available during normal working hours. Once a workplace has more than five employees it also needs a first aid box. Plan for leave and shifts so a first aider is always on site.

What is the difference between First Aid Level 1 and Level 2?

First Aid Level 1 covers basic life support: scene management, adult CPR, choking, bleeding, shock, burns and fractures. First Aid Level 2 adds CPR for children and infants, AED use, spinal and pelvic injuries, poisoning and medical emergencies such as stroke and heart attack. Both take 2 days at Fundza.

Can you train our staff at our workplace?

Yes. Fundza trains first aid groups on site anywhere in South Africa, for mines, construction companies, municipalities and other employers. Group size and travel costs are quoted per booking. Individual learners train at our Mokopane centre.