Overview
The AOSH Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work is an extensive qualification designed for designated workplace first aiders who require comprehensive knowledge and skills to manage a wide range of emergency situations. This qualification exceeds the Level 2 standard, providing deeper understanding of medical conditions, extended practical training, and advanced first aid techniques.
This course meets the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements for workplace first aiders in higher-risk environments. It combines theoretical knowledge with extensive hands-on practice, ensuring participants can confidently handle complex emergency situations and provide effective first aid care until professional medical help arrives.
Learning Outcomes
- Conduct comprehensive primary and secondary surveys with advanced assessment techniques
- Perform high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants following current international guidelines
- Demonstrate advanced AED operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures
- Manage severe bleeding, including arterial bleeding, using advanced pressure techniques and tourniquets
- Recognize and manage various types of shock with appropriate treatment protocols
- Provide comprehensive first aid for complex injuries including fractures, dislocations, and spinal injuries
- Respond effectively to medical emergencies including heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and diabetic crises
- Manage breathing difficulties including asthma, anaphylaxis, and choking with advanced techniques
- Handle environmental emergencies including heat stroke, hypothermia, and poisoning
- Maintain accurate incident records and understand legal responsibilities and documentation requirements
- Coordinate multiple casualties and prioritize treatment in mass casualty situations
Target Audience
This qualification is essential for designated workplace first aiders, safety wardens, emergency response team members, supervisors, and anyone responsible for first aid provision in higher-risk workplaces. It is particularly valuable for construction sites, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and organizations requiring comprehensive first aid coverage.
Entry Requirements
- Minimum age of 16 years at course commencement
- Good physical fitness to perform extended CPR and practical exercises
- Basic English language proficiency for reading, writing, and communication
- Previous first aid experience recommended but not essential
- Willingness to participate in extended practical exercises and role-play scenarios
- Valid photographic identification required for certification purposes
Course Details
Module 1: Advanced First Aid Principles and Legal Framework
- Role and responsibilities of designated workplace first aiders
- Legal framework, duty of care, and employer obligations under HSE regulations
- Consent, confidentiality, and ethical considerations in first aid
- First aid risk assessments and workplace first aid provision requirements
- Record keeping, incident reporting, and documentation best practices
Module 2: Advanced Assessment and Scene Management
- Comprehensive scene assessment and dynamic risk assessment
- DRABC protocol and extended casualty assessment techniques
- Secondary survey with detailed head-to-toe examination
- Multiple casualty management and triage principles
- Effective communication with casualties, bystanders, and emergency services
Module 3: Advanced CPR and AED Techniques
- Adult, child, and infant CPR with advanced techniques
- Two-rescuer CPR and team coordination
- Advanced AED operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
- Recovery position variations and airway management
- Choking relief for conscious and unconscious casualties across all age groups
Module 4: Advanced Bleeding and Shock Management
- Classification and management of arterial, venous, and capillary bleeding
- Advanced pressure techniques, pressure points, and elevation
- Tourniquet application and hemostatic agent use
- Recognition and management of hypovolemic, cardiogenic, anaphylactic, and neurogenic shock
- Wound care, dressing techniques, and infection prevention
Module 5: Complex Injuries and Trauma
- Fracture recognition, classification, and immobilization techniques
- Spinal injury management and log-roll techniques
- Head injuries, concussion assessment, and neurological observations
- Eye injuries, foreign body removal, and chemical exposure management
- Chest injuries, rib fractures, and pneumothorax recognition
Module 6: Advanced Medical Emergencies
- Heart attack, angina, and cardiac conditions - recognition and management
- Stroke recognition using FAST protocol and time-critical interventions
- Seizure management, status epilepticus, and post-seizure care
- Diabetic emergencies - hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia management
- Asthma, anaphylaxis, and respiratory distress - advanced management
Module 7: Environmental and Special Situations
- Heat-related illnesses - heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Hypothermia, frostbite, and cold-related injury management
- Poisoning, overdose recognition, and initial response protocols
- Bites, stings, and allergic reactions - comprehensive management
- Electric shock, lightning strike, and electrical injury management
Course Duration
- Total Duration: 18 hours (3 days)
- Classroom Sessions: 12 hours of intensive training
- Practical Exercises: 6 hours of hands-on practice
- Breaks: Regular breaks including lunch periods
- Flexible scheduling options including weekend and evening courses
Assessment Methods
- Practical Skills Assessment: Demonstration of advanced CPR, AED use, and first aid techniques
- Multiple Choice Examination: 50 questions covering theoretical knowledge
- Scenario-Based Assessment: Response to complex simulated emergency situations
- Continuous Assessment: Ongoing evaluation throughout the course
- Pass Mark: 75% minimum requirement for certification
- Official AOSH (UK) Level 3 First Aid at Work certificate issued upon successful completion
- Certificate valid for 3 years from date of issue
- Meets HSE requirements for workplace first aiders in higher-risk environments
- Internationally recognized qualification accepted in over 60 countries
- Recommended refresher training every 3 years to maintain current knowledge