A basic first aid course should cover essential emergency situations and prepare candidates to deliver life-saving first aid. We’ve compiled a list of the most important first aid training topics to cover in a Basic First Aid (BFA) training course. Basic first aid training courses are often shorter courses without the time to cover more advanced first aid training techniques and subject areas.

A basic first aid training course should cover these topics through a mix of theory (classroom) and practical activities. First aid is a practical skill, therefore hands-on practice is essential to learn these basic lifesaving skills.

Do you have a suggested first aid topic to add to our list? Please let us know by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post.

Introductory topics

• Aims of first aid & the role of a first aider
• Incident management
• Communicating with a patient
• Contents of a first aid kit

Lifesaving skills

• Primary survey
• The recovery position / safe airway position
• The chain of survival
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Choking

Injuries

• Major hemorrhage (bleeding)
• Recognition and treatment of shock
• Burns & scalds
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Minor injuries

Medical conditions

• Heart attack and angina
• Asthma
• Seizures and Epilepsy
• Diabetic emergencies (low and high blood sugar levels)

Depending on the length of the course, pediatric topics may be included. Important pediatric first aid training topics to include are:

• Pediatric recovery position (baby and child)
• Infant and child CPR modifications
• Choking for children and babies
• Common childhood illnesses
• Asthma