Key Takeaway: HLTAID011 Provide First Aid includes three units of competency

If you’re wondering, how many modules are in a first aid course?, you’re not alone!
You want to make sure that you are booking the right course and getting the right training.

Standard first aid courses don’t have “modules” but can be made up of multiple “units of competency.” In this article will show you what units of competency our main first aid course: “HLTAID011 Provide First Aid” is made up of.

The Three Essential Units of Competency in a First Aid Course

A standard first aid course actually covers three key units, each focusing on crucial life-saving skills:

Unit 1: HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

This unit teaches you how to respond when someone’s heart stops beating. According to training.gov.au, it includes:

Identifying an emergency and responding appropriately
Performing CPR on adults, children, and infants
Communicating with emergency responders
Reviewing and improving your response

CPR might seem straightforward, but mastering it takes hands-on practice. This unit ensures you’re confident and ready to act in a real emergency.

Unit 2: HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support

Beyond CPR, this unit expands your skills to handle essential things that are needed to manage emergencies including

Obtain consent from casualty where possible.

Use available resources and equipment to make the casualty as comfortable as possible.

Operate first aid equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions.

Monitor the casualty’s condition and respond in accordance with first aid principles.

This unit covers the most time-sensitive, high-risk first aid scenarios where taking action can mean the difference between life and death.

Unit 3: HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid

The final unit builds on everything you’ve learned, adding a broader range of skills, including:

Treating burns, fractures, bites, and stings
Managing medical conditions like asthma and diabetes emergencies
Communicating effectively with casualties and emergency responders
Reviewing performance for continuous improvement

By completing this unit, you become the go-to person in any emergency—ready to assist with confidence.

Why Are These Called Units, Not Modules?

In casual conversation, people often refer to these sections as “modules,” but in official training terminology, they’re called units of competency. Modules typically refer to sections within a broader educational course, whereas units of competency are nationally accredited training components that you must demonstrate proficiency in to gain certification.

So, while you might hear someone ask how many modules are in a first aid course?, the correct answer is that a standard first aid course includes three main units of competency.

Your First Aid Certificate: Three Units in One Course

When you complete an HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course, you’re not just learning one skill—you’re certified across all three essential units. This means your training covers everything from CPR to emergency life support and broader first aid applications, all in one day.

Ready to Get First Aid Certified?

If you’re in Brisbane and looking for hands-on, practical training that sticks, we run first aid courses every week. Gain the skills, earn your certification, and be prepared to save a life when it matters most!

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