How long is the First Aid Level 1 course?

1 day with self-study, or 2 days with theory in class; the public class is the 1-day self-study option. Both include theory and practical, hands-on training. The 1-day option has pre-course self-study and a theory pre-test before the training day.

Is the certificate recognised by the Department of Employment and Labour?

Yes. This course is accredited by the Department of Employment and Labour and aligned to the QCTO curriculum and on successful completion each delegate receives a Certificate of Compliance which is valid for 3 years.

How long is the certificate valid for?

The First Aid Level 1 certificate is valid for 3 years with the Department of Employment and Labour.

How many first aiders does my workplace need?

More than 10 employees: at least one first aider per 50 (per 100 in shops and offices), on every shift. General Safety Regulation 3(4) sets this. Work out your number with the calculator above. DDi recommends at least 2 trained first aiders per site, so cover continues when one is on leave, and your risk assessment may call for more.

What does the First Aid Level 1 course cover?

The course covers CPR (adult, child and infant), AED usage, choking, wound care and bleeding control, shock management, burns, fractures, head and spinal injuries, scene management, and the legal responsibilities of a first aider.

What is the difference between First Aid Level 1, 2 and 3?

The three levels build on each other. Level 1 (Basic) covers core skills like CPR, wound care and common emergencies. It takes 1 day with self-study, or 2 days with theory in class, and suits low-risk environments. Level 2 (Intermediate) adds topics like chest and abdominal injuries, infectious diseases and allergic reactions over 2 or 3 days, aimed at moderate-risk settings like schools and offices. Level 3 (Advanced) is a 4 or 5 day course covering complex scenarios including emergency childbirth, oxygen administration and blood pressure monitoring, designed for high-risk workplaces like construction sites and manufacturing plants. Your risk assessment will determine which level your workplace needs.

Where does DDi offer the trainings?

DDi offers onsite First Aid training for groups in Gauteng and Cape Town, as well as public classes in Centurion. We can also travel to other provinces if required. Contact us for an onsite training quote.

What changed with the QCTO first aid courses?

First Aid Level 1, 2 and 3 are now called Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Emergency First Aid Responder. Adult, child and infant CPR, choking and the AED are taught on all three levels; before, Level 1 covered adult CPR only. A provider must now be accredited with the QCTO (or hold SETA legacy accreditation) before the Department of Employment and Labour approves it to present first aid compliance training.

Why is there no QCTO or Department of Employment and Labour logo on my certificate?

A first aid compliance certificate carries DDi's Department of Employment and Labour approval number, and that's it. The Department of Employment and Labour doesn't give permission to use its logo, and the QCTO prints its own certificates for QCTO qualifications. DDi prints only what the law allows on a certificate.

First Aid Level 1 Course | Accredited Training

First Aid Level 1 (Basic Emergency First Aid Responder)

Department of Employment and Labour accredited and aligned to the QCTO curriculum. 1 day with self-study, or 2 days with theory in class; certificate valid 3 years.

★★★★★ 4.9 from 257+ Google reviews Based in Centurion. Onsite across Gauteng, and anywhere in South Africa with travel quoted.

Benefits of Working With DDi

OHS Act compliant training

Certified first aiders, SHE reps and fire teams, so your OHS Act boxes are ticked.

We come to you, or join a public class

We handle the admin, and train at your workplace, in Centurion or online.

Facilitators with real-life experience

Facilitators with real emergency experience, who answer every question.

Lekker interactive, never boring

Engaging, clear and fun, so people stay switched on all day.

Practical, hands-on learning

Hands-on CPR and first aid on real manikins and AEDs, not a day of slides.

Same-day certificate

Signed onsite at the end of the training, for every delegate found competent, when we have their ID copy beforehand.

Accredited First Aid Training Services

Improve safety in the workplace with DDi’s First Aid Level 1 (Basic Emergency First Aid Responder) training.

Course Information

Course Details

Certification: This course is accredited by the Department of Labour and aligned to the QCTO curriculum and on successful completion each delegate receives a Certificate of Compliance which is valid for 3 years.
Duration: 1 day with self-study, or 2 days with theory in class; the public class is the 1-day self-study option.
Venue: We offer onsite training for groups. Individuals can attend our public classes in Centurion (contact us for dates, or book a public class).
Pricing: R1,050 per person for the public class in Centurion, or onsite from R730 per person (excl. VAT) for groups of 20 or more (R950 for 4 to 9). Contact us for a quote for your group and location.
Course content: see the full Basic Emergency First Aid Responder course content.

Why First Aid Level 1 Training?

Besides the legal requirement to have first aiders, it’s important to have someone in the workplace who can provide emergency assistance should there be medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, seizures, excessive bleeding or burns. First Aid Level 1 (Basic Emergency First Aid Responder) will prepare your staff to respond properly with the correct medical protocols, and assists towards OHS Act compliance (depending on the nature of the workplace).

First Aid Level 2 (Intermediate) and First Aid Level 3 (Advanced) are also offered. These higher level courses include more advanced training and a broader range of emergencies. We offer training courses onsite at your workplace, and public classes for selected training.

Our First Aid Level 1, 2 and 3 training (Basic, Intermediate and Advanced) also includes CPR and AED training.

Is Level 1 the same as Basic Emergency First Aid Responder?

Yes. On 1 July 2024 the QCTO curriculum Basic Emergency First Aid Responder replaced the old First Aid Level 1. Most people still call it Level 1, so we use both names. DDi’s First Aid Level 1 course is accredited by the Department of Labour and aligned to the QCTO curriculum.

Levels 2 and 3 changed the same way in July 2024: Level 2 is now Intermediate Emergency First Aid Responder and Level 3 is Advanced Emergency First Aid Responder. Not sure which level you need? Read the different first aid course levels explained.

Who is this course for?

Businesses
Schools, colleges and universities
Event organisers
Anyone needing Department of Labour accredited first aid training

Training for your family, not for work? Family First Aid Training runs family first aid and CPR courses.

Got questions about our first aid training courses?

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4.9★★★★★257+ reviewsRead all reviews

“The first aid training we received was concise and clear, and the practical activities built our confidence. They answered all our questions, and we all feel better equipped to handle emergencies.”
Maria Nienaber

This was an amazing course. I did the 1 day Basic First Aid course and had an amazing day. I learned a lot and I feel confident if there was ever a situation where I would need to provide first aid, I would be able to do so. I had fun, I learned a lot and would recommend it to everyone who needs/wants to do a First Aid training.

★★★★★Eline Weg

Excellent First Aid Training provided - experienced and knowledgeable instructor, practical training incorporated into the course and good facilities.

★★★★★Ashika Ramatar

We had our 1 day basic first aid training done by DDi's at the office and was a great experience. The facilitator, Keletso was well informed and made the training fun and not boring. We did not only do theory but had a lot of time to do the practical training. Will definitely recommend DDi to others.

★★★★★Brittney Saunders

First Aid Level 1 (Basic Emergency First Aid Responder)