The Difference Between Occupational First Aid and FAR (First Aid Response)

If you’re researching first aid training for work in Ireland, you’ve probably come across two common terms: Occupational First Aid and FAR (First Aid Response). While both aim to provide essential life-saving skills in the workplace, they are not the same – and one is no longer recognised under current Irish legislation.


So, what’s the difference? And which one should you be offering in your workplace today?


Let’s break it down 👇



🏥 What Was Occupational First Aid?

Occupational First Aid (OFA) was the standard workplace first aid qualification in Ireland for many years. It was typically a 3-day course that taught participants how to:

• Assess emergency situations
  
• Provide CPR and use AEDs
  
• Manage wounds, burns, fractures, and medical emergencies
  
• Keep a casualty safe until professional help arrived
  

However, with updates to national training standards, Occupational First Aid has been phased out.



✅ What Is FAR (First Aid Response)?

FAR (First Aid Response) is the current and nationally recognised first aid qualification in Ireland. It was developed by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and replaced Occupational First Aid in 2016.


The FAR course is designed to meet the needs of both workplaces and community settings. It covers:

• Pre-hospital emergency care skills
  
• Adult, child, and infant CPR & AED
  
• Patient assessment & incident management
  
• Choking, bleeding, burns, fractures, seizures, stroke, heart attack, and more
  
• Record keeping and handover to emergency services
  

FAR is now the only recognised first aid qualification for compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.



💡 Why Choose Safety Training Ireland for FAR?

At Safety Training Ireland, we’re approved by PHECC to deliver high-quality First Aid Response (FAR) training for:

• Workplaces of all sizes
  
• Schools and childcare providers
  
• Sports clubs and community groups
  
• Individuals looking to upskill
  

We offer on-site training, public course dates, and refresher training across Ireland.



📅 Ready to Update Your First Aid Qualification?


Whether you’re a business owner, HR manager, or someone looking to upskill, make sure your training is up to date and legally compliant.


👉 Book your FAR course with us today at www.safetytrainingireland.ie
📧 Have a question? Email us at: [email protected]