First aid and CPR training courses are important for people who work in many different fields, including healthcare, manufacturing, construction, teaching, and childcare. First aid encompasses many different situations and procedures, so most training providers offer courses at different levels from level 1 to level 3.

Different workplaces need different levels of training for their workers, so it's important to understand what the different levels of first aid courses entail to choose the one that's best for your organization. The government regulates first aid training for workers in many sectors as well, so check your local jurisdiction's laws and rules before you decide how many workers to train and what level of training they need.

Level 1

Level 1 first aid courses are the most basic first aid courses available. Many businesses have all employees complete a basic first aid course, such as a level 1 course, as part of their standard training. Some level 1 first aid courses also include basic CPR and AED training, while some training providers offer CPR training and certification as separate qualifications. Level 1 first aid courses are typically one-day courses that teach the basics of first aid and may teach basic CPR skills as well. This basic level of training teaches workers to recognize emergencies and use a basic first aid kit to respond to injuries and medical emergencies, such as sprains, broken bones, wounds, head and neck injuries, choking, and poisoning.

Level 2

Level 2 first aid courses cover first aid basics like level 1 courses, but they also cover additional information about more complex injuries. Many level 2 courses cover information related to why certain procedures are done for a more in-depth understanding of treating injuries and medical emergencies. Many first aid training providers offer level 2 classes tailored for people on emergency response teams, lifeguards, teachers, and other professionals who need to know more than the basics.

Level 3

Level 3 first aid courses are the highest level offered by many first aid training companies. These courses are advanced and cover a wide breadth of emergency response topics. 

Level 3 first aid training is best for people who have hazardous jobs, workplace supervisors, and people who work in remote areas where access to emergency healthcare services is limited. Some advanced topics covered in level 3 first aid courses include emergency childbirth, drowning emergencies, psychiatric emergencies, and oxygen therapy. Most level 3 courses take multiple days and cover CPR and AED skills for all age levels.

If you're still not sure which level of first aid to choose for your employees, contact a training provider for help assessing the potential hazards and need for first aid and CPR in your workplace.