When a learner suffers a severe allergic reaction at school, a child collapses on the sports field, or a preschooler chokes during lunch, the quality and speed of the first aid given in the first few minutes dictates that child’s chances of survival and recovery. As teachers and educators, you’re entrusted with the health and safety of the learners in your care (as per Section 9 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act), and having high-quality, current first aid training is of paramount importance.
But is first aid training mandatory for teachers and schools? And if so, what level is required? This guide answers these questions accurately and clearly.
The short answer is no, first aid training is not a mandatory requirement for teachers looking to register with the South Africa Council for Educators (SACE). Whether particular schools require teachers to have a current first aid certificate to be eligible for a teaching post is up to the school. Often, a first aid certificate is preferable for teaching posts and is therefore a valuable and worthwhile addition to any educator’s CV.
Yes, schools are workplaces. This means that the OHS Act applies to them in the same way it applies to any other employer. According to the General Safety Regulations, any workplace with more than ten employees must legally appoint a certified First Aider who is available during normal working hours. In addition, the Act states that additional First Aiders must be appointed at a rate of one First Aider per group of 50 employees.
While the Act refers to employees, in the case of schools it is prudent to extend this count to include learners. As such, schools should appoint one First Aider per group of 50 employees and learners.
For example, if a school employs 20 staff members, and has 300 learners enrolled, the total number to consider is 320. The school in this scenario should appoint seven First Aiders to achieve a reasonable and compliant level of first aid coverage.
First Aid NQF Level 1 is the minimum accredited first aid qualification under the South African NQF framework. It provides an excellent grounding in first aid knowledge and skills, and is suitable for a wide range of work environments, including schools.
Basic Emergency First Aid Responder is the newly-launched first aid skills programme accredited by the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations), which is now the recognised accreditation body governing occupational skills programmes in South Africa.
Both First Aid NQF Level 1 and Basic Emergency First Aid Responder are suitable for teachers and educators working in South African schools. Importantly, both courses cover critical first aid skills (such as CPR and choking response) for adults, children, and infants. This is important to note, as children’s smaller airways and developing physiology require different first aid procedures.
Both courses include theory and hands-on, practical exposure. The practical aspect of first aid training is an essential component of high-quality training. Educators attending these courses will have the opportunity to practice CPR on a mannikin, bandage and splint limbs, and role-play common medical emergency scenarios.
While the two courses do differ slightly, both cover the following essential content:
Note that First Aid NQF Level 1 is a two-day course, while Basic Emergency First Aid Responder is a three-day course.
Any educator interested in improving their first aid skills should consider taking a First Aid Levels 1, 2 and 3 Combination course. This five-day course provides more in-depth training in emergency first aid care, and covers additional content like childbirth, drowning, and how to manage a mass casualty situation. Delegates receive additional practical training during the course.
Yes, accredited first aid training can count as Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) under the South African Council for Educators (SACE) framework, provided the training is accredited by the HWSETA/QCTO and DoEL. Schools can and should plan first aid training as part of their structured professional development calendar, rather than treating it as an add-on compliance exercise. This approach makes it easier to prioritise, schedule, and justify the investment in training time.
Legally, every school with more than ten staff members must appoint at least one formally trained, certified First Aider. Thereafter, the school should appoint one First Aider for every group of 50 people attending the school (counting staff and learners). Designated First Aiders are responsible for providing first aid in an emergency and for ensuring that the first aid box is maintained and well-stocked. The official First Aider should be appointed in writing for a specified time period, and should hold a first aid certificate from an accredited provider (which must be renewed every three years). The contact details of the First Aider responsible for each area/class/building should be displayed on or near the first aid box.
Ideally, all teaching staff — as well as administrative and grounds staff — should hold valid certificates in first aid.
All sports coaches — whether full-time or external — should undergo accredited first aid training. All sports carry some level of physical risk, and the school has a duty of care to ensure that sport coaches are well equipped to respond appropriately to injuries like sprains, strains, fractures, head and spinal injuries, cardiac arrests, etc. (Schools hosting sporting events should check local bylaws and provincial and national regulations for specific rules around required medical personnel at events.)
A compliant school first aid kit must meet the minimum prescribed contents under the General Safety Regulations of the OHS Act. For schools and other workplaces caring for children, a standard kit should be supplemented with:
First aid kits should be placed in accessible locations throughout the school, at reception, in the staff room, and in any high-traffic areas where incidents are most likely. Each kit must be clearly signed, regularly inspected, and restocked after every use. Portable first aid kits should always be taken on school excursions.
Absolute Health Services provides accredited first aid training that meets the needs of South African schools and educational institutions. Our training is delivered by experienced HPCSA-registered paramedics, and is accredited by the HWSETA or the QCTO and the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL). Our courses qualify for recognition as CPTD professional development hours under SACE.
We offer:
Contact us to discuss your school’s specific first aid training requirements and find out how we can help you meet your legal obligations while assisting you to make your school safer for educators, learners, and parents.
Is first aid training mandatory for all South African teachers? The OHS Act does not require every individual teacher to hold a first aid certificate. However, schools employing more than 10 people are legally required to appoint at least one certified First Aider, and schools’ duty of care to learners (as per Section 9 of the OHS Act) means that trained first aid capability across teaching staff is both a legal necessity and a professional responsibility.
What level of first aid training is recommended for school staff? First Aid NQF Level 1 is the legal minimum for the designated First Aider in most workplaces, including schools.
Does first aid training count as professional teacher development? Yes. Accredited first aid training from an HWSETA, QCTO, and DoEL-accredited provider can count towards CPTD (Continuing Professional Teacher Development) hours under SACE, making it a practical addition to your school’s structured professional development calendar.
What first aid equipment must a school have? Every school with more than five staff members must have at least one first aid kit stocked to the minimum prescribed contents under General Safety Regulations. For schools, this should be supplemented with additional items such as paediatric CPR face masks and an anaphylaxis response protocol. An AED is strongly recommended for all schools.
What is the difference between CPR training and first aid certification? CPR training teaches the specific skill of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, chest compressions and rescue breathing. First aid certification is broader, covering a full range of emergency response skills including CPR, bleeding management, fracture stabilisation, choking response, burns, and other emergencies. For school staff, accredited first aid certification — which includes CPR training — is the appropriate and legally recognised standard.
Ensure that you always have a correctly stocked First Aid Box in your workplace as per the Regulation 7.
Download our free checklist to keep on hand so that your are to respond to emergencies effectively.
