First Aid Responder Course in Wexford
PHECC-Accredited FAR Training — Gorey, Co. Wexford
View Courses →The First Aid Responder Course in Wexford is the PHECC-accredited qualification your workplace needs. WorkSafe Ireland runs it from our training centre at Gorey Business Park, Co. Wexford — the base we've worked from for over 20 years, serving employers across Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford.
What is a First Aid Responder?
A first aid responder is a trained workplace first aider who holds a current PHECC certificate. The first aid responder course is a 3-day, PHECC-accredited programme that prepares them to give immediate, competent first aid in the workplace until the emergency services arrive. It replaced Occupational First Aid in 2018 and is the standard recognised by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) for workplace first aiders in Ireland.
Who needs the FAR qualification?
Under HSA guidelines, employers must provide adequate first-aid cover for their staff. The number of trained first aiders you need depends on your headcount and the level of risk on site. For most South-East businesses — manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, retail or construction — having at least one certified PHECC first aid responder on the team is the practical way to meet that obligation.
What you'll learn — the FAR syllabus
The first aid responder training is hands-on and practical, covering:
- Patient assessment and the primary survey
- Cardiac First Response – Community (CPR and AED), the core of any CPR certification
- Airway management and the recovery position
- Bleeding, wound and shock management
- Common medical emergencies — cardiac, stroke, diabetic, seizure and allergic reactions
- Injury management — fractures, burns, head and spinal injuries
- Maintaining a workplace first-aid register
Assessment is continuous across the three days, with a final practical and theory check. Pass, and you receive a PHECC First Aid Responder certificate valid for two years.
Why choose the First Aid Responder Course in Wexford?
Our Gorey Business Park centre is purpose-built for practical training, with modern AV equipment, hands-on aids and ample free parking. Because it's our home base, we schedule regular public first aid courses here and can turn around in-company group bookings quickly for businesses across the South-East. Small class sizes mean every learner gets real practice on CPR, AED and bandaging — not just a demo from the back of the room.
PHECC certification explained
The course is accredited by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), the statutory body that sets pre-hospital care standards in Ireland. A PHECC FAR certificate is recognised nationwide, so your staff's qualification is valid wherever they work.
First Aid Responder vs first aider
People use the terms interchangeably, but in Ireland "First Aid Responder" is the specific PHECC qualification that satisfies HSA workplace requirements, while "first aider" is just the general label. FAR goes further than a basic first aid course by including Cardiac First Response and structured patient assessment — which is exactly why employers ask for it.
First Aid Responder Course in Wexford — price
The First Aid Responder Course in Wexford is €175 per person on a public course, including SOLAS registration, a breakfast roll and refreshments. For teams, in-company first aid responder training is €1,950 for 4–16 people plus a €32 registration fee per participant, delivered at our Gorey centre or on your own site. See upcoming Wexford dates and book online, or get in touch for a group quote.
Related first aid courses
FAR certification lasts two years — renew it before it lapses with our First Aid Refresher course. Many South-East employers also pair it with SOLAS Safe Pass and Manual Handling for full workplace compliance. If you need a specific qualification such as paediatric first aid, get in touch and we'll point you to the right course.
Is it available online? No — PHECC requires the First Aid Responder course to be delivered in person, because the CPR, AED and casualty-handling skills have to be assessed practically. Be cautious of any "online first aid responder course" claiming to award the full PHECC FAR certificate.
Based in Dublin instead?
We run the same PHECC course from our Belgard Road centre — see our First Aid Responder Course in Dublin page. We also deliver in-company training nationwide, including Cork, Galway and Limerick.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the first aid responder course?
Three days. You can take it as three consecutive days or as three separate dates spread over three weeks, whichever suits your roster.
What is a first aid responder?
A first aid responder is a trained workplace first aider holding a current PHECC certificate. They assess a casualty, perform CPR and use an AED if needed, control bleeding, manage shock and common medical emergencies, and hand over to the ambulance service.
Is first responder training adequate for workplace first aid?
Yes. The PHECC First Aid Responder qualification is the recognised standard for workplace first aid in Ireland and is accepted by the HSA, so a FAR holder is fully equipped to act as your workplace first aider.
How much does the course cost in Wexford?
€175 per person on a public course at our Gorey centre, with team and in-company rates available for groups.
Can the FAR qualification help with first aid responder jobs?
Yes. A current PHECC FAR certificate is widely listed as a requirement or advantage for first aid responder jobs across Irish workplaces, and it's the recognised starting point before any first aid responder instructor course.
PHECC-accredited · HSA-recognised · small classes at Gorey Business Park.
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