First Aid Requirements for Schools in the ACT

Whether you're a teacher, school administrator, or P&C member trying to ensure your school is compliant, first aid requirements in ACT schools can seem complicated. Here's a clear overview of what's required and how to meet it.

The Legal Framework

ACT schools must comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (ACT), which requires employers to ensure trained first aiders are available. The ACT Education Directorate also has its own policies governing first aid in government schools. Non-government schools are governed by their own registration requirements, which align closely with WHS obligations.

In practice, every ACT school is expected to maintain at least one current, trained first aid officer on site at all times during school hours.

What Certificate Do School Staff Need?

The standard qualification required is HLTAID011 — Provide First Aid. This is the nationally recognised generalist first aid certificate covering CPR, anaphylaxis, asthma, bleeding, burns, fractures and more.

Many ACT schools — particularly those with students who have diagnosed allergies or medical conditions — also require designated staff to hold additional training in:

• ·Anaphylaxis management (using an adrenaline auto-injector such as an EpiPen)
• ·Emergency asthma management (using a puffer and spacer)

HLTAID011 includes both anaphylaxis and asthma management components, so a current HLTAID011 certificate satisfies these requirements.

Who Should Be Trained?

While WHS law specifies a minimum number of trained first aiders (based on workplace size and risk), most ACT schools take a more comprehensive approach. Common practice includes requiring first aid training for:

• ·The designated school first aid officer(s)
• ·Front office and administration staff who are often first to respond
• ·Teachers supervising students with known medical conditions
• ·All staff at smaller schools where coverage can otherwise be limited

Excursions and Camps

At least one staff member with a current first aid certificate must accompany students on every school excursion and camp. For overnight activities and camps in remote locations, additional trained staff and a well-stocked first aid kit are required. Some excursion providers may also have their own first aid requirements for accompanying teachers.

Certificate Renewal

First Aid (HLTAID011) certificates are recommended for renewal every 3 years, with CPR renewed annually. Schools should track staff certificate expiry dates to ensure compliance is maintained year-round — a lapsed certificate during school hours creates a compliance gap.