PHECC Cardiac First Response Course

A Cardiac First Response CFR Community level is a person trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) who can respond to someone who has suddenly collapsed. A cardiac first responder plays a critical role in keeping a person alive until the arrival of health care professionals. The care management includes, FAST assessment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults, children and infants and AED use. This award ensures that the responder has fulfilled the educational and training requirements as prescribed by PHECC, thereby possessing the knowledge, skills and professionalism in line with the expectations of the public and the profession. It is recommended that the cardiac first response ensure their ongoing competency by participation in annual refresher training and certification every two years.

The Cardiac First Response CFR Course can be delivered onsite or offsite as required in Cork and Nationwide. The cardiac first response course is delivered by registered Prehospital Emergency Care Council practitioners with frontline ambulance experience.

English Language: All our PHECC courses are delivered in English. Students are expected to have good command of the english language.

PHECC Cardiac First Response Course | CFR Course

Course duration: 4 hours

Course involves lectures with practical training & assessment.

Module 1: Basic Emergency Care

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation
Obvious signs of death and when resuscitation is not indicated
Heart attack, Stroke, Cardiac arrest and Choking
FAST assessment (Face, Arms, Speech & Time assessment)
One-responder and two-responder CPR Resuscitation
Management of a choking patient who is responsive and then becomes unresponsive
Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) 300 mg tablet administration for cardiac chest pain as per the PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines
Post resuscitation care management for patients following return of normal spontaneous breathing

Module 2:

Functions of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
When to use an AED
Steps of AED operation
Safety precautions for using an AED
Steps to check and maintain an AED

Module 3:

The links in the chain of survival
The importance of calling 112/ 999
How using a RED Card (Request Emergency Dispatch card) can enhance communication
The elements of scene safety
The benefits of an explicit handover, including documentation as appropriate, between Responders and healthcare professionals
The role of the Cardiac First Response (CFR) report and the benefits of collecting information for the out of hospital cardiac arrest register (OHCAR)
Patient confidentiality

Certification: PHECC Cardiac First Response Course CFR Course valid for 2 years