Confessions from behind the whiteboard # 2
- City First Aid
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
I'm so far behind the whiteboard this week I'm sitting at my computer in the office.
Today I'm Office Gail. One of the team that answers the emails, fields the phone calls, and apparently makes videos in between.
So when I'm not Teaching Gail, I'm Office Gail or NZQA Gail.
And the question that lands in our ears more than any other is:
“Which course do I actually need?”
So I made a video.
Here it is.
But if you'd rather read than watch, here’s the simple version.
The short answer: Most people are trying to decide between First Aid Basics and Foundation First Aid. Both teach lifesaving skills. Both are practical. Both are designed for everyday people. The difference mostly comes down to why you need it.
First Aid Basics
First Aid Basics is designed for confidence and everyday life.
It's perfect if you want to know what to do when something happens at home, at sport, or when you're out and about.
You’ll learn things like:
CPR and how to use an AED
What to do if someone is choking
Managing bleeding
Burns, sprains and fractures
Seizures, asthma, heart attacks, strokes and diabetic emergencies
It’s practical, hands-on, and focused on helping people until professional help arrives.
For a lot of people, this course is exactly what they’re looking for. It's also a lot more customisable if you are doing a FAB course as a company, it can be tailored to your exact workplace.
Foundation First Aid
Foundation First Aid includes those same practical skills, but it also meets workplace requirements. It’s aligned with NZQA unit standards, which are nationally recognised standards of performance. The foundation first aid course is what most workplaces require for staff who are designated first aiders. It's a little longer and a little more costly.
If your employer has asked you to get “a first aid certificate”, this is usually the course they mean. So which one should you choose?
A quick rule of thumb:
Choose First Aid Basics if:
You want practical lifesaving skills
You’re doing it for personal confidence
You’re a parent, coach, or community member
Choose Foundation First Aid if:
Your workplace requires a certificate with unit standards
You are a designated workplace first aider
You need an NZQA-recognised course
The important part
Honestly, the most important thing isn't which course you choose. It's learning the skills in the first place. Because emergencies rarely happen when it's convenient. They happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone.
And when they do, the person who knows what to do can make all the difference.
- Gail(sometimes Teaching Gail, sometimes Office Gail)
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