CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a First Aid Officer: Australian Careers in Health

0 Course

On this page

What is a First Aid Officer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a First Aid Officer?

A First Aid Officer provides immediate medical care to injured or ill people. They work in workplaces, schools, and community settings. They are the first point of contact in an emergency, acting before paramedics arrive. This role requires calm thinking under pressure and strong hands-on skills.

First Aid Officers do more than respond to emergencies. They check the health needs of their workplace and keep first aid supplies stocked. They also train others in basic life-saving skills. Teaching colleagues how to respond builds a culture of safety in every setting they work in.

Day-to-day tasks include keeping incident records, checking first aid kits, and taking part in safety audits. First Aid Officers also help develop health and safety policies. This makes sure the workplace is prepared before any emergency happens.

The demand for First Aid Officers is growing. More employers now see workplace safety as a core duty, not just a legal requirement. For people who want to help others and make a real difference, this is a rewarding and practical career choice.

Icon

Career snapshots For First Aid Officers

First Aid Officers work across many industries in Australia, from education and health care to construction and events. Nationally, around 980 people work in first aid training and officer roles (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). Future demand is rated as moderate. The median age is 50 years, and about 52% of workers are female. Around 35% work full-time, averaging 41 hours per week.

Many people hold this role as a designated duty alongside another job. This is common in schools, offices, and industrial workplaces. Salary varies by industry, with higher pay found in mining and remote site settings. Working as a First Aid Officer builds a strong foundation in workplace health and safety.

What will I do?

A First Aid Officer is a key part of any workplace safety team. They respond to emergencies, run training programs, and help build a culture of safety. The role blends hands-on emergency response with steady work to keep workplaces prepared.

  • Responds to medical emergencies – Assesses the situation and gives first aid treatment until professional help arrives.
  • Conducts first aid training – Runs sessions to teach colleagues and community members how to handle medical emergencies.
  • Maintains first aid supplies – Checks and restocks first aid kits and keeps all equipment in good working order.
  • Develops first aid procedures – Works with management to write and update emergency response plans and guidelines.
  • Documents incidents – Keeps accurate records of each event and the care provided for compliance and review purposes.
  • Participates in safety audits – Reviews workplace safety practices and helps find hazards before they cause harm.
  • Promotes health and safety awareness – Runs workshops and sessions to keep safety front of mind across the organisation.

What skills do I need?

A First Aid Officer needs a solid mix of practical and people skills. The core skill is thorough knowledge of first aid procedures. These include CPR, wound management, and how to use a defibrillator. Good observation skills help you assess a situation quickly and choose the right response.

Clear communication is also essential. A First Aid Officer must give calm, direct instructions during emergencies. They also explain care steps to patients and bystanders clearly. Teaching skills matter too, as many First Aid Officers run training sessions for staff or community groups. Problem-solving and the ability to stay calm under pressure complete the skill set needed for this role.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong knowledge of first aid principles and procedures
  • CPR and defibrillator (AED) skills
  • Clear and calm communication during emergencies
  • Quick observation and situation assessment
  • Ability to stay calm under pressure
  • Empathy and care for others
  • Teaching and facilitation skills
  • Record-keeping and report writing
  • Knowledge of workplace health and safety law
  • Physical fitness for hands-on patient care
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Problem-solving in fast-changing situations
  • Commitment to ongoing training and certification

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Related Careers

About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.