🩺 First Aid Training Roscommon: Why High Standards Matter More Than Ever

spelicnicolette
Nov 12
3 min read

A recent audit by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) has raised important questions about quality and oversight in the Irish first-aid training sector. Out of 25 training institutions audited last year, seven were delisted due to “unacceptable” standards — a significant figure in a sector that issues over 55,000 First Aid Responder (FAR) certificates annually.

TheJournal.ie reported concerns including out-of-date course materials, poor oversight of subcontracted trainers, and inconsistencies in quality assurance. These findings prompted PHECC to roll out a new digital certification portal, ensuring improved transparency and accountability across all providers from March onwards.

What This Means for Businesses and Learners in Ireland

Training quality varies more than many assume. Inaccurate or outdated content can put staff — and organisations — at risk.
Oversight matters. Subcontracted training must be monitored to maintain standards.
Digital certification is now essential. It protects learners and employers by preventing misuse of outdated certificates.
Workplace compliance depends on proper training. Employers have clear responsibilities under Irish law.

Why SkillWise Does Not Offer “Quick or Shortcut” First Aid Courses

Short, fast, online-only first aid courses may sound convenient — but they do not meet Irish workplace requirements and do not prepare someone to respond in a real emergency.

At SkillWise, we refuse to compromise on quality, and here’s why:

🔵 Real First Aid Requires Real Practice

Skills like CPR, AED use, choking management and bleeding control cannot be learned to a safe standard through quick online modules alone. They require:

hands-on practice,
realistic scenarios,
immediate instructor feedback,
correct technique assessment.
--> most important "shared knowledge" and experiences by you.

Lives depend on these skills being performed correctly under pressure.

🔵 Irish Employers Need PHECC-Approved Training

Under S.I. 299/2007 and workplace regulations, businesses must use recognised, compliant training. Quick online certificates do not meet this standard.

SkillWise delivers:

accredited in-person sessions,
blended learning where appropriate (theory online + practice in person),
full compliance with Irish legislation and PHECC guidelines.

🔵 High-Quality Training Protects Your Staff & Your Company

A low-cost, low-quality course may seem attractive — until an incident happens. When there is a real emergency, only properly trained responders can act with confidence.

🔵 We Take Our Responsibility Seriously

SkillWise training is:

up-to-date with the latest clinical guidance,
taught by qualified, experienced instructors,
supported with professional equipment (manikins, AED trainers, scenario tools),
delivered to the standard your workplace deserves.

No shortcuts. No gimmicks. Just high-quality training that saves lives.

We commit to provide high quality training from Manual Handling to First Aid Response training in Roscommon, the Midlands and Nationwide. PHECC certified and recognised by the HSE - delivered by QQI level 6 Instructor.

Our Commitment at SkillWise

We welcome higher standards and stronger oversight in the industry. SkillWise is built on quality, transparency, and professionalism — whether it’s our in-person training or our digital learning tools in the SkillWise App.

If your organisation wants training that is compliant, credible, and genuinely prepares your team for emergencies, we’re here to help.

Plus - we collaborate with trainers nationwide that support and commit to the same standard.