🩺 PHECC Industry Update 2025: What the Latest Audits & Regulatory Changes Mean for First Aid Training in Ireland

The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) has recently introduced a series of important updates impacting first aid training providers, instructors, and employers across Ireland. These changes are designed to raise national training standards, improve oversight, and ensure that First Aid Response (FAR) training is delivered to a consistently high level.

Below is a summary of the key developments — and what they mean for organisations choosing a training provider.

🔍 1. PHECC Audit Finds Major Gaps in Training Quality

A recent audit of 25 first-aid training institutions revealed that seven providers were delisted due to “unacceptable” standards. This created a significant impact in the sector, which issues over 55,000 FAR certificates every year.

Key issues identified included:

• Out-of-date training materials not aligned with 2021–2023 PHECC guideline changes

• Weak oversight of subcontracted trainers

• Inconsistent assessment processes

• Insufficient quality control and documentation

What this means for businesses: Choosing a training provider is no longer just a price comparison — it is a compliance decision. Employers must ensure their chosen provider is aligned with PHECC standards and uses up-to-date course materials and qualified instructors.

🧾 2. PHECC Launches New Digital Certification Portal

As part of the audit follow-up, PHECC introduced a new digital certification system to improve the traceability and validation of FAR certificates.

This system allows for:

• Digital verification of certificates

• Increased transparency

• Better tracking of recertification dates

• Reduced risk of invalid or outdated certs being used

Why it matters:Employers can now easily confirm that a staff member’s qualification is legitimate, current, and PHECC-approved.

🏛️ 3. New Board Appointments Signal a Stronger Compliance Era

In February 2025, the Minister for Health appointed new members to the PHECC Board, with terms running until 2029. This refreshed leadership is expected to continue strengthening oversight, auditing, and governance across Ireland’s pre-hospital care sector.

What this means for training providers:Higher accountability, more audits, and stricter alignment with standards — all reinforcing the importance of quality-controlled training.

📘 4. Draft Responder Education & Training Standards Now Released

PHECC also published the latest Draft Responder Education and Training Standards, which outline updated requirements for FAR, CFR and EMT education.

These draft standards signal upcoming changes that may include:

• Updated clinical content

• Revised training delivery structures

• Clearer assessment criteria

• Enhanced trainer qualification requirements

For organisations booking training: Providers who stay ahead of these updates — like SkillWise — are more likely to deliver content that reflects the latest best practices in emergency care.

💡 Why This Matters for Your Workplace

These industry shifts highlight one thing clearly:

👉 Not all training providers follow the same standards — but your workplace compliance depends on it.

Poor-quality training doesn’t just risk your legal compliance; it risks lives.

That’s why SkillWise ensures every course we deliver is:

• Fully aligned to PHECC standards

• Up-to-date with the newest clinical guidelines

• Delivered by qualified, experienced instructors

• Practical, hands-on, and scenario-based

• Professionally overseen with transparency and quality control

No shortcuts. No outdated materials.Just high-quality first aid training designed to protect staff, customers and your organisation.

🟦 Where SkillWise Stands

As a training provider serving Roscommon, Athlone and the Midlands, SkillWise:

• Uses PHECC-aligned FAR and CFR materials updated to the latest guidelines

• Provides hands-on practice using modern manikins and AED trainers

• Implements strong oversight of trainers and delivery standards

• Offers digital reminders for recertification and compliance

• Supports workplaces with ready-to-access, practical first-aid knowledge via the SkillWise app

We welcome the strengthening of national standards — because quality saves lives.

📩 Need PHECC-certified First Aid Response training for your organisation?

We train across Roscommon, Athlone and the wider Midlands region. Phecc First Aid Training Ireland.

Get in touch: training@skillwise.ie Or visit: www.skillwise.ie