Basic Emergency First Aid Responder (BEFAR)
The Basic Emergency First Aid Responder (BEFAR) is South Africa's new entry-level first aid qualification, registered on the NQF at Level 2 and fully aligned with the QCTO's modern occupational standards. Replacing the old First Aid Level 1, this two-day course equips learners with the essential skills and confidence to respond effectively in the critical minutes before professional help arrives. Whether you work in an office, a warehouse, a school, or a community setting, having BEFAR-trained staff can be the difference between life and death. This is the starting point for every workplace first aider in South Africa — practical, accessible, and genuinely life-saving.
Duration: 18 hours | Accreditation: HWSETA, Department of Labour, QCTO
What You Will Learn
- Role, responsibilities, and legal framework of the basic first aider
- Personal protective equipment, infection control, and scene safety
- Primary patient assessment and emergency action principles
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillation (AED)
- Airway management and choking (adults, children, and infants)
- Bleeding control, wound care, and shock management
- Fractures, dislocations, and soft-tissue injuries
- Medical emergencies: heart attack, stroke, seizures, and diabetic emergencies
- Environmental emergencies: hypothermia, hyperthermia, and heat stroke
- Bites, stings, and poisoning
- Burns: classification and initial management
- Patient handover, documentation, and post-incident procedures
Key Benefits
- Qualify as a certified Basic Emergency First Aid Responder recognised by HWSETA, the Department of Labour, and QCTO
- Confidently perform CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on adults, children, and infants
- Assess an incident scene safely and manage a patient until emergency services arrive
- Recognise and respond to life-threatening conditions including heart attack, stroke, choking, and severe bleeding
- Fulfil your employer's legal obligation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to have trained first aiders on site
- Receive an official QCTO Skills Certificate (SP-230801) that forms the foundation for progression to IEFAR and beyond
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for any employee required by their employer to serve as a designated first aider under the OHS Act, as well as individuals with no prior first aid training who want to build a foundation for further emergency response qualifications. No prior knowledge or experience is required — the course is open access.
The Basic Emergency First Aid Responder (SP-230801) is accredited by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), and is registered with the Department of Labour for workplace compliance under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Tericorp Training's qualified instructors bring real-world experience to every course. Contact us to find out about upcoming dates or to arrange in-house training for your organisation.
