The Difference Between CPR and First Aid Certificates in WA

CPR vs First Aid: Which Course Do You Need?

If you're looking to upskill, meet job requirements, or simply be prepared for emergencies, you've probably come across two popular courses: Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) and Provide CPR (HLTAID009). While they’re often mentioned together, they serve different purposes—and choosing the right one depends on your personal or professional needs.

What's the difference between First Aid and CPR courses? Who needs each one? And which should you choose? Here’s what you need to know.

At the College of Electrical Training (CET), both courses are available to the general public, along with a third option for those in high-risk electrical environments: Perform Rescue from a Live LV Panel & CPR.

What’s the Difference Between CPR and First Aid?

Provide CPR (HLTAID009)

Focus: Life-saving CPR techniques only

Purpose: Equips you to respond to cardiac arrest and breathing emergencies by performing CPR and using an AED (automated external defibrillator).

Duration: Short course (4 hours)

Validity: The CPR certification is valid for 1 year, with refresher courses available to renew the certification. 

Explore the full course details here. 

Provide First Aid (HLTAID011)

Focus: Comprehensive emergency response, including CPR

Purpose: Prepares you to manage a range of medical emergencies like bleeding, burns, fractures, asthma, shock, bites and more—alongside CPR skills.

Duration: Full-day course

Validity: 3 years (CPR component should be refreshed annually)

Explore the full course details here. 

In short, CPR training is focused on life-saving CPR techniques, equipping you with essential skills for responding to cardiac emergencies. First Aid provides a broader skillset, covering a wide range of medical scenarios and includes CPR as a component of the course.

Who Needs Which Course? 

Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (HLTAID009) is ideal for:

• Workers in low-risk environments where only CPR is required (e.g. office settings)
• Anyone looking for a quick, focused life-saving skills refresher

Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) is recommended for:

• Workers in education, construction, trades, childcare, and community services
• Site supervisors or team leaders responsible for workplace safety
• Individuals wanting to feel fully equipped to handle a broad range of emergencies
• Anyone required to meet general workplace first aid compliance

Perform Rescue from a Live LV Panel & CPR (UETDRRF004 + HLTAID009)

Electrical safety is another important part of first aid knowledge, especially for those working near switchboards or electrical networks. These situations may also require completing a live low voltage panel rescue and CPR course. 

• Required under WA electrical safety regulations for those working near live low-voltage panels
• Combines CPR with specialist skills in low-voltage rescue
• Essential for anyone working around live electrical equipment

Explore the full course details here. 

Key Skills Covered in Each Course

CPR (HLTAID009)    

• Recognising cardiac arrest
• Performing chest compressions and rescue breaths
• Using an AED
• Managing unresponsive casualties

First Aid (HLTAID011)

• All CPR skills
• Managing bleeding, burns, fractures
• Treating asthma, shock, allergic reactions
• Responding to bites, stings, environmental emergencies
• Assessing emergencies and calling for help

LV Rescue & CPR    

• All CPR skills
• Safe approach to live LV panel rescue
• Using rescue equipment (insulated gloves, rescue crook)
• Isolating power safely
• Working as a safety observer on site

Validity and Renewal

CPR certificates (HLTAID009) must be refreshed every 12 months to stay current and compliant with workplace requirements.

First Aid certificates (HLTAID011) are valid for 3 years, but the CPR component should still be renewed annually within that period.

Perform Rescue from a Live LV Panel (UETDRRF004) must also be refreshed every 12 months under WA electrical licensing standards.

Get Trained by Industry Experts at CET

All three courses are available through the College of Electrical Training (CET), a leading RTO in Perth. Whether you’re meeting job requirements or simply want to feel confident in an emergency, there’s a course for you at CET. If you're unsure which to take, start with First Aid for a complete foundation—or go straight to CPR if you're after a quick skills refresh. For those in electrical trades, make sure your LV Panel Rescue and CPR is up to date.

Being prepared can save lives—and it starts with the right training.