First Aid Course in Hong Kong: Where to Go and Costs
Looking for a first aid course in Hong Kong? Read our complete guide to individual and group first aid courses to learn more: course duration, requirements, costs and locations.
Reviewed by a licensed advisor

Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. You will never know when first aid skills will be of use. Basic first aid can be a matter of life and death in critical scenarios and it is never too late to equip yourself with the life-saving skill. If you are interested, we have summarized some of your options for first aid training in Hong Kong — course duration, costs, locations and more.
What is first aid?
First aid is the immediate care given to an injured or ill person, from a finger cut to a car crash, in order to prevent worsening of the condition and promote recovery. First aid knowledge encompasses treatments for common injuries and illnesses, principles defining the priorities of procedures in emergency situations, ultimately preparing you to help people in need in case of crisis.
Some examples of basic first aid skills include handling of bleeding, nose bleeding, burns, heatstroke, seizures, choking, etc.
While Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is usually included in the curriculum, Automated External Defibrillation (AED) skills might not be fully covered in some standard certificate courses in Hong Kong. If you are interested in learning about CPR and AED in full length, you may consider enrolling in additional training programs offered by Hong Kong St. John Ambulance, Hong Kong Red Cross, First Aid Plus, etc.
Where can I find first aid courses in Hong Kong?
In this article, we will introduce some of the first aid certificate course providers recognized by the HKSAR Government that offer both individual and group courses — Hong Kong St. John Ambulance, Hong Kong Red Cross, the Occupational Safety and Health Council and the Auxiliary Medical Service. You may take into account the mode of learning, charges, course duration, etc. before enrolling in a first aid course.
Hong Kong St. John Ambulance
Established in 1884, Hong Kong St. John Ambulance is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting first aid knowledge to the public. The organization offers a range of first aid courses catering to different needs besides its standard Certificate in First Aid Course
Certificate in First Aid Course
Entry requirement | Aged 13 or above |
|---|---|
Medium of instruction | Cantonese / English (upon request) |
Class size | 20-30 candidates |
Course duration | 30 hours (10 x 3-hour sessions or 4/5 full days) |
Examination | The examination consists of 3 parts: |
Location | 12 Training Centers/ Headquarters: Mid-Level, Causeway Bay, Waterloo Road, Sheung Shui, Aberdeen, Kwai Chung, Shatin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long |
Course fee | 1)Individual application: HK$ 350 per head |
Other charges | (1) First Aid Course Manual (Chinese Edition): HK$ 80 |
How to enroll? | Complete the Individual Application Form or Group Application Form and submit it either (1) in person; (2) by mail; or (3) by fax or email provided on the form. |
*All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in April 2025. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.
Hong Kong Red Cross
Hong Kong Red Cross offers a diverse range of first aid courses specified for hikers, parents and domestic helpers, just to name a few. To acquire a first aid certificate, you may take their Standard First Aid Certificate Course (SFA). They also organize a Standard First Aid Certificate Course (Blended Learning) (SFAB) which integrates online learning and practical sessions in person to provide flexibility.
Standard First Aid Certificate Course (SFA) & Standard First Aid Certificate Course (Blended Learning) (SFAB)
Entry requirement | Aged 15 or above |
|---|---|
Medium of instruction | Cantonese / English / Putonghua (only for SFA) |
Class size | 16-30 candidates |
Course duration | - SFA: 30 hours (10 x 3-hour sessions or 4 full days) |
Examination | The examination consists of: |
Location | 4 Training Centers: West Kowloon, Shatin, Tai Wo Hau, Deep Water Bay |
Course fee | Individual application: HK$ 480 per head (Cantonese or Putonghua); HK$ 500 per head (English) |
Other charges | (1) First Aid Manual: HK$ 88 |
How to enroll? | Individual application: |
*All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in April 2025. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.
Occupational Safety and Health Council
The Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSH) was established in 1988 as a statutory body for promoting safety and health at the workplace. The Council organizes a Certificate of Competence in First Aid course jointly with the Auxiliary Medical Services for the general public.
Certificate of Competence in First Aid (AMS)
Entry requirement | Ability to read and write in Chinese |
|---|---|
Medium of instruction | Cantonese |
Course duration | 36 hours (6 full days) |
Examination | The examination consists of: |
Location | North Point |
Course fee | 1) Individual application: HK$ 1,190 per head |
How to enroll? | (1) Reserve online |
*All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in April 2025. No responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. It is always best to call ahead to make sure the information is still up-to-date.
How long is the qualification valid for?
The first-aid certificate acquired from the above courses will be valid for 3 years. Within 6 months before or after the expiry date of your first aid certificate, you may enroll in a first aid refresher course and pass the examination to extend your first aid certificates for another 3 years.
How long does it take to complete a first aid course?
A standard first aid certificate course organized by Hong Kong Red Cross or Hong Kong St. John Ambulance would take roughly 30 hours class time, usually spanning across 10 x 3-hour sessions or taking 4-5 full days depending on your schedule arrangement.
What can I learn from a first aid course?
By taking a first aid course, you will be taught how to perform the best immediate care when there is an injury or emergency medical event around you. First aid knowledge enables you to handle common injuries and illnesses such as bleeding, burns, heatstrokes, choking and seizures.
Who can take a first aid course?
Anyone interested in first aid and aged above 13 (for HK St. John Ambulance) / 15 (for HK Red Cross) can enrol in a first aid class. After passing the examinations upon course completion, you can be a qualified first aider.

Written by
Amelie Dionne-Charest
Co-Founder & CEO


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