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First Aid Course in Hong Kong: Where to Go and Costs
First aid knowledge can be the key to saving lives in critical scenarios. Find out where to get first aid course in Hong Kong.
Last update:
3rd May 2023
3rd May 2023
First aid knowledge can be the key to saving lives in critical scenarios. Find out where to get first aid course in Hong Kong.
Last update: 3rd May 2023
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.
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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: (1) Theory of First Aid (2) Bandaging Technique (3) Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation *at least 80% attendance required *supplementary examination can be applied with an additional charge of $130 within 3 months after receiving a failed result in either one part of the examination) |
| 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 *commercial firms, voluntary organizations and schools may request group training at premises |
| Course fee | 1)Individual application: $280 per head 2) Government/voluntary organization: $240 per head 3)Corporate firm: $7,200 per class including registration fee, examination fee, certificate and postage service fee, equipment maintenance fee and practical demonstration DVD) |
| Other charges | (1) First Aid Course Manual (Chinese Edition): $80 (2) First Aid Manual (English Edition): $210 (3) Bandages pack: $38 (4) Disposable face shield: $3/pc (For training + examination use)(optional) |
| 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. Individual applicants may refer to the Course Timetable for more information. Enquiry: 2530 8020/2530 8021 (Individual application), 2530 8022 (Group and Brigade application), 2530 8023 (Commercial group application) |
*All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in April 2021. 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 |
| Class size | 16-30 candidates |
| Course duration | - SFA: 30 hours (10 x 3-hour sessions or 4 full days) - SFAB: 5-8 hours (online learning) + 15 hours (practical sessions) |
| Examination | The examination consists of: (1) Written examination: 30 multiple choice questions (2) Practical examination: Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, bleeding management and fracture management *at least 80% attendance required for SFA; 100% practical sessions for SFAB] *supplementary examination can be applied with an additional charge of $150 (1 part) or $250 (2 parts) within 6 months from the date of the first examination] |
| Location | 4 Training Centers: West Kowloon, Shatin, Tai Wo Hau, Deep Water Bay *corporates and organizations may request group training at premises] |
| Course fee | Individual application: $350 per head (Cantonese or Putonghua); $420 per head (English) Group application $350 per head (Cantonese or Putonghua); $420 per head (English) |
| Other charges | (1) First Aid Manual: $88 (2)“Fundamental First Aid Techniques” DVD: $60 (3) Standard First Aid Certificate Course Bandage Pack: $50 (4) *First Aid Set *(including First Aid Manual, “Fundamental First Aid Techniques” DVD and Standard First Aid Certificate Course Bandage Pack): $180 (5) Face shield: $15/3 pcs; $25/ 6 pcs (For practice) Certificate fee: $50 |
| How to enroll? | Individual application: (1) Via the online platform (2) By post (with a completed application form and a crossed cheque) (3) In person at West Kowloon Head office or Shatin Training Center Corporate & organization application Corporate & organization application (1) Fill in the online application form (2) By post (with a completed application form) (3) By fax/ email (with a completed application form) [* corporate or organization should apply at least 6 weeks before the commencement date of the class] Enquiry: 3971 0288 |
*All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in April 2021. 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: (1) Written examination: 30 multiple choice questions) (2) Practical examination *at least 85% attendance required |
| Location | North Point |
| Course fee | 1) Individual application: $1,190 per head 2) Green Cross Group (GCG) member/ OSH Ambassador fee: $1,070 per head 3) Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) fee: $595 per head (including course materials and certificates) |
| How to enroll? | (1) Reserve online (2) By post (with a completed application form) (3) By fax (with a completed application form) Enquiry: 2311 3322 |
*All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in April 2021. 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.
Auxiliary Medical Service
The Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) was formed by volunteer members from healthcare sectors aiming to provide supplementary medical resources and services in Hong Kong. They mainly organize free-of-charge first aid courses for civil servants and on request, non-profit-making organizations. Members of the public may also enroll on the courses at a fee when training places are available.
*As of May 2023, enrollment is temporarily closed to members of the public until further notice due to the current long waiting list and waiting time.
AMS First Aid Certificate Course
| Entry requirement | Civil servants; general public if places are available |
|---|---|
| Medium of instruction | Cantonese |
| Course duration | 36 hours (4.5 full days) |
| Examination | The examination consists of: (1) Written examination (2) Practical examination |
| Location | 8 Training Centers: Sai Wan Ho, Kwun Tong, Shek Kip Mai, Tsuen Wan, Sai Kung, Ho Man Tin, Sha Tin |
| Course fee | Civil servants: free-of-charge Individual application: $991 per head |
| Other charges | First Aid Manual: $140 |
| How to enroll? | For civil servants: nomination by government departments For non-profit-making organizations: send applications to AMS Headquarters at least 14 clear working days in advance For public: e-mail to info@ams.gov.hk or call 2762 2020 for enquiry |
*All amounts are in HKD and were last updated in April 2021. 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._ Other than the above organizations, some hospitals, government departments, universities and institutions may organize free first aid training courses for their members or staff. For more information, check the Labour Department website for the complete list of approved first aid training courses.
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.
FAQs
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.
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This article was independently written by Alea and is not sponsored. It is informative only and not intended to be a substitute for professional advice and should never be relied upon for specific advice.
