First aid course

First aid means the measures that buy time after an accident or a sudden emergency until the emergency services arrive. In Germany, aid organisations such as the German Red Cross (DRK), the Workers' Samaritan Federation (ASB) and the Malteser offer first aid courses.

The basic course lasts 9 teaching units and consists of a theory part and practical exercises. One teaching unit is 45 minutes, plus breaks. For first aiders at work, the statutory accident insurance (DGUV) sets the same length. These courses may only be run by bodies authorised for this purpose.

For first aiders at work, the DGUV requires refresher training at the latest every 2 years, a first aid training that also comprises 9 teaching units. The ASB generally recommends refreshing first aid knowledge about every 2 years. The sources checked name no fixed expiry date for every certificate. The date of the course is shown on the certificate.

First aid courses also exist in other countries. Certificates from there carry their own titles, for example in Polish "Udzielanie pierwszej pomocy przedmedycznej" (roughly: giving first aid before medical help is available). Length, content and issuer are shown on the respective certificate.