Key Takeaways
- The HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set is a nationally recognised qualification for designated workplace first aiders in high-risk industries.
- It covers advanced first aid, resuscitation, oxygen therapy, emergency coordination, and first aid service management.
- Completion awards four units of competency: HLTAID011, HLTAID014, HLTAID015, and HLTAID016.
- Training is available onsite, in private groups, or at public sessions across all Australian states and territories.
- WHS legislation requires businesses to have adequately trained first aiders — the HLTSS00068 meets and exceeds that standard.
- First Aid Pro Workplace Training delivers this training with flexible scheduling to minimise workplace disruption.
What Is the HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set?
The HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set is an advanced, nationally recognised workplace first aid qualification designed for those responsible for managing emergency responses in high-risk environments.
If you’ve ever wondered what separates a workplace-appointed first aider from someone who simply completed a basic first aid course, this qualification is the answer. Where standard first aid training equips people to respond to everyday emergencies, the HLTSS00068 goes considerably further — preparing designated first aiders to manage complex, multi-casualty incidents, maintain workplace first aid systems, and lead a coordinated emergency response from start to finish.
Delivered under Australia’s nationally recognised training framework and registered on training.gov.au, this skill set is accepted by employers, regulators, and SafeWork Australia across every state and territory. It is purpose-built for workplaces where the stakes are high and the margin for error is small.
Why This Qualification Is Different From a Standard First Aid Course
A standard first aid course such as HLTAID011 Provide First Aid teaches essential skills — CPR, wound care, managing a choking casualty — and is appropriate for general workplaces. The HLTSS00068, however, is a step up in both scope and responsibility.
This skill set incorporates advanced resuscitation techniques, airway management using adjuncts, oxygen therapy administration, and the coordination of emergency responses involving multiple casualties. It also covers the operational side of workplace first aid: establishing and maintaining first aid rooms, conducting first aid risk assessments, and keeping accurate incident records that meet legal obligations.
In short, it trains people not just to respond to emergencies, but to lead during them.
Who Needs Occupational First Aid Training in High-Risk Workplaces?
Legal Requirements for Workplace First Aiders Under WHS Legislation
Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act and the relevant codes of practice published by SafeWork Australia, all businesses have a legal duty to ensure first aid is accessible to workers. The specific requirements — including the number of trained first aiders, the type of equipment needed, and the qualifications required — depend on the nature of the work, the size of the workforce, and the level of risk involved.
For high-risk industries, the obligations are more demanding. Businesses in these sectors are expected to have trained personnel capable of responding to serious workplace injuries and medical emergencies — not just minor incidents. The HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set directly satisfies these higher-level requirements.
| Workplace Type | Recommended Qualification |
|---|---|
| Low-risk, small workplace under 25 staff | HLTAID011 Provide First Aid |
| Low-risk, larger workplace 25–100 staff | HLTAID011 Provide First Aid |
| High-risk workplace or 100+ staff | HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set |
| Remote or isolated worksite | HLTAID013 Remote First Aid |
Which Industries Are Required to Have Certified Occupational First Aiders?
The HLTSS00068 is particularly relevant — and in many cases legally expected — in the following sectors:
- Construction and civil works
- Mining and resources
- Manufacturing and heavy industry
- Logistics, warehousing, and transport
- Healthcare and aged care facilities
- Large corporate campuses and office environments
- Education institutions managing large student populations
Who Should Attend This Course?
| Role | Why This Course Is Relevant |
|---|---|
| Designated Workplace First Aider | Responsible for first aid rooms, equipment, and emergency response |
| Safety Officer / WHS Representative | Manages compliance and oversees emergency systems |
| Team Leader in High-Risk Industry | First point of contact in a workplace emergency |
| Site Supervisor Construction or Mining | Legally accountable for worker safety on site |
| Healthcare or Aged Care Staff | Requires advanced clinical first aid capabilities |
Ready to certify your team? Enrol in the HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set with First Aid Pro today — onsite, group, or public sessions available across Australia.
What Does the HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Course Cover?
This is a comprehensive training program that goes well beyond what most people associate with a first aid course. Here is a clear breakdown of what participants learn.
Advanced First Aid Response for Complex Workplace Emergencies
Participants learn to assess and manage serious injuries including trauma, spinal injuries, severe burns, fractures, and head injuries. The training develops both the clinical skills and the decision-making confidence needed to act quickly and correctly under pressure.
Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy Training
This component covers advanced CPR techniques, the use of airway adjuncts (devices that help keep the airway open), and the administration of oxygen therapy using approved equipment. These skills are critical in workplaces where cardiac events or respiratory emergencies may occur.
Emergency Coordination and Multi-Casualty Management
One of the defining features of this qualification is its focus on leadership during emergencies. Participants learn how to take charge of a scene involving multiple casualties, communicate effectively with emergency services, and coordinate a response that prioritises life-threatening conditions.
Workplace First Aid Room Setup, Recordkeeping and WHS Compliance
Managing a first aid system is as important as knowing how to use it. This course covers the establishment and maintenance of first aid rooms, equipment stock management, risk assessment processes, and accurate incident documentation — all of which are required under WHS legislation.
Course Content at a Glance
| Topic Area | Key Skills Covered |
|---|---|
| Advanced First Aid | Trauma, burns, spinal injuries, fractures, head injuries |
| Resuscitation | Advanced CPR, airway adjuncts, defibrillation |
| Oxygen Therapy | Oxygen equipment setup and administration |
| Emergency Coordination | Multi-casualty triage, communication with emergency services |
| First Aid Management | Room setup, stock control, risk assessment |
| Incident Reporting | Documentation, recordkeeping, legal obligations |
Units of Competency Included in the HLTSS00068 Skill Set
| Unit Code | Unit Title |
|---|---|
| HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid |
| HLTAID014 | Provide Advanced First Aid |
| HLTAID015 | Provide Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy |
| HLTAID016 | Manage First Aid Services and Resources |
Entry Requirements and Prerequisites
Do You Need Prior First Aid Certification to Enrol?
Yes. HLTAID011 Provide First Aid is a mandatory prerequisite for completing HLTAID015, which is one of the four units within this skill set. If you have not yet completed HLTAID011, you will need to do so before enrolling — or speak with the First Aid Pro team about combined training options.
Participants must also be 14 years of age or older. Those aged under 18 will require parental or guardian consent to enrol.
Physical, Language, Literacy and Numeracy Requirements
Because this course involves hands-on practical training, participants need to be physically capable of performing CPR for a minimum of two minutes on the floor, managing equipment, and actively participating in simulated emergency scenarios.
To complete the written components, participants need a functional level of English literacy — including the ability to read and follow instructions, respond to written questions, and complete workplace forms and incident reports accurately.
What Certification Do You Receive?
Upon successful completion of the HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set, participants receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment covering all four units of competency. This document is issued by First Aid Pro (RTO: 31124) and is accepted by employers and regulators across Australia.
How Long Is the Certification Valid?
As a general industry guideline, occupational first aid qualifications should be renewed every three years, with annual CPR refresher training recommended to maintain currency. Some industries and employers may specify shorter renewal periods — always check your specific WHS obligations and your employer’s requirements.
Key Benefits for Your Business
Meet WHS Compliance Obligations With Certified Occupational First Aid Training
Investing in the HLTSS00068 is not simply a training expense — it is a compliance requirement for many businesses and a demonstrable commitment to the safety of your workforce. Having certified occupational first aiders on staff protects your people, reduces your liability exposure, and satisfies your obligations under the WHS Act.
Reduce Workplace Risk and Improve Emergency Outcomes
Studies consistently show that rapid, well-trained first aid response significantly improves survival and recovery outcomes following workplace incidents. The HLTSS00068 equips your designated first aiders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to act decisively when it matters most.
Hands-On, Scenario-Based Training That Builds Real Confidence
Unlike purely theory-based training, the HLTSS00068 involves realistic simulated emergencies that replicate the pressure and complexity of real incidents. This practical component is what transforms knowledge into reliable, instinctive action.
How to Enrol With First Aid Pro
Is the HLTSS00068 Right for Your Workplace?
If your business operates in a high-risk industry, manages a large workforce, or employs designated first aiders responsible for maintaining workplace first aid systems, the HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set is not just a smart investment — for many organisations, it is a legal requirement.
This qualification equips your people with the advanced skills, practical confidence, and nationally recognised credentials to respond effectively to serious workplace emergencies. From managing a multi-casualty incident to maintaining a compliant first aid room, graduates of this course are genuinely prepared for the responsibilities that come with being a workplace first aider.
First Aid Pro makes enrolment simple, with flexible delivery options designed around your schedule and your workplace. Whether you choose onsite training, a private group session, or a public course, you will receive high-quality, hands-on instruction from experienced trainers committed to your team’s safety.
Enrol your team in the HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set today — contact First Aid Pro Workplace training to schedule your session.
Related Reading
- SafeWork Australia. (2021). First Aid in the Workplace: Code of Practice.
- Australian Government. (2024). HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set.
- Australian Government. Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth). Federal Register of Legislation.
- Safe Work Australia. (2023). Work-related Injuries and Fatalities Statistics. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/data-and-research
- First Aid Pro Workplace Training: Advanced Occupational First Aid Training for High-Risk Australian Workplaces
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set nationally recognised?
Yes. The HLTSS00068 is registered on training.gov.au and is delivered by First Aid Pro under its registered training organisation (RTO: 31124) status. The Statement of Attainment issued on completion is accepted by employers and regulatory bodies across all Australian states and territories.
What is the difference between the HLTSS00068 and a standard first aid course?
A standard first aid course such as HLTAID011 covers essential emergency response skills suitable for general workplaces. The HLTSS00068 goes significantly further, incorporating advanced resuscitation, oxygen therapy, multi-casualty coordination, and first aid service management — making it the appropriate qualification for high-risk industries and larger workplaces.
Can HLTSS00068 training be delivered at our workplace?
Yes. First Aid Pro offers onsite delivery of the HLTSS00068 Occupational First Aid Skill Set, with our trainers coming directly to your site. To facilitate the practical component, your workplace needs to provide access to a designated first aid room or equivalent space with appropriate facilities.
How often do I need to renew my HLTSS00068 certification?
The general industry recommendation is to renew your occupational first aid qualification every three years. An annual CPR refresher is also strongly recommended to maintain currency. Your specific industry, employer, or state-based WHS regulator may have additional renewal requirements, so it is always worth checking your obligations directly.
Do I need any prior qualifications to enrol in the HLTSS00068?
Yes. HLTAID011 Provide First Aid is a mandatory prerequisite for one of the four units within this skill set (HLTAID015). If you have not yet completed HLTAID011, contact the First Aid Pro team to discuss your options before enrolling.
