
First Aid and CPR Refresher Course: What's New?
Hey Brisbane! Your CPR certificate's about to expire? Let me guess - you're probably wondering what's different about refresher courses these days. Between juggling work schedules and keeping up with changing requirements, getting recertified can feel like a bit of a maze.
I get it - I've been training professionals in Brisbane for years, and the most common thing I hear is "I just need to update my certificate quickly!" But here's the thing - 2025 has brought some pretty big changes to how we do CPR and first aid training.
Whether you're chasing that certification renewal for your childcare center, need it for your healthcare job, or want to keep your fitness trainer qualifications current, staying up to date isn't just about paperwork anymore. The way we respond to emergencies has changed, and your refresher course needs to reflect that.
In this guide, I'll walk you through:
What's actually new in Brisbane's CPR courses this year
The exact steps of your refresher training
Which requirements apply to your specific job
How to book your course without the usual hassles
The best part? We've made it super simple to fit your recertification around your schedule - because nobody wants to use up their precious annual leave for training!
What's New in CPR Refresher Courses for 2025
Let's talk real changes - not just fancy updates for the sake of it. If you haven't done a refresher course in Brisbane lately, you might be surprised by what's different.
Latest Protocol Updates
The way we do CPR has gotten some tweaks this year, and your refresher course will catch you up on all of them. Big changes? We're now putting way more focus on chest compressions - they've found that keeping the blood pumping is super important.
When you come in for your refresher, you'll notice the biggest change right away - the pace. Research from Brisbane's top emergency response units showed that maintaining consistent compressions makes a huge difference in survival rates. We've adjusted our training to match what actually works in real emergencies.
Think about it like this - every minute without proper blood flow drops survival chances by 10%. That's why we're focusing on getting these new techniques right. Our Brisbane paramedic partners tell us they've seen better outcomes since these changes kicked in.
Changed compression rhythm - slightly faster pace that's easier to maintain
Updated hand positioning that works better for different body types
New guidelines on when to switch rescuers during CPR
Here's what one of our recent students, a nurse from South Brisbane, said: "I was shocked by how much had changed since my last cert. The new techniques actually make more sense and feel less tiring."
Enhanced Infection Control Measures
After everything that's happened in recent years, infection control isn't just an add-on anymore - it's built into every part of your training.
We've completely redesigned our infection control training based on real-world scenarios. You'll practice with the exact same PPE types used in Brisbane hospitals. We've partnered with local medical suppliers to make sure you're training with current equipment, not outdated gear.
The cleaning protocols we teach now come straight from emergency department guidelines. You'll learn the difference between standard precautions and transmission-based precautions - because yes, it matters in real emergencies. We've even added specific modules for different workplace settings, from childcare centers to aged care facilities.
Quick Fact Box:
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is now included in your course kit
You'll learn specific cleaning protocols for emergency equipment
New barrier devices are available for CPR practice
Digital Assessment Components
Gone are the days of just watching and copying. We've added some pretty cool tech to help you nail the timing and technique. Our Brisbane training centers now feature the latest in CPR training technology, bringing emergency response training into 2025.
You'll work with equipment that gives you instant feedback - no more wondering if you're doing it right. Our smart mannequins connect to tablets that show you exactly how deep your compressions are, whether you're keeping the right pace, and if you're allowing full chest recoil (that's super important and often overlooked).
Smart mannequins that give you real-time feedback
Video analysis of your compression technique
Practice scenarios through our training app
The best bit? You can use these digital tools before your course to practice, so you walk in feeling confident.

Key Components of Your Brisbane Refresher Course
Alright, let's break down exactly what happens in your refresher course - no surprises, just straight talk about what you'll actually do on the day.
Skills Assessment Overview
First up, we'll check where you're at with your CPR skills. Don't stress - this isn't about catching you out. We do this because everyone comes in with different memories of their last training.
Here's what we'll run through:
Basic life support sequence (yep, the whole DRS ABCD)
How you handle the mannequin (proper technique saves your back!)
Your compression and breathing ratio
How you'd use an AED (those defibrillator boxes you see everywhere)
Check out this quick skills checklist:
Theory Updates
No snoring through PowerPoints here - we keep the theory part short and sweet, but packed with what matters. We've rebuilt our theory sessions based on feedback from hundreds of Brisbane professionals who've taken our courses.
Every bit of theory we cover links directly to practical skills you'll use. We focus on the 'why' behind each technique - because understanding the reasoning helps you remember what to do in real emergencies. Our Brisbane paramedic partners regularly update us on real-world scenarios they've handled, and we build these into our theory sessions.
You'll learn:
Any changes to emergency response guidelines
Updates to legal requirements for first aiders
New workplace health and safety rules
Hands-on Practice Sessions
This is where the magic happens - and where we spend most of our time. We've completely redesigned our practice sessions based on research about how adults actually learn and remember emergency response skills.
Each practice station recreates scenarios you might face in your specific work environment. For teachers, we set up classroom scenarios. Healthcare workers practice with equipment they'll actually use on the job. Security personnel work through situations they might face in shopping centers or office buildings.
Our trainers have all worked as first responders in Brisbane, so they know exactly what real emergencies look like. They'll share their experiences and help you prepare for the kinds of situations they've handled themselves.
We've set up practice stations where you can:
Work with our new mannequins (way better than the old ones!)
Practice with different emergency scenarios
Try out various types of equipment
A teacher from West End told us recently: "I was worried I'd forgotten everything, but the hands-on practice brought it all back. Plus, the new techniques are so much easier on my knees!"

Professional Requirements by Industry
Let's get specific about what your industry needs - because different jobs have different rules in Brisbane. I'll break it down by sector so you can find exactly what applies to you.
Healthcare and Aged Care Workers
If you're working in healthcare or aged care around Brisbane, your requirements are pretty specific. Here's the deal:
Annual CPR updates are mandatory (no wiggle room on this one)
You need the full HLTAID009 certification
Your workplace might need proof of practical assessments
One aged care worker from Chermside shared: "My manager wanted proof of specific skills like using bag valve masks. The course ticked all those boxes, which made my compliance check super smooth."
Education and Childcare Professionals
Teachers and childcare workers, this part's for you. Queensland's got some clear rules about keeping your first aid skills fresh:
CPR refresher needed every 12 months
Must include anaphylaxis and asthma response training
Certificates need to be accessible at your workplace
Fitness and Recreation Industry
Personal trainers and sports coaches, you've got your own set of rules:
Yearly CPR updates required for registration
Extra focus on sports-related emergencies
Need to know specific protocols for fitness settings
A PT from New Farm mentioned: "I learned stuff specific to gym environments - like what to do if someone collapses during a workout. Super relevant to my daily work."
Booking Your Refresher Course in Brisbane
Let's make this booking part dead simple. I know you're busy, so here's everything you need to know about getting your spot locked in.
Course Duration and Locations
We've spread our training spots all around Brisbane to make it easy to get to:
Right next to Central Station at Corner of Lalina and McFarlane St, Riverhills, Brisbane, QLD, 4074
A quick look at timing:
Flexible Scheduling Options
Life's busy - we get it. After talking to thousands of Brisbane professionals, we realized the traditional 9-5 training schedule just doesn't work for most people. That's why we've completely rebuilt our scheduling system.
We surveyed our students and found that 67% preferred weekend or evening sessions. So we've added more of these options. We've also noticed that different industries need different timing options - healthcare workers often prefer early morning sessions before their shifts, while teachers usually go for school holiday periods.
Our booking system now lets you:
Weekend sessions (because taking time off work isn't always possible)
Express morning sessions (perfect for before work)
Group bookings if your whole team needs updating
What to Bring and Prepare
Keep it simple - here's your checklist:
Your old certificate (if you've got it - no stress if you don't)
Comfy clothes you can move in
Water bottle
Reading glasses if you need them
Quick heads up - spots fill up fast at the end of each month. You might want to book a few weeks ahead, especially if you're after a weekend session.
Ready to book your CPR refresher course? Click the button below to find a time that works for you. Got questions? Give us a call - we're here to help!