Equivalence across sports first aid courses

How do the ITC Pitch-side Sports First Aid Course with AED Training and the ITC Level 3 Award in First Aid for Sport, Exercise and Fitness qualifications compare to RFU and FA Sports First Aid courses and what does the 'Level' mean?

It's a good question and I'm afraid that there is no simple answer!

The levels in the names of first aid qualifications can be mis-leading as anyone issuing certificates can decide how they want to level their different courses, for courses which are part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework the level of the course refers to a set of "level criteria" which have to be met by the course e.g. A lot of first aid courses on that framework are Level 3:     Holder has factual, procedural and theoretical knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work to complete tasks and address problems that while well-defined, may be complex and non-routine. Holder can interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas. Holder is aware of the nature of the area of study or work. Holder is aware of different perspectives or approaches within the area of study or work.

AND/OR Holder can identify, select and use appropriate cognitive and practical skills, methods and procedures to address problems that while well-defined, may be complex and non-routine. Holder can use appropriate investigation to inform actions. Holder can review how effective methods and actions have been.

But it is unlikely that the RQF levels relate to RFU or FA levels and it's reason that when we run ITC First Aid qualifications we don't use levels.

Even between the UK qualifications framework (RQF) and the Scottish qualifications framework (SCQF) the levels aren't the same. The one day First Aid for Sport, Exercise and Fitness course is RQF Level 3 and SCQF Level 6

Summary: It is best to ignore any "level" if you are trying to compare sports first aid courses.

Results of the World Rugby equivalence study

The 1 day Level 3 Award in First Aid for Sport, Exercise and Fitness (RQF qualification) was included in an equivalence study conducted by World Rugby in 2018 and is considered to be equivalent to the World Rugby Level 1 First Aid in Rugby (FAIR).  (You see why 'levels' are mis-leading!) Our 2 day ITC Pitch-side Sports First Aid course with AED Training was not included in this study. Perhaps a  good starting assumption is that this two day course would be comparable to FAIR and also the next course up.

Results of the FA review of medical training provision

From 1 August 2018 the Level 3 Award in First Aid for Sport, Exercise and Fitness certificate will be accepted instead of The FA Level 1 IFAiF at the point of recertification

The simplest way to compare first aid courses is based on their content.  The difficulty is that the RFU and the FA don't always publish detailed content of their first aid courses which hinders any direct comparison.

 

Return to First Aid Tips List