Position Descriptions

    Free Position Description (First Aid Officer) Template

    Download our free First Aid Officer Position Description template (DOCX & PDF).

    September 16, 20263 min read20 viewsLast reviewed September 2026Licensing terms (PDF)

    Free Position Description (First Aid Officer) Template

    DOCX • 138 KB + PDF

    Updated Oct 2026

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    Free Position Description (First Aid Officer) Template — document preview

    Purpose of the Free Position Description (First Aid Officer) Template

    Defining the role of a First Aid Officer is a critical step in establishing a safe and prepared workplace. This Free Position Description (First Aid Officer) Template provides a structured foundation for outlining the key duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for the position.

    Using a formal position description ensures clarity for both the appointed individual and the wider organisation, helping to integrate their duties into your broader safety framework. A clear PD helps ensure the officer understands their role in providing immediate care during an incident and in maintaining first aid facilities.

    This document is designed to work alongside other key safety documents. The responsibilities outlined in the position description should align with the practical steps detailed in your Free First Aid Procedure Template, creating a cohesive and comprehensive approach to workplace first aid.

    How to use the Free Position Description (First Aid Officer) Template

    This template is provided in both DOCX and PDF formats for your convenience. The DOCX file is fully editable, allowing you to tailor the content to the specific requirements of your business, industry, and the risks identified in your workplace.

    It is crucial that you adapt this document to reflect your unique operational environment and legal obligations.

    Note: We have created this template as a starting point. You must customise it to suit the specific hazards, risks, and organisational structure of your workplace.

    Key areas to customise include the reporting lines, specific duties related to your site's first aid needs, and required qualifications beyond the standard certification. A generic position description is not sufficient for demonstrating due diligence.

    Regularly reinforcing first aid knowledge is as important as having the initial qualifications. Use our First Aid Awareness Toolbox Talk Template to conduct refresher sessions and keep these vital skills top-of-mind for your entire team.

    Key Responsibilities to Include

    When customising the template, ensure you detail the core functions of the role. These typically include:

    • Providing immediate first aid and emergency care to injured or ill workers and others at the workplace.
    • Contacting emergency services when required (e.g., calling an ambulance).
    • Documenting all treatments and incidents in a first aid register or incident report form.
    • Regularly inspecting and maintaining the contents of all first aid kits and facilities.
    • Monitoring first aid supplies and ordering new stock as needed.
    • Acting as the primary point of contact for first aid matters in a specific area or for the entire workplace.

    When to use it

    A formal position description for a First Aid Officer should be used whenever you appoint someone to this role, whether they are a new hire or an existing employee taking on additional responsibilities. It is also beneficial to use it to formalise the duties of existing, informally appointed first aiders.

    This ensures everyone understands the expectations and the importance of the role within your safety protocols.

    This document forms an important part of your overall WHS management systems, demonstrating a clear commitment to providing adequate first aid resources. It provides auditable evidence that roles and responsibilities have been formally assigned and communicated, which is a cornerstone of effective safety management.

    Who should use it

    This template is designed for use by a range of personnel responsible for workplace health and safety and human resources. This includes:

    • WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
    • Human Resources (HR) Professionals
    • Business Owners and Directors
    • Operations and Site Managers

    For organisations that need help defining WHS roles or integrating them into a broader safety strategy, expert guidance can be invaluable. Spire Safety offers professional WHS consulting to help businesses establish robust safety frameworks and ensure their practices align with Australian standards.

    It's also important to recognise the expanding scope of workplace wellbeing. While this document focuses on physical first aid, organisations are increasingly seeing the value of addressing psychological health. You can learn more about this complementary field by reading our article on Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace.

    Common mistakes

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Failing to conduct a proper first aid needs assessment before appointing officers.
    • Neglecting to schedule and track required refresher training and qualification expiry dates.
    • Not clearly communicating the First Aid Officer's identity and location to all workers.
    • Forgetting to regularly check and restock first aid kits after they are used or supplies expire.

    Legal references

    Legal considerations

    The following legal requirements may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Work Health and Safety Act (Harmonised) — Provides the primary duties for protecting workers and other people from work health and safety risks.
    • Work Health and Safety Regulations (Harmonised) — Sets out requirements supporting the management of workplace hazards and risks.

    The following codes may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Managing WHS Risks Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying effective controls.
    • Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on consulting workers and coordinating with other duty holders.
    • Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on safe work environments, workplace facilities and related controls.

    Did you know

    Qualification Currency

    The standard 'Provide First Aid' (HLTAID011) qualification must be renewed every three years. However, the CPR component (HLTAID009) requires an annual refresher to ensure skills remain current.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    01What qualifications does a First Aid Officer need?
    A First Aid Officer must hold a nationally recognised statement of attainment from a registered training organisation (RTO), typically 'Provide First Aid' (HLTAID011). Additional training like 'Provide CPR' (HLTAID009) is also essential and requires annual renewal.
    02Is appointing a First Aid Officer a mandatory role in Australia?
    While the specific title "First Aid Officer" isn't mandatory, WHS Regulations require every business to ensure workers have access to personnel trained to administer first aid. Appointing a formal officer is considered best practice for meeting this duty.
    03How many First Aid Officers does our workplace need?
    The required number depends on a workplace-specific risk assessment. Key factors include the size and layout of the workplace, the number and distribution of workers, the nature of the work (high-risk vs. low-risk), and proximity to medical services.
    04What is a First Aid Officer allowance?
    It is an additional payment made to a nominated employee to recognise the extra responsibilities and qualifications required for the role. Entitlement to this allowance is typically specified in a Modern Award or an enterprise agreement.

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    How To Use It

    1. 1Download and open in Word or PDF.
    2. 2Replace the placeholders with your business details.
    3. 3Get it reviewed by a WHS specialist before rollout.
    Get a document review

    Need it customised?

    Our WHS consultants can adapt this template to your site, run a gap analysis, or audit what you already have in place.

    Book a Free Consultation WHS consulting services

    or call 1300 156 382

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