Surf Life Saving New Zealand has developed a specific curriculum for first aid training to ensure that surf lifeguards on patrol are trained and equipped to deal with potentially life threatening situations.
Operational First Aid Handbook
Operational First Aid Handbook (2024)
This handbook has been purposefully structured for use in emergencies. It is clear and concise, with simple algorithms (procedures) for each first-aid event. Along with the algorithm, dedicated sections outlining management priorities and points to "think" about and to "do" are included.
This is the first version of our new Operation First Aid Handbook and we are eager for your feedback to continuously improve what we hope will be a valuable asset for our organisation's first aid practices.
We would like to thank some key people involved in its development throughout the various stages. Claire Timpany and Joshua Boag at Waikato University, Department of Design who partnered with us to bring an initial concept to life.
SLSNZ Medical Advisory Group members, Alaina Green, Trent Cutts, Gareth Jenkin, James Kendrick, Jodie Wood, Scott Weatherall and Wendy Hunter. SLSNZ Medical Director, Dr Gary Payinda and EMT Kirsty Cullen. All their volunteer input and significate contribution has been invaluable and instrumental throughout the development process.
Surf First Aid Process
We have approved First Aid providers of our curriculum. The Surf First Aid process is:
SURF FIRST AID
Unit standards: 6401, 6402, 6400
Pre-requisites: Current SLSNZ member, 14 years of age
Duration: Two days
Assessment: Assessment occurs in accordance to NZQA requirements. Scenario assessments are included.
Award currency: 24 months
Note: This is not a standard workplace first aid course.
ADVANCED SURF FIRST AID
Unit standards: 29321
Pre-requisites: Current SLSNZ member, holds current ‘Surf First Aid’.
Duration: 3 days
Assessment: Assessment occurs in accordance to NZQA requirements. Scenario assessments are included.
Award currency: 24 months
Pain Relief Module
Pre-requisites: Current SLSNZ member, 18 years of age, SLS Advanced Surf First Aid
Duration: 2-3 hours
Topics covered:
- Methoxyflurane (MOF)
- Paracetamol
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Adrenaline (Epi-pen)
- Glucose Gel
- Salbutamol
Module currency: 24 months
See more information on Methoxyflurane and application to administer here.
Refreshers
The highest level of First Aid must be refreshed every two years. The first aid certification expires two years from the date of first aid course completion, listed on the certificate.
The pain relief module can be refreshed at this same time and must occur every two years.
First Aid Club Documents
First Aid Providers
SLSNZ works with a network of approved First Aid Providers who are accredited to deliver nationally recognised surf-specific first aid training. These providers are registered Private Training Establishments (PTEs) with consent to assess NZQA unit standards and have signed an agreement to deliver courses in line with SLSNZ’s curriculum, quality assurance standards, and operational needs.
For more information or to discuss more about becoming an accredited provider please contact:
Belinda Slement - belinda.slement@surflifesaving.org.nz
Surf First Aid Assessors
When a member completes a first aid module that is not through an approved provider listed below, the surf first aid module must be completed. This includes a theory and practical component. Accredited assessors assess this practical assessment.
