Published 20 May 2025 · For Life First Aid
A CFR (Cardiac First Responder) course is the most widely recognised first aid qualification for cardiac emergencies in Ireland. If you are looking for a CFR course in Dublin, this guide covers everything you need to know — what it includes, who it is for, and how to book.
CFR stands for Cardiac First Responder. It is a PHECC-approved (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council) qualification that trains ordinary people to respond to cardiac emergencies before an ambulance arrives.
A CFR course is not just a CPR class. It covers the full chain of survival for cardiac arrest — from recognising an emergency and calling for help, to performing CPR and using a defibrillator.
The CFR qualification is recognised across Ireland and is commonly required for:
A PHECC Cardiac First Responder course in Dublin covers all the skills you need to respond to a life-threatening emergency.
You will learn how to perform CPR correctly on all age groups — with hands-on practice on manikins so you build real confidence, not just theory.
Defibrillators are now available in most public buildings across Dublin. You will practise how to use an AED on real training equipment — so that if you ever need to use one, you will not hesitate.
Understanding the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest is essential — the response is very different, and time matters.
You will learn the correct technique for helping a choking adult, child, or infant, including back blows and abdominal thrusts.
Using the FAST test (Face, Arms, Speech, Time), you will learn to identify the signs of a stroke quickly and know when to call 999.
From recognising the emergency to calling for help and handing over to paramedics — the CFR course teaches the full sequence. Our guide on what to do if someone collapses covers this step by step.
A CFR course in Dublin typically takes around 3 to 3.5 hours. It is designed to be completed in a single session — so you do not need to take a full day off work.
The course is structured to balance theory and hands-on practice. With small class sizes, everyone gets sufficient time on the manikins and AED equipment.
A CFR course in Dublin typically costs between €80 and €100. Our course is priced at €85, with a €50 deposit required at the time of booking. For a full breakdown, read our guide on how much a CPR course costs in Dublin.
A PHECC Cardiac First Responder certificate is valid for two years. After that, a refresher course is required to renew your certification. For more detail, read our guide on how long a CFR certificate lasts in Ireland.
Yes. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone — a family member, a colleague, a stranger on the street. When someone goes into cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR reduces the chance of survival by around 10%.
A CFR course gives you the skills and the confidence to act immediately while waiting for an ambulance. That window is often the most critical.
We have written a full piece on whether a Cardiac First Responder course is worth it — including the real-world difference it makes.
No. CFR courses are designed for complete beginners. There are no entry requirements — anyone can attend.
A CFR course includes CPR, but it goes further. It also covers AED use, choking response, stroke recognition, and heart attack awareness. It is a more complete qualification than a basic CPR class.
Yes. PHECC certification is the nationally recognised standard for pre-hospital emergency care in Ireland. It is accepted by employers, sports organisations, and regulatory bodies.
Our CFR courses are held at Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin, easily accessible by Luas, bus, and car. There is also parking available on-site.
Yes. We welcome group bookings for workplaces, sports clubs, schools, and community organisations. Contact us to discuss dates and availability.
For Life First Aid runs PHECC-certified Cardiac First Responder courses in small groups of up to six — so everyone gets hands-on practice time and individual feedback.
A CFR course is one of the most practical skills you can have. It takes less than half a day, costs less than €100, and gives you the confidence to respond effectively when it matters most.
If you are ready to book a CFR course in Dublin, get in touch today to check availability and reserve your place.