Workplace first aid requirements
First Aid & CPR Switzerland
If you run or manage a workplace in Switzerland — an office, shop, construction site or factory — the law requires you to have enough trained first-aiders on your staff, ready to help a colleague in an emergency.
An employer duty — to rescue a colleague
Workplace first aid is not a job qualification: it is the employer's duty to appoint and train enough first-aiders, scaled to headcount and risk level, so someone can act immediately if a colleague is injured. The exact number and rules depend on the regulations that apply in Switzerland.
What the law requires in Switzerland
How many designated first-aiders?
The employer must ensure first aid; the number and training of first-aiders (Nothelfer) are adapted to accident and health hazards, headcount and local conditions. The SECO commentary to Ordinance 3 (table 336-1) serves as the indicative reference for the required number. In an emergency, a first-aider must be able to be on site within three minutes.
Switzerland governs occupational health and safety through national legislation that requires employers to provide first aid in the workplace.
The recommended levels (first-aider level 1 IVR for offices, level 2 IVR for trades/logistics) include in-person practice; theory may be delivered online. A periodic refresher is expected.
Region specifics
- Rapid-response requirement: a first-aider must be able to reach and care for the casualty on site within three minutes of the emergency.
Why it matters
A workplace emergency can happen at any time. When it does, the difference between a positive outcome and a tragedy often comes down to whether someone nearby is trained to respond. Having certified first aiders on staff isn't just a legal requirement — it's an investment in your team's safety.
The course
Our course, built to the CSA Z1210-17 standard, 100% online and leading to a certification, meets and exceeds this requirement.
WorkplaceFirst Aid – Intermediate Level (16h) – CSA Z1210-17 Compliant
Upon successful completion of this 16-hour IN-PERSON intermediate-level first aid training, the candidate will receive a valid certification that meets the requirements of 'Intermediate First Aid Training' as defined in the CSA Z1210-17 standard.
General PublicFirst Aider – General Public (8h)
This 8-hour training, designed for the general public, provides essential knowledge for effective emergency intervention. It is intended for anyone wanting to learn first aid skills, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), wound and bleeding management, or the handling of critical situations. Accessible and practical, this course develops vital skills for protecting and rescuing loved ones or anyone in danger, thereby strengthening community safety.