2025 Comparison: Which First-Aid Course Should You Choose: BLS-AED-SRC, IAS 1 or IAS 2?

First-aid knowledge is not only useful in everyday life, but is also required in many professional contexts. Whether you need to respond to cardiac arrest, clear an infant’s airway or apply emergency procedures in the workplace, there are several types of certified training available.

How can you decide between the Complete BLS-AED-SRC course, IAS 1 and IAS 2? What are the practical differences between these recognised courses? And above all, which one is best suited to your profile or your company?

In this detailed comparison, we present the objectives, content, duration and recognition of each course, point by point. You will also discover the target audiences and practical advice to help you make the right choice, whether you are an individual, a company or a healthcare professional.

If you want to master the first-aid skills validated by the guidelines of the Swiss Resuscitation Council, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.

👉 Also discover: Our certified first-aid courses in French-speaking Switzerland

Complete BLS-AED-SRC Course: the essential foundation for responding to cardiac arrest

The Complete BLS-AED-SRC course, also known as the “Generic Provider course”, is one of the cornerstones of first-aid training in Switzerland. Officially recognised by the Swiss Resuscitation Council (SRC), it teaches the essential life-saving skills needed by anyone who wants to know how to respond effectively to a cardiac emergency.

Objectives and skills covered:

• Rapidly assess a critical situation and secure the scene
• Recognise the signs of sudden cardiac arrest
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): chest compressions and rescue breaths
• Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) safely
• Place an unconscious but breathing casualty in the recovery position
• Clear an obstructed airway in an adult or child

Course duration:

4 hours (or 1 hour of e-learning + 3 hours in person)

Target audience:

Open to anyone aged 12 or over, with no prerequisites. Mandatory or strongly recommended for:

• Healthcare and social care professionals
• Therapists seeking ASCA accreditation
• Employees in high-risk sectors or working with the public
• Responsible citizens who want to be able to respond to cardiac arrest

Certification:

The certificate issued is valid for 2 years and complies with the European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021.

Find out more: View the full BLS-AED-SRC course details at SafetyFirst

IAS 1: the essential first-aid course for Swiss companies and employees

Overview and objectives

The IAS 1 course (“Intercompany First Aid Level 1”) is specifically designed to meet the needs of companies seeking to comply with Swiss legal requirements (MSST Directive 6508) or strengthen safety within their teams. It goes further than BLS-AED-SRC by providing a comprehensive approach to first aid that extends beyond CPR alone.

Main objectives:

• Master how to raise the alarm and respond to all life-threatening emergencies in the workplace
• Learn the right techniques for dealing with everyday accidents (bleeding, burns and trauma)
• Know how to organise first aid, secure the scene and work as a team

Practical skills developed

• Assess the casualty’s condition (consciousness, breathing and circulation)
• Apply the X-ABCDE algorithm immediately in a professional environment
• Treat common injuries: cuts, burns, fractures and head injuries
• Control bleeding: apply bandages and use pressure dressings
• Manage medical emergencies, loss of consciousness, seizures, allergic reactions and hypoglycaemia
• Apply first-aid techniques in cases of poisoning, drowning or electric shock
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (chest compressions and defibrillation)
• Organise and allocate roles during an accident involving multiple casualties
• Maintain a first-aid log and communicate effectively with the emergency services

Duration, format and target audience

• Duration: 14 hours in person (generally over 2 days), alternating theory and practical work
• Participants: Employees designated by the company, safety officers and anyone wishing to strengthen internal safety
• Prerequisites: None. Open to all adults, with no prior first-aid knowledge required

Certification and recognition

• IAS 1 certificate recognised throughout Switzerland
• Accepted by Suva/MSST and compliant with workplace requirements (fulfilling the obligation to organise first aid)
• Prerequisite for accessing higher levels (IAS 2)

Differences compared with BLS-AED-SRC

👉 Find out more about the IAS 1 course at SafetyFirst

IAS 2: the benchmark for advanced first aid and complex emergency management in Switzerland

Overview and objectives

The IAS 2 course (“Intercompany First Aid Level 2”) is the highest level of workplace first-aid training. It is intended for those who want to develop in-depth expertise and the ability to manage multiple or complex emergencies, building on the IAS 1 course.

Main objectives:

• Develop independence and responsiveness when faced with serious or simultaneous accidents
• Coordinate and organise team responses, including during incidents involving multiple casualties
• Strengthen advanced techniques in emergency care, bandaging, immobilisation, shock management and the treatment of severe burns
• Adapt protocols according to specific occupational risks (industry, chemicals and logistics)

Practical skills developed

• Rapid assessment and prioritisation of casualties according to severity (primary and secondary triage)
• Advanced application of the X-ABCDE algorithm for comprehensive accident-scene management
• Master techniques for complex injuries: bleeding control, fracture immobilisation and treatment of deep or extensive burns
• Rescue techniques in difficult environments (staircases, vehicles and hazardous areas)
• Use of additional equipment: splints, emergency blankets, oxygen masks and extrication equipment
• Managing the psychological distress of casualties and witnesses
• Leadership: effective coordination of first responders and optimal communication with professional emergency services

Organisation and target audience

• Duration: 14 to 21 hours, generally spread over 2 to 3 days (including theory, practical workshops and simulations)
• Participants: Members of workplace first-aid teams, safety officers and employees in positions of responsibility in higher-risk environments
• Prerequisites: IAS 1 certification obtained and still valid (often required to access IAS 2)

Certification and added value

• IAS 2 certificate nationally recognised (Switzerland)
• Meets the requirements of MSST directives and Suva recommendations for occupational safety
• Recommended for companies with:
  • particularly high-risk positions or processes (manufacturing, large-scale retail and logistics)
  • a large number of employees
  • strict contractual safety obligations (public contracts and ISO certifications)

Differences compared with IAS 1 and BLS-AED-SRC

To find out about the detailed programme, arrangements for organising training within your company or to request a personalised quote, visit the page dedicated to the IAS 2 course at SafetyFirst or contact our advisory team.

Comparison table of first-aid courses

This comparison table presents our first-aid training programmes: À la carte courses, Complete BLS-AED-SRC, IAS 1 and IAS 2.

These courses vary in terms of duration, prerequisites and content covered. All programmes address essential topics such as rights and obligations, safety, protection, hygiene and situation assessment.

However, the level of detail and the specificity of the procedures taught increase with the level of the course. The more advanced courses (IAS 1 and IAS 2) require more time and cover more complex topics, including stress management and measuring heart and respiratory rates, while also offering psychological support options.

Which first-aid course should you choose?

The choice of first-aid course depends on your needs, your availability and your level of responsibility for first aid. If you want to master the basics of CPR and AED use, the Complete BLS-AED-SRC programme is recommended. To expand your knowledge, consider IAS 1, and for more comprehensive expertise, choose IAS 2.

Under Article 36, paragraph 2 of Ordinance 3 to the Employment Act, training must take the specific hazards of the company into account, in accordance with CFST Directive No. 6508. This involves analysing risks according to the company’s size, geographical location and current standards. First-aiders must be able to attend refresher courses regularly and wear an identifying marker, such as a safety vest, when responding to incidents.

Need further information? We are here to provide personalised support.

Contact us and our team will guide you towards the ideal course tailored to your needs.​

Additional courses to strengthen your first-aid skills

SafetyFirst offers several additional modules to deepen, refresh or broaden your skills in resuscitation and emergency management. These additional courses enable you to remain operational, maintain a high level of proficiency and adapt to different professional environments or needs.

• Continuing BLS-AED-SRC training (2-hour refresher)
  → Maintain your skills, strengthen your practical experience and update your knowledge of the algorithm.
• Non-SRC-certified BLS-AED training (4h)
  → A comprehensive, practical module that complies with the algorithm but does not provide official certification.
• BLS-AED training – Life-saving skills (2h)
  → A short introduction to essential resuscitation skills and AED use.
• Aquatic first-aid training
  → First-aid techniques in aquatic environments: drowning, extraction and aquatic CPR.