Comparative 2025: Which first aid course should you choose between BLS-AED-SRC, IAS 1 and IAS 2?

First aid knowledge is not only useful in everyday life, but is also required in many professional contexts. Whether it’s intervening in the event of cardiac arrest, clearing an infant’s airway or applying emergency protocols in the workplace, there are several types of certified training available.

How do you know which to choose between the full BLS-AED-SRC course, the IAS 1 or the IAS 2? What are the practical differences between these recognised training 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 profiles as well as practical advice on how to make the right choice, whether you are an individual, a company or a healthcare professional.

If you’re looking to master the first aid gestures validated by the guidelines of the Swiss Resuscitation Council, this guide will give you all the keys.

👉 Also to be discovered: Our certified first aid training courses in French-speaking Switzerland.

Complete BLS-AED-SRC training: the essential basis for intervention in the event of cardiac arrest

The BLS-AED-SRC complete course, also known as the Generic Provider course, is one of the pillars of first aid training in Switzerland. Officially recognised by the Swiss Resuscitation Council (SRC), it teaches vital basic skills to anyone who wants to know how to react effectively in a cardiac emergency.

Objectives & skills learned :

• Quickly assess a critical situation and secure the scene
• Recognising the signs of sudden cardiac arrest
• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): chest compressions + ventilation
• Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) safely
• Putting an unconscious victim who is still breathing on the surface support position
• Airway clearance in adults and children

Course duration :

4 hours (or 1h e-learning + 3h face-to-face)

Target audience:

Accessible to anyone aged 12 and over, with no pre-requisites. Compulsory or strongly recommended for :

• Health and social care professionals
• Therapists seeking ASCA accreditation
• Employees working in high-risk sectors or with the public
• Responsible citizens wishing to take action in the event of cardiac arrest

Certification:

The certificate awarded is valid for 2 years, in line with the Guidelines 2021 of the European Resuscitation Council.

For more information: See the complete BLS-AED-SRC course sheet at Safety First

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

Presentation and objectives

The IAS 1 (“Interentreprises d’Appui Sanitaire Niveau 1”) training course is specifically designed to meet the needs of companies wishing to comply with Swiss legal obligations (MSST Directive 6508) or to enhance safety within their teams. It goes further than the BLS-AED-SRC by incorporating a comprehensive approach to first aid, going beyond cardiopulmonary resuscitation alone.

Primary objectives:

• Mastering the alert and response to all life-threatening emergencies in the workplace
• Learn how to deal with everyday accidents (haemorrhage, burns, trauma)
• How to organise the rescue, secure the scene and act as part of a team

Concrete skills developed

• Assessing the victim’s condition (consciousness, breathing, circulation)
• Immediate application of the X-ABCDE algorithm in the workplace
• Treating common injuries: cuts, burns, fractures, head injuries
• Controlling bleeding: applying bandages, using pressure dressings
• Management of malaise, loss of consciousness, convulsions, allergic attacks or hypoglycaemia
• First aid techniques in the event of poisoning, drowning or electric shock
• Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (cardiac massage, defibrillation)
• Organisation and distribution of roles in an accident involving several victims
• Keeping a first aid register and communicating effectively with emergency services

Duration, format & target audience

• Participants : Employees designated by the company, security managers, any volunteers wishing to strengthen internal security
• Pre-requisites: None. Training open to all adults, with no initial level of first aid.

Certification and recognition

• Accepted by Suva/MSST and compliant with company requirements (fulfilling the obligation to organise rescue services)
• Prerequisites for access to higher levels (IAS 2)

Differences with BLS-AED-SRC

👉 Find out more about IAS 1 training at SafetyFirst.

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

Presentation and objectives

The IAS 2 (“Interentreprises d’Appui Sanitaire Niveau 2”) training course is the next level up in company rescue. It is dedicated to those who wish to acquire in-depth expertise and the ability to manage multiple or complex emergency situations, as a complement to IAS 1 training.

Primary objectives:

• Developing autonomy and responsiveness in the face of serious or simultaneous accidents
• Coordinating and organising the team response, including multiple casualty incidents
• Reinforcing advanced techniques in emergency care, bandaging, immobilisation, shock management and severe burns
• Adapting protocols to specific occupational risks (industry, chemicals, logistics)

Concrete skills developed

• Rapid analysis and prioritisation of victims according to severity (primary and secondary triage)
• Advanced application of the X-ABCDE algorithm for complete management of an accident scene
• Mastery of procedures for complex injuries: control of haemorrhage, immobilisation of fractures, management of deep or extensive burns
• Rescue techniques in difficult environments (stairs, vehicles, dangerous areas)
• Use of additional equipment: splints, emergency blankets, oxygen masks, extraction equipment, etc.
• Managing the psychological distress of victims and witnesses
• Leadership: effective coordination of first responders and optimum communication with professional rescue services

Organisation & target audience

• Participants: Members of company first aid teams, safety managers, employees in positions of responsibility in high-risk environments
• Pre-requisites: IAS 1 certification obtained and up to date (often required for access to IAS 2).

Certification and added value

• IAS 2 certificate nationally recognised (Switzerland)
• Meets the requirements of the MSST directives and Suva recommendations for occupational safety
• Training recommended for companies with :
  • jobs or processes involving particular risks (factories, mass distribution, logistics)
  • a large number of employees
  • stringent contractual safety obligations (public procurement contracts, ISO certification)

Differences with IAS 1 and BLS-AED-SRC

To find out more about the detailed programme, how it can be organised in your company or to get a personalised quote, visit the page dedicated to IAS 2 training at SafetyFirst or contact our consultancy team.

Comparative table of first aid training courses

This comparison table shows our first aid training programmes: A la carte course, full BLS AED SRC, IAS 1 and IAS 2.

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

However, the level of detail and specificity of the procedures taught increases with the advanced level of the courses. The more advanced courses (IAS 1 and IAS 2) require a longer duration and cover more complex subjects, including stress management, heart rate and respiratory rate measurements, and offer psychological support.

Which first aid course should I choose?

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

According to article 36, alin 2 de l’OLT, training must take account of the hazards specific to the company, in accordance with directive n°6508 de la CFST. This involves a risk analysis based on size, geographical location and current standards. First aiders must be able to take regular refresher courses and wear a distinctive sign (such as a safety waistcoat) when responding to emergencies.

Need further details? We’re here to help you in a personalised way.

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