If you’re organising a sporting event, school carnival, fun run or community match in Sydney, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: how much does event first aid actually cost? Below is a straight answer, with the variables that move the price up or down.
Short answer
In Greater Sydney, FAIS event first aid starts from $70 per hour for an SMA-certified sports trainer, with a 2-hour minimum. As a guide, that’s around $280 for a half-day (up to 4 hours) and $560 for a full day (up to 8 hours). Last-minute and same-day bookings may carry a small surcharge depending on availability. For an exact figure, send us your event details and we’ll come back with a fixed quote.
What’s included in the price
- An SMA-accredited sports trainer (not a generic first aider)
- Their own first aid kit, strapping tape and basic consumables
- Travel within Greater Sydney
- Public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- A written incident log for any treatments provided on the day
What changes the price
Five things move the number up or down:
- Event duration. Half-day, full day or multi-day.
- Number of participants. A 60-player rugby gala day needs more cover than a 20-kid Auskick session.
- Risk profile of the sport. Contact sports (rugby, AFL, MMA) generally require more trainers on standby than non-contact.
- Location. Inner Sydney venues are standard rate; outer-metro travel (Penrith, Camden, Sutherland) may carry a small travel component.
- Lead time. Bookings made the same day or the night before are subject to availability.
Sports trainer vs paramedic vs ambulance officer — what do I actually need?
For most community sport, school carnivals and grassroots events, an SMA-certified sports trainer is the right level of cover. Sports trainers are specifically trained in sport-related injuries: strapping, sprains, concussion recognition, on-field assessment and return-to-play decisions. Paramedics and ambulance officers cost significantly more and are generally only required for large-scale or high-risk events. If you’re unsure, send us your event details and we’ll tell you straight.
How last-minute bookings work
FAIS specialises in same-day and next-day cover across Greater Sydney. If your booked first aider has cancelled, or your insurance or governing body has just told you that you need cover on the day, call us. We hold a roster of sports trainers across Sydney specifically so that we can fill last-minute gaps.
Frequently asked questions
Is event first aid tax deductible for a sporting club?
For most incorporated sporting clubs in NSW, the cost of engaging a qualified sports trainer for an event is a deductible business expense. Check with your club’s accountant.
Do I need first aid cover for a school sports carnival?
NSW schools are generally required under their duty-of-care and risk-management policies to have qualified first aid cover at any sports carnival or off-site sporting event. Many schools satisfy this by booking an external sports trainer for the day.
Can I book a sports trainer for just a few hours?
Yes. The standard minimum booking is a half-day (up to 4 hours).
How quickly can FAIS confirm a booking?
Most bookings are confirmed within an hour during business hours. Same-day bookings depend on roster availability — call us on the number on our contact page for the fastest answer.
Get a quote for your event
Send us your event date, location, sport and expected number of participants and we’ll come back with a fixed quote. Email info@firstaidinsport.com.au or use the contact form.