The article addresses the urgent issue of organizing and optimizing first aid training for academic staff with non-medical education to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. The practical results of executing an 18-hour advanced training program are presented. The program embraces asynchronous remote theory and two-day full-time practical intensive course using the simulation technologies and validated four-step method. A survey of a representative sample of learners (n=188 out of 542 graduates) was utilized during the study to describe in detail the psychological, organizational, cognitive, and social-personal barriers encountered during the training process. The implemented methodology yielded significant results. Thus, the proportion of participants who felt confident that they could administer first aid safely increased from 11.2 % to 92 % (with 42 % being absolutely confident). The study explains why hybrid learning is effective and why annual support measures are required to maintain strong practical skills.