The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require you to provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and people so your employees can be given immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work.

What is ‘adequate and appropriate’ will depend on the circumstances in your workplace and you should assess what your first-aid needs are.

 

Who should attend?

People who wish to learn skills and knowledge to provide their organisation with Emergency First Aid that can provide treatment to their casualties in a prompt, safe and effective manner.

How long is an Emergency First Aid at Work course?

A minimum of six contact hours in the classroom, consisting of practical and theoretical activities, plus some pre-course activity could be required. Ideally, the course should be run over one day, but can be spread over a longer time period if you so desire, providing it is completed within 4 weeks of starting the course and the training sessions last for a minimum of two hours.

What topics are covered in a Emergency First Aid at Work qualification?

This course provides basic life saving first aid skills and knowledge of workplace health and safety regulations, covering:

  • Responsibilities and reporting

  • Assessment of the situation

  • Dealing with an unresponsive casualty

  • Basic hygiene in First Aid

  • Resuscitation, CPR and the safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator

  • Anatomy

  • Minor injuries

  • Bleeding control

  • Burns

  • Choking

  • Epilepsy

  • Shock

 

Assessment and Certification

Assessment

Practical assessment is ongoing by the instructor, and a three year qualification will be issued to those who satisfy the criteria. In addition, the HSE strongly recommend that all students undergo an annual refresher programme of three hours.

Certification

Successful candidates receive a level 3 certificate, valid for three years.

 

Class Size and Numbers

A maximum of 12 students are allowed per one instructor and must be a minimum of 14 years of age and a certificate can be offered to all, subject to assessment.

A student cannot assume a responsibility in the workplace until they reach the age of 16, and then it is the employer's responsibility to ensure that the student is suitable for that role.

The certificate will expire as dated on the certificate, irrespective of age.