Please give 7 days notice of cancellation, we will always try to accommodate requests for alternative dates. Our full cancellations policy along with other policies can be found on this website at the foot of the pages.

For adult courses it is 14 years of age, for Paediatric courses it is 16 years of age

No, we can provide a venue to help with any barriers to running a course at your workplace such as space, facilities or location.

This depends on the course type, but the maximum number for face to face training is recommended to be 1 trainer to 12 learners. We do cater for smaller groups, which means that you do not need to have so many staff of the shop floor at once. If you have any other concerns around organising a training course please contact us because there would usually be a way that we can help.

This depends on the qualification, for example a first aid qualification is generally valid for 3 years where as a Fire Safety awareness and Manual Handling qualifications do not have specific expiry dates set by law. it is essential to note that the knowledge and skills acquired in such courses may degrade over time, especially if individuals do not have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned regularly. As a result, many organizations and employers implement policies to ensure that employees receive refresher training periodically.

First Aid is the initial treatment given to a person before professional treatment.

The aims of First Aid known as the 3 P’s include preserving life, preventing further harm, promoting recovery, and calling for emergency services.

First aid kit contents vary, this will be based on the First Aids need assessment. Essential items in a First Aid kit should include items such as adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, and gloves.

You should call 999/112 for emergency services immediately if a person is experiencing severe bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or other life-threatening conditions. It is okay to call 999/112 if you feel you need advice or help for any First Aid situation, for non-emergency situations use 111.

While a First Aid trainer/business can provide valuable input and expertise when it comes to conducting a first aid needs risk assessment for a business, it is advisable for a business to carry out its own internal assessment. This can be done by a designated individual, who has a thorough understanding of the specific needs, operations, and potential risks within the organization. This person does not need to be First Aid trained.

Here are some reasons why;

1. They will have familiarity with the business: The business knows its operations, processes, and potential hazards better than an external trainer. This familiarity is crucial when assessing the specific first aid needs and risks of the organization.
2. Customization: Every business is unique, and the first aid needs risk assessment should be tailored to address the specific risks and requirements of that particular business. An internal assessment allows for a customized approach.
3. Legal responsibility: The responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of employees and visitors lies with the business itself. By conducting the assessment internally, the business takes ownership of this responsibility.
4. Ongoing review: A first aid needs risk assessment is not a one-time task. It should be periodically reviewed and updated as the business evolves or new risks emerge. An internal team can better manage this process.

An external Trainer/company can offer guidance, help identify potential hazards, suggest appropriate first-aid measures, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and best practices. Their expertise and input can significantly contribute to the effectiveness of the assessment.

If you need help and guidance to write an effective First Aid needs risk assessment then please get in touch.

The first step in providing First Aid is to assess the situation and ensure that the area is safe for both the First Aider and the casualty, we call this checking for dangers. Look after yourself!

To perform CPR, first call for emergency services as help is needed and the call handler can coach you through CPR. For Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation to be effective several things need to occur;

1. Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest and place the other over the top, or interlock your fingers.
2. Push down 30 times at approximately a 3^rd of the depth of the casualty twice per second ensuring that you allow the chest to fully rise in between compressions.
3. After 30 compressions, open their airway and give 2 rescue breaths.
4. Repeat this 30/2 ratio until emergency services arrive.

The above is based on an adult casualty, there are differences with Children or Infants. Remember something is better than nothing and you would always have a professional at the end of the phone to guide you

To treat a burn, run cool water over the affected area for at least 20 minutes. Cover the burn with cling film (layered not wrapped around a limb) or a non-fluffy sterile dressing. Some things you should not do;

• Do not apply ice directly to the burn
• Do not apply any creams, ointments, lotions or butter
• Do not burst blisters
• Do not remove anything sticking to the burn

If someone is choking, they may be mildly choking so encourage them to cough. If they cannot cough it means that they are severely choking and you must act quickly;

Perform up to 5 back blows by hitting the casualty firmly between the shoulders whilst supporting their chest, take a moment to check in between each blow to see if the obstruction has cleared. If the obstruction does not clear, call for emergency services and commence abdominal thrusts.

This can be achieved by standing behind the casualty and placing both arms around them and thrusting your knuckles under the rib cage sharply. For this to be effective you will need a firm stance, repeat up to 5 times.

Repeat cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts for as long as the casualty is conscious. If the casualty collapses then open the airway, assess their breathing and commence CPR if necessary.

To treat a sprain or strain, use the RICE acronym:

R = rest the affected area

I  = ice for 20 minutes at a time every few hours but not direct ice to the skin

C = comfortably support the limb

E = elevate the affected limb if possible

If someone is experiencing a seizure, make the area safe, protect their head with a soft object (do not restrain them), time the episode, try to remove bystanders to protect the sufferer’s dignity, loosen any tight clothing, remove glasses or anything that could cause harm. Look for medical information or care plans. Call 999/112 if any of the following apply;

• It is the sufferer’s first Seizure
• If the seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes
• If they are badly injured during the Seizure
• If they do not regain consciousness after the Seizure
• If their breathing is abnormal after the Seizure
• If they’re suffering clusters or repeated Seizures
• Or if you’re simply unsure what to do!

The number of first aiders required at work depends on the specific circumstances and risks present in your workplace. The specific regulations and guidelines for first aid provision may vary depending on your location, industry, and the size of your workplace.

In general, it is recommended to have at least one designated first aider on duty at all times. If your workplace is large or has multiple locations, you may need to have additional first aiders. The number of first aiders needed may also be influenced by factors such as the number of employees, the type of work being performed, and the potential hazards or risks present.

To determine the appropriate number of first aiders for your workplace, you should conduct a First Aid needs risk assessment and consult with your local regulatory body, occupational health and safety professionals, or first aid training providers. They can help you develop a comprehensive first-aid plan and ensure that you have adequate coverage to address any potential emergencies or incidents that may occur.

In the context of workplace health and safety, an appointed person is someone who is designated to take charge of first aid arrangements and other emergency procedures in the event of an accident or illness. The appointed person is typically not a qualified first aider, but rather someone who is responsible for ensuring that appropriate first aid measures are taken until a trained first aider or medical professional can take over. One appointed person is the minimum legal requirement for every workplace with 25 or more employees.

The duties of an appointed person may include:

• Taking charge of first aid arrangements, such as ensuring that first aid equipment is available and properly maintained.
• Calling for medical assistance if necessary.
• Providing basic first aid treatment, such as cleaning and dressing wounds, administering non-prescription medication, or performing CPR in the event of cardiac arrest.
• Providing support and reassurance to the injured or ill person until further help arrives.
• Ensuring that relevant paperwork is completed, such as accident reports and first aid records.

It is important for the appointed person to have received some training in basic first aid and emergency procedures, even if they are not qualified first aiders. The specific requirements for appointed persons may vary depending on the industry and jurisdiction, so it is important to consult with local regulations and guidelines to ensure that the appointed person is fulfilling their duties appropriately.

FAW (First Aid at Work) and EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) are two types of first aid training courses that are commonly offered to employees in many workplaces.

The main difference between FAW and EFAW is the level of training and the scope of topics covered in each course.

FAW is a more comprehensive course that covers a wide range of topics related to first aid, including how to deal with major illnesses and injuries, such as heart attacks and broken bones, as well as minor injuries such as cuts and bruises. FAW training typically lasts for at least three days and includes both theoretical and practical components.

On the other hand, EFAW is a shorter course that focuses on providing emergency first aid for minor injuries and illnesses that may occur in the workplace. EFAW training usually lasts for one day and covers basic first aid techniques such as CPR, treating wounds, and dealing with choking or other life-threatening emergencies.

Overall, FAW is more suitable for workplaces where there is a higher risk of serious injuries or illnesses, while EFAW is suitable for workplaces where the risk of injury or illness is lower. It’s important for employers to assess the risks in their workplace and provide the appropriate level of training for their employees to ensure their safety and well-being.

In the UK, the administration of medications is typically outside the scope of practice for first aiders. First aiders are trained to provide immediate care to a person who has been injured or taken ill before the arrival of medical professionals.

However, there are certain circumstances where first aiders may be authorized to administer medications. For example, if a person has a known medical condition and has an agreed treatment plan, the first aider may be able to administer medication in accordance with that plan.

In addition, some first aid training courses may include training in the administration of certain medications, such as adrenaline auto-injectors for severe allergic reactions.

It is important to note that the administration of medications by first aiders should always be carried out within their level of training and competence, and in accordance with relevant legislation and guidelines. If you are unsure about whether you are authorized to administer medication as a first aider, you should seek guidance from your employer or the relevant regulatory body.

In the UK, it is possible to keep an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) in a first aid kit, provided that certain conditions are met.

Firstly, the AAI must be prescribed to a specific person, and their name should be clearly labelled on the device. The device should also be stored in a secure and accessible location, and all staff who may need to use it should be trained in how to do so.

It is also important to ensure that the AAI is in date and has not expired. Expiry dates can vary depending on the brand of the device, so it is important to check this regularly and replace the device as necessary.

If an AAI is kept in a first aid kit, it should be clearly labelled as such, so that it is easily identifiable in an emergency. Additionally, the first aid kit should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure that all contents are in date and functioning correctly.

It is also important to note that the administration of an AAI should only be carried out by someone who has been trained in its use, and only in accordance with the relevant guidelines and protocols. If you are unsure about whether you are authorized to use an AAI as a first aider, you should seek guidance from your employer or the relevant regulatory body.

Recording accidents in the workplace is an important aspect of occupational health and safety management. There are several reasons why it is necessary to keep records of workplace accidents:

1. Compliance: Recording accidents is a legal requirement in many countries, including the UK, under health and safety legislation. Employers have a duty to report certain types of accidents to the relevant regulatory body, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK.
2. Prevention: Recording accidents can help to identify patterns and trends in workplace accidents, which can be used to develop and implement effective prevention strategies. By understanding the root causes of accidents, employers can take steps to eliminate or control hazards and reduce the risk of future accidents.
3. Investigation: Accidents may need to be investigated to determine their causes and to establish any contributing factors. Recording accidents can provide a useful starting point for investigations, by providing information about the circumstances surrounding the accident.
4. Compensation: In the event of a workplace accident resulting in injury, illness or death, accurate records can be used to support any claims for compensation. This can help to ensure that affected employees receive the appropriate support and compensation for any harm suffered.

Overall, recording accidents in the workplace is an essential aspect of managing occupational health and safety. It helps employers to comply with legal requirements, prevent future accidents, investigate incidents when they occur, and support employees who have been affected by workplace accidents.

In the UK, it is not a legal requirement for workplaces to have a defibrillator. However, there are some circumstances where having a defibrillator may be recommended or considered necessary.

For example, certain industries or workplaces may have higher risks of cardiac arrest, such as construction sites or large factories. In such cases, it may be recommended to have a defibrillator on-site as part of the workplace first aid provision.

Similarly, if an employee has a known medical condition that increases their risk of cardiac arrest, it may be appropriate for their workplace to have a defibrillator available.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure that their employees receive immediate first aid attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. The regulations do not specifically require defibrillators to be provided, but they do require employers to assess the first aid needs of their workplace and provide appropriate equipment and personnel to meet those needs.

Therefore, while it is not a legal requirement to have a defibrillator in the workplace, it is important for employers to assess the risks and first aid needs of their workplace and provide appropriate equipment and training to ensure that employees receive prompt and effective first aid attention in the event of an emergency.

The Good Samaritan law is a legal principle that protects individuals from liability when they assist someone who is in distress or in need of emergency medical care. The purpose of the law is to encourage people to provide assistance in emergencies without fear of legal repercussions.

The exact details of Good Samaritan laws vary by jurisdiction, but they generally provide some level of legal protection to people who act in good faith to assist someone in need. These laws typically apply to individuals who provide emergency medical care, such as CPR or first aid, at the scene of an accident or in a medical emergency.

The protections provided by Good Samaritan laws are not absolute, and there may be circumstances where a person can still be held liable for their actions. For example, if a person provides care that is outside their level of training or expertise and causes harm to the person they are trying to help, they may still be held liable.

Overall, the Good Samaritan law is intended to encourage people to provide emergency assistance without fear of legal repercussions, provided that they act in good faith and within the bounds of their training and expertise.

An accredited course will have been developed to a set of regulated standards and will have received regulated approval. An unaccredited course will be developed by a company or individual without approval against regulated standards.

YES! A first aid needs assessment is a legal requirement in a workplace and should consider the following:

• the nature of the work and workplace hazards and risks
• the size of the organisation
• the nature of the workforce e.g. are there any employees with disabilities or particular health problems?
• the organisation’s history of accidents
• the needs of travelling, remote and lone workers
• work patterns
• the distribution of the workforce
• the remoteness of the site from emergency medical services
• employees working on shared or multi-occupied sites
• annual leave and other absences of first aiders and the appointed person
• first-aid provision for non-employees