First aid training equips individuals with the skills to provide immediate assistance during medical emergencies until professional help arrives. Broad first aid knowledge across your entire workforce can create a safer workplace. In this blog, we’ll explore different first aid training options to help you make the right choice.
Understanding first aid requirements in the workplace
In Ireland and the UK, workplace first aid requirements are governed by health and safety regulations. Employers have a legal duty to provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities and trained personnel.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in Ireland and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK require organisations to:
- Conduct a first aid needs assessment based on workplace hazards and risks
- Provide appropriate first aid equipment and facilities
- Ensure a sufficient number of designated first aiders are available
- Inform employees about first aid arrangements
The number of first aiders required depends on your workplace risk level, number of employees and the nature of your business operations.
First aid training options
First aid training broadly falls into two categories: first aid awareness training and certified first aid courses.
Awareness training in first aid
Non-certified first aid awareness provides foundational knowledge without a formal qualification. They are not a replacement for certified first aiders. However, they are an excellent option to increase understanding of first aid principles across to your organisation. These courses:
- Build basic emergency response confidence
- Can be delivered online providing convenience for hybrid teams
- Are more cost-effective for training large numbers of staff
- Provide valuable knowledge that can save lives
Certified first aid courses
Certified first aid training is delivered by approved providers. These courses:
- Meet regulatory requirements for designated first aiders
- Lead to recognised qualifications (usually valid for three years in the UK and two years in Ireland)
- Cover comprehensive life-saving techniques with hands-on practice
- Typically require in-person practical assessments
Creating a workplace where all employees understand first aid principles brings significant safety benefits as well as a shift in culture.
Benefits of wider first aid knowledge
Beyond meeting any legal requirements, delivering first aid training to everyone in your workforce can:
- Result in faster emergency response times
- Build employee confidence
- Demonstrate your commitment to workplace safety and employee wellbeing
- Provide a cost-effective approach to developing a positive attitude to health and safety
- Equip staff to deal with first aid emergencies outside of the workplace
Our Basic First aid online course provides the skills all employees need to manage basic first aid requirements, deal with minor workplace injuries and know how to identify and respond to workplace emergencies.
