Aim

To meet the requirements for the Health & Safety First Aid at Work Act 1981.

Prerequisite

Minimum age: 16 years.

Length of Course

24 contact hours, including final assessment but does not include coffee and meal breaks.  The course can be carried out as either:

• 4 full days, consecutive or split
• Minimum 2 hour sessions to finish within 13 weeks.

Syllabus

On completion of training successful candidates will be able to:

1. act safely, promptly and effectively when an emergency occurs at work.
2. administer cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) promptly and effectively.
3. administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is unconscious.
4. administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to casualty who:
   • Is choking or obstructed
   • Is wounded or bleeding.
   • Has been burned or scalded
   • Is suffering from an injury to bones, muscles or joints.
   • Is suffering from shock
   • Has an eye injury
   • May be poisoned
   • Has been overcome by gas or fumes
5. transport a casualty safely as required by the circumstances of the workplace.
6. recognise minor illness and take appropriate action.
7. maintain simple factual records and provide written information to a doctor or hospital if required.

Students will also be required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of first aid at work, in particular of:

1. The importance of personal hygiene in first aid procedures
2. The legal framework for first aid provision at work
3. The use of first aid equipment provided in the workplace

Assessment

The qualification is assessed as set out below:

• Continual assessment by the tutor.
• Completion of the Portfolio to the satisfaction of the course tutor.
• Complete a 25 question, 30 minute, multiple-choice examination paper at the end of the course (pass mark 18).
• Demonstrating the ability to carry out CPR on an adult manikin; first aid for an unconscious casualty and first aid for a work place emergency situation.

Re-validation

A First Aid at Work Certificate is valid for 36 months. Re-validation must take place before the expiry date of the current certificate.

Refresher training must last at least 12 hours including the assessment; sessions should not be less than 2 hours. The course should include a revision of topics covered in the basic course, together with any new first aid procedures, which have been introduced since the last course. Any certificates issued by an approved organisation should be accepted by any other organisation approved by HSE.

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