What Qualifications Do You Need for First Aid?

First aid is a crucial skill to have in the workplace. Whether it’s an accident or sudden illness, being able to provide immediate assistance can save lives. As a business owner or manager, it’s important to ensure that your workplace has qualified first aiders that are ready to act in an emergency. Not only will it keep your employees safe, but it will also keep your business compliant with the law.

In this article, discover which qualifications are required for first aid in the workplace.

What is a first aider and why are they important? 

A first aider is someone who has undergone training to provide immediate medical assistance in the event of an injury or illness. They are the first responders in an emergency situation and play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of those around them.

Having qualified first aiders in the workplace is important for several reasons:

1. They can provide immediate medical assistance in the event of an accident or illness, potentially saving lives.
2. They can help to prevent minor injuries from becoming more serious by providing prompt treatment.
3. They can help to reduce the impact of workplace accidents and illnesses on productivity and absenteeism.
4. They can help to ensure that the workplace is compliant with health and safety regulations.

What are the legal requirements for first aiders in the workplace? 

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure that employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.

The number of first aiders required in the workplace depends on the size, types and level of risk of your business. A workplace with many employees, or one that is considered a high-risk environment, should have multiple qualified first aiders available.

The HSE recommends that low-risk workplaces, such as offices and shops, have at least one first aider for every 50 employees. High-risk workplaces, such as factories and warehouses, should have at least one first aider for every 25 employees.

How many first aiders are needed in the workplace? 

The number of first aiders required in the workplace depends on the size, types and level of risk of your business. A workplace with many employees, or one that is considered a high-risk environment, should have multiple qualified first aiders available.

The HSE recommends the following:

• Low-risk workplaces (e.g. offices, shops): At least one first aider for every 50 employees
• High-risk workplaces (e.g. factories, warehouses): At least one first aider for every 25 employees

It’s important to note that these are minimum recommendations, and businesses should assess their own specific needs and risks when determining the appropriate number of first aiders.

What is the difference between first aid at work and emergency first aid at work? 

The main difference between the Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work and the Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work is the duration and content of the courses.

The Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work is a three-day course that covers a wide range of first aid topics, including:

• The role of the first aider
• Managing an emergency
• Communication and casualty care
• Asthma
• Bleeding control
• Burns
• Choking
• Seizures
• Shock
• Resuscitation

The Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work, on the other hand, is a one-day course that covers the essential skills needed to provide first aid in an emergency situation. The topics covered include:

• The role of the first aider
• Managing an emergency
• Resuscitation
• Seizures
• Shock
• Wounds and bleeding
• Minor injuries

The Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work is suitable for higher-risk workplaces and for those who want a more comprehensive understanding of first aid. The Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work is suitable for low-risk workplaces and for those who want to learn the essential skills needed to provide first aid in an emergency.

How to keep improving your first aid skills 

First aid skills are important to have, but they can also be easily forgotten if not practiced regularly. Here are some ways to keep improving your first aid skills:

1. Refresh your knowledge regularly

 It’s recommended that first aiders refresh their knowledge and skills every three years by attending a refresher course. This will help to ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest techniques and guidelines.

2. Practice regularly

The more you practice your first aid skills, the more confident and competent you will become. You can practice with colleagues, friends or family members, or by attending regular training sessions.

3. Stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines

First aid guidelines can change over time, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest recommendations. You can do this by attending training courses, reading first aid manuals or following reputable first aid organisations online.

4. Learn from real-life experiences

If you ever have to use your first aid skills in a real-life situation, take the opportunity to reflect on what went well and what could have been improved. 

5. Teach others

One of the best ways to reinforce your own knowledge and skills is to teach others. You could volunteer to provide first aid training to colleagues or community groups, or simply share your knowledge with friends and family members.

Which qualifications are needed for first aid in the workplace?

There are several first aid courses recognised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), such as:

• Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)
• Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF)
• Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work Refresher (RQF)
• Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF)
• Emergency Pool Responder Course

What are the different types of first aid training?

Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)

This is a one-day course that is designed to train someone as the designated emergency first aider in their workplace. It covers the essential skills needed to provide first aid in an emergency situation and is suitable for low-risk workplaces such as offices and shops.

Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF)

This course is designed to train staff as qualified first aiders in the workplace. It covers a wider range of first aid topics than the emergency first aid course and takes three days to complete. It’s suitable for higher-risk workplaces such as factories and warehouses.

Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work Refresher (RQF)

This course is designed for those who have already completed the Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work and need to renew their qualification. It covers the same topics as the full First Aid at Work course but focuses on refreshing and updating existing knowledge and skills.

Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF)

This two-day course is designed for those who work with children and need to know how to provide first aid to infants and children. It is useful for practical knowledge as well as to boost skills in roles involving caring for children. This qualification is suitable for those who work in settings where children are present, such as nurseries or schools.

Emergency Pool Responder Course

This is a specialised course designed for new and current staff working in the leisure sector. It covers first aid skills specific to poolside emergencies and is ideally suited to pools where full lifeguard supervision is not necessary.

All of these first aid courses can be completed with CTC Training. At CTC Training, you can find in-person and online courses for corporate groups of various sizes. Each training course will be led by an expert instructor, and all the required equipment will be provided. You’ll also have the option to undertake training at our training centre or your own venue if you prefer.

Enrol now or contact us for more information.