The Importance of First Aid Training
First Aid is a practical life skill that can make a real difference at work, at home or in the community. Knowing how to respond when somebody becomes injured or suddenly unwell can help you act with greater confidence in an emergency.
Why First Aid Matters
Many people reach adulthood without ever receiving formal First Aid training, despite it being a skill that could potentially be used almost anywhere.
First Aid can be useful in the workplace, at home, in public or within your community. Knowing how to respond while waiting for professional medical help can make an enormous difference.
Basic First Aid and lifesaving skills are also increasingly introduced to young people through education, helping more people develop the confidence to respond from an earlier age.
It is a practical skill that can remain useful throughout your working and personal life.
Why Do We Have First Aiders?
Employers have a responsibility to make adequate and appropriate First Aid arrangements so employees can receive immediate attention if they become injured or ill at work.
The exact arrangements required depend on the nature of the workplace and the outcome of the employer's First Aid needs assessment.
First Aid Provision Should Match the Risk
Basic Arrangements May Be Enough
A small, low-risk workplace may only need an appropriately stocked First Aid kit and an appointed person responsible for First Aid arrangements.
Trained First Aiders May Be Required
Workplaces involving machinery, hazardous materials or other higher-risk activities are more likely to require appropriately trained First Aiders.
What Does a First Aider Do?
The role is to provide immediate assistance to someone who becomes injured or ill until further help is available.
Sometimes that may mean dealing with a minor injury. In more serious situations, a First Aider may need to support someone until emergency medical assistance arrives.
Depending on the situation, this could include CPR, using an Automated External Defibrillator, controlling serious bleeding or placing somebody into the recovery position.
Preserve Life
Prevent Deterioration
Promote Recovery
What About Accident Reporting?
Providing immediate First Aid may not be the end of the process. Workplaces should also have procedures in place for recording accidents and incidents.
Depending on what has happened, certain serious workplace injuries, occupational diseases and dangerous occurrences may also need to be formally reported under RIDDOR.
Employers should make sure incidents are recorded correctly and that any personal information contained in accident records is stored securely and confidentially.
Why Become a First Aider?
Whether you're an apprentice or an experienced employee, First Aid skills can be useful far beyond the workplace.
Help a Colleague
Help Family or Friends
Support Your Community
Build Confidence
Improve Communication
Gain a Lifelong Skill
How Long Does First Aid Training Take?
The right course depends on the workplace, the risks involved and the outcome of the employer's First Aid needs assessment.
EFAW is typically a one-day course designed to provide essential emergency First Aid skills for the workplace.
FAW is typically completed over three days and provides more comprehensive workplace First Aid training.
How Often Do You Have to Requalify?
3 YearsFirst Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work certificates are normally valid for three years.
Annual Refresher Training
Regular refresher training can help First Aiders maintain important skills and remain confident about what to do in an emergency.
Is First Aid Training Difficult?
You do not need to arrive knowing what to do already. That is the point of the course.
DRABC
First Aid training often uses structured memory aids to help people work systematically through an emergency situation.
What Does a First Aid Course Cover?
First Aid in Higher-Risk Environments
Engineering and manufacturing workplaces may present particular First Aid considerations because employees can work around machinery, tools, electrical equipment, moving equipment and hazardous materials.
Volunteer to Become a First Aider
If your employer, school or college is looking for people to undertake First Aid training, consider putting yourself forward.
You may never need to use some of the emergency skills you learn — and hopefully you won't — but if you ever do find yourself in a situation where somebody needs help, having the knowledge and confidence to respond could make a real difference.
Engineering gives you practical skills that can last throughout your career.
First Aid gives you practical skills that can potentially help wherever you are.