Course Overview

A first aider is someone who has undergone a training course in administering first aid at work and holds a valid first aid at work certificate. The course has to be delivered by an organisation that has been approved by the Health & Safety executive and last a minimum of 24 hours.

This is a four day course. Upon successful completion, the candidates will be awarded a First Aid at Work Certificate that is valid for 3 years.

In order to remain competent, a first aider must undertake a two-day (12 hours) refresher course within 28 days of the expiry date of their current certificate (thereafter they will be required to undertake the 4 day First Aid at Work course). See refresher training.

What you will learn

At the end of the First Aid at work course delegates should be able to:

• Act safely, promptly and effectively when an emergency occurs at work
• Administer cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) promptly and effectively
• Administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is unconscious
• Administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is wounded or bleeding
• Administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who:
• 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
• Transport a casualty as required by the circumstances of the workplace
• Recognise common major illnesses and take appropriate action
• Recognise minor illnesses and take appropriate action
• Maintain simple factual records and provide written information to a doctor or hospital, if required

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

• The importance of personal hygiene in first aid procedure
• The legal framework for the first aid provision at work
• The use of first aid equipment provided in the workplace
• The role of the first aider in emergency procedures

Course Content

Day One

• Introduction to First Aid/Aims and objectives of the course
• Priorities, signs and symptoms
• Respiratory system and asphyxia
• Chest Injuries
• Management of the unconscious person (theory and practical)
• Cardiac arrest recognition and treatment
• Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Day Two

• Review day one
• Circulation problems (heart conditions/shock)
• Wounds and bleeding
• Medical Emergencies
• Effects of heat and cold
• Burns and Scalds
• Review practical skills

Day Three

• Review day two
• Fractures, dislocations
• Soft tissue injuries
• Head injuries
• Spinal Injuries
• Digestive System
• Poisons
• Eye injuries
• Review practical skills

Day Four

• Review of day three
• Lifting and handling
• Reports and record keeping
• First aid box
• Revision – practical and theory
• Final Assessments – theory and practical tests

The First Aid at Work 4 day course is limited to a maximum of 12 delegates. Course costs cover the training sessions, a comprehensive set of course notes, lunch and refreshments and a competency certificate.This is a non-residential training course.

This course can be delivered in-house if required. In house courses must be attended by a minimum of 10 delegates.