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What is first aid and which course do I need?

What is first aid?
What is a first aider?
What is an appointed person?
Training
How do I know I need a first aider?
How many first aiders do I need?

What is first aid?

First aid at work covers the arrangements employers must make to ensure employees who become ill or injure themselves at work receive immediate attention, including calling an ambulance in serious cases.

It doesn't matter whether the illness or injury is caused by work, what is important is that lives can be saved and minor injuries prevented from becoming serious by the quick intervention of a trained first aider.

What is a first aider?

A first-aider is someone who has undertaken training and has a qualification that
HSE approves. This means that they must hold a valid certificate of competence in
either:

u first aid at work (FAW), issued by a training organisation approved by HSE; or

u emergency first aid at work (EFAW), issued by a training organisation approved
by HSE or a recognised Awarding Body of Ofqual/Scottish Qualifications
Authority.

To decide on your first AID reuirements use the HSE First Aid at Work - your questions answered leaflet (PDF file, opens in a new window)

What is an appointed person?

If you decide you don’t need a first-aider in your workplace, you should appoint someone to take charge of first-aid arrangements. The role of this appointed person includes looking after first-aid equipment and facilities and calling the emergency services when required. They can also provide emergency cover where a first-aider is absent due to unforeseen circumstances (annual leave does not count). Appointed persons do not need first-aid training, though emergency first-aid courses are available.

Even if you decide first-aiders are unnecessary, there is still the possibility of an accident or illness, so you may wish to consider providing qualified first-aiders. Appointed persons are not necessary where there is an adequate number of first-aiders.

An appointed person should only administer first aid appropriate to their level of training. The primary care with AED, secondary care and care for children course gives an appointed person a good level of training to the appointed person to fulfil this role.

Training

When you have assessed that you require a qualified first aider at your place of work they need to attend an HSE approved course, usually held over 3 days or spread out over a few weeks OR emergency first aider, usually held over 1 day. First Aid at Work certificates are valid for 3 years. Re-qualification courses consist of 12 hours over 2 days or 1 day for the emergency first aider. It is strongly recommended that both first aiders and emergency first aiders attend a 3 hour re-training session every 12 months between requalification, see the refresher page for further information.

How do I know I need a first aider?

Many small firms only need to make the minimum of first aid provision, but assessment of your workplace hazards may show that a trained first aider is required. For example, do you work with hazardous substances, dangerous tools or machinery, heavy loads? A checklist is available from HSE providing guidance First Aid at Work Your questions answered. See links in further information below.

How many first aiders do I need?

There are no rules on how many first aiders are required as this depends on the circumstances of your business. It is up to the employer, after carrying out an assessment of the workplace to decide what the first aid needs are. See links to HSE in further information below.

Further Information

The following resource may be of further help:

• HSE website on many aspects of first aid (opens in a new window)

HSE free publications: 

• Basic Advice on First Aid at Work. (PDF file, opens in a new window)
• First Aid at Work: Your questions answered. (PDF file, opens in a new window)

To order publications from HSE Books visit their website at www.hse.gov.uk (opens in a new window)