New Rules for First Aid
On 1st October 2009 the H.S.E introduced new guidelines for first aid courses
The First Aid at Work course has become an eighteen hour course (instead of twenty four) with a re-qualification course every 3 years. The H.S.E also strongly recommends that First Aid at Work candidates attend 3 hour annual refresher courses until re-qualification. The re-qualification can be attended up to 3 months before, and 28 days after, the expiry date.
The Refresher First Aid at Work course remains a 12 hour course but the H.S.E strongly recommends that candidates attend 3 hour annual refresher courses until re-qualification at 3 years.
The one day Appointed Persons First Aid/Emergency First Aid course will be known as the Emergency First Aid at Work course. This course must be conducted over 6 hours and a 3 hour annual refresher course is strongly recommended, by the HSE, until re-qualification at 3 years.
To deliver the new Emergency First Aid at Work the Trainer/Training Company must be registered with the H.S.E. or OFQUAL
(C.I.A.S. HSE approval no. is F0005/97).
The role of the Appointed Person will continue after the changes on 1st October 2009. Where an employer’s assessment of first aid needs identifies that a first aider is not necessary, then the employer must appoint a person to take charge of the first aid arrangements including:
o looking after equipment and facilities
o calling the emergency services when required
o and must be available at all times when people are at work
Remember Appointed Persons do not need first aid training to fulfil their role and should not attempt to give first aid for which they have not been trained. Employers should consider providing qualified first aiders.