First Aid Training Course FAQs
Why is first aid training important?
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people are injured or fall ill at work. For this reason, it is essential that every workplace abides by first aid law and has first aiders available to take charge and deal with any medical emergencies that may occur as soon as possible. By doing so, they can help to prevent more serious injuries and, in some cases, even save lives.
Which first aid course should I take?
There are four main types of first aid training that a person may need to take. These are:
- An online first aid awareness course that explores the law surrounding first aid and provides some basic guidance on how to act in a first aid emergency. This kind of course is suitable for anyone who requires an understanding of first aid and how to act in an emergency situation, but is not appropriate for anyone looking to act as a qualified first aider.
- An Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course is designed for anyone who wishes to act as a first aider in a low risk environment, such as an office or shop.
- A First Aid at Work (FAW) course is a longer course designed for those acting as a first aider in a high risk environment, such as a warehouse or nightclub.
- A paediatric first aid course is suitable for those who work with babies or children and need to act as a qualified first aider, such as those that work in schools or nurseries.
For more information on which course is suitable for you, visit the British Red Cross' first aid course finder.
How long is a first aid course?
Again, this depends on the kind of course that is being taken:
- An online first aid awareness training course can be completed in around 45 minutes.
- An Emergency First Aid at Work training course takes 1 day to complete.
- A First Aid at Work training course is a more in-depth course, and takes 3 days to complete.
What do you learn in first aid training?
First aid training is designed to provide learners with the first aid skills and knowledge that they need, and the confidence to use them in their workplace. They cover how to deal with a range of common medical emergencies, such as burns, heart attacks and allergic reactions.
How long does first aid training last?
First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work certificates are both valid for three years. Once the certificate has expired, a person will either need to complete a refresher course, or complete the full course again.
How often is first aid refresher training required?
First aid refresher training must be taken every three years in order to ensure that a person's first aid knowledge is relevant and up-to-date.
How much is a first aid course?
The price of a first aid course varies depending on the kind of course it is:
- An online first aid course, such as our First Aid Awareness course, which outlines the requirements of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and provides some very basic first aid knowledge can be purchased from just £10 + VAT.
- An Emergency First Aid at Work course, which is the shortest course a learner can take to act as a qualified first aider, are priced from around £100.
- A First Aid at Work course, which is designed for those acting as a first aider in high risk environments, start at around £200.
Are first aid courses hard?
All first aid courses are designed to be suitable for anyone, including those who do not have any prior knowledge of first aid or experience with medical techniques. While there will be a lot to learn and understand when completing the course, there will be plenty of time available to ask questions and practice before any assessments are done.
What should I bring to a first aid course?
Typically, learners are not required to bring anything to a first aid course as they will be provided with the resources they need upon arrival. However, it is recommended that learners check with their training provider directly to make sure that this is the case.
What should I wear to a first aid course?
Certain techniques, such as applying a sling or providing rescue breaths, are taught using practical demonstrations in a face-to-face first aid course, so it is best to wear loose fitting clothes, trousers and flat shoes.
Are online first aid courses legitimate?
Online first aid courses are legitimate, and are a useful way of providing learners with a basic understanding of what first aid is, and how they should react in the event of a medical emergency. However, they do not allow a person to act as a first aider because they do not allow for practical demonstration or assessment.
Who provides first aid training?
There are a large number of organisations who are able to deliver first aid training, including the British Red Cross and St John's Ambulance. At Commodious, we also provide a basic first aid awareness course that can be used to train staff members in how to act during a first aid emergency. This course can be accessed using the link below:
