Frequently Asked Questions

What is a first aider?

A first aider is someone who has undertaken training and has a qualification that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) approves. This means that they must hold a valid certificate of competence in either:
* First Aid at Work (FAW), issued by a training organisation approved by HSE; or
* Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), issued by a training organisation approved by HSE or a recognised Awarding Body of Ofqual/Scottish Qualifications Authority.

What is an appointed person?

The minimum requirement for any workplace is to have somebody who is appointed to take care of first aid arrangements. Typically, the appointed person would be in charge of looking after first aid equipment and be responsible for calling the emergency services in the event of a serious injury or illness. An appointed person should not attempt to administer any first aid technique they have not been trained in. The one-day emergency first aid at work course is HSE accredited and qualifies the trainee as a recognised first aider within the workplace.

How many first aiders do I need?

The number of first aiders you need will depend on an assessment of first aid needs, also known as a risk assessment. This should take into consideration things like the industry sector you work in, the number of employees you have and any previous history of accidents. You can download our A4 factsheet ‘Which first aid course for my workplace’ or visit the HSE online Riskassessment tool http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/assessmenttool.htm

How often do first aiders need to requalify?

First aiders need to requalify every three years to maintain their status as a recognised first aider at work. If you hold a first aid at work certificate, you can requalify by completing the two-day first aid at work requalification course. You must complete this course before your existing certificate expires.

If you hold an emergency first aid at work certificate, you must requalify by completing the one-day training every three years.

The HSE strongly recommends that anyone who holds a first aid qualification should attend an annual update course to refresh their skills and maintain their confidence to perform them correctly.

Do I need to provide first aid training for travelling, lone or remote workers?

Employers are required to provide access to first aid for all employees while they are at work. If you have workers who travel regularly, work off-site or work alone, you must consider them when conducting your risk assessment. Your risk assessment will determine if they should be trained in first aid, be issued with a means of summoning help (such as a mobile phone) or should be issued with a personal first aid box.

What is the difference between first aid at work and first aid for the general public?

If you wish to learn first aid so you can be the recognised first aider for your workplace, you must complete a training course that is approved by the Health and Safety Executive. The course you need will depend on the outcome of your first aid needs assessment. Help to identify the right workplace first aid course is available using our online course calculator.

First Aid Training plus also provides courses for those who want to learn first aid for personal, domestic, social or leisure purposes. These courses would teach you first aid techniques but would not allow you to act as the recognised first aider at your place of work. We have courses teaching how to administer first aid to adults and to children. Everyday first aid for the general public/community groups.

What first aid equipment do I need to provide?

The minimum that any workplace must provide is a suitably stocked first aid box. There is no definitive list of what your first aid box should contain, as it will depend on the nature of your work and number of employees. Your first aid needs assessment should give you an idea of what to include, but you can get more advice from the HSE.

If there is no mains tap where you work, you must also provide a way to irrigate an injured eye. Where there is no mains tap, you should keep one litre of sterile water or normal saline solution in sealed, disposable containers. Do not use if the seal is broken or they have passed their expiry date.

Should we have an automated external defibrillator (AED)?

There is no mandatory requirement for you to have a defibrillator in your workplace. However, in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, early defibrillation offers the best chances of survival so you may wish to consider providing a machine for your staff. If you do provide a defibrillator you are advised to provide staff with regular training (at least every 12 months) so they are ready and confident to use it if the need arises.