How do I qualify for first aid?
So you’ve decided to enrol for a first aid course.
It could be one of the most important things you ever do as you will be equipping yourself with the skills and confidence to be able to save lives.
When put like that, it sounds rather daunting. After all, saving lives is for the professionals isn’t it?
If you’re having doubts about whether you are suitably qualified, or maybe need any prior knowledge or medical know-how before you even start, don’t lose heart.
Qualifying to do first aid isn’t as difficult as you might think.
Do I need any prior knowledge before my first aid course?
The short answer is no; prior first aid knowledge is not necessary.
In fact, if you start reading up and watching videos on the subject, you could fill your head with all the wrong information and techniques.
Turning up on the day to do the course armed with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn is much more important.
Nor do you need any special clothing – although because you might have to kneel on the floor to practice techniques like life-saving CPR you should wear something loose.
Why do a first aid course?
The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) states that employers must provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.
Where your first aid needs assessment indicates that trained first aiders are required, the level of training undertaken should be as identified.
The two types of recommended course are either: first aid at work (FAW) training, or emergency first aid at work (EFAW) training.
The QA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF)
What is it?
It is a regulated and nationally-recognised qualification, specifically designed for those who are appointed to act as a first aider in their workplace.
How long is it?
A three-day course.
What will I learn?
You’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to deal with a range of first aid situations, including:
- Assessing an incident
- Managing an unresponsive casualty
- CPR
- Heart attacks
- Choking
- Head and spinal injuries
- Fractures
- Anaphylaxis
How do I know that I will be qualified at the end of my training?
HSE no longer approves first-aid training and qualifications or first-aid training organisations, so the employer has a duty to ensure that any training provider that they select for the purposes of first-aid training is competent to deliver that training.
You should:
- Find out if the company you are looking to use is Government or Local Authority approved. This means they are likely to have been HSE-approved, which will evidence that they are used to conforming to strict quality standards and will have fully trained and qualified instructors.
- Ensure your training course is accredited by a professional, trusted and well-respected organisation.
- Check to see if the company has any testimonials or case studies displayed on their website, as this is a quick and easy check that could give you all the information you need.
Basegreen Academy’s first aid courses are designed to provide the skills you need now, and we will be happy to answer any questions if you would like to get in touch with us today.