First aid training is crucial for UK businesses of all sizes and in all industries. The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations of 1981 require all business owners to provide their employees with appropriate and accessible first aid support and equipment during medical emergencies. Providing your employees with first aid training is the first step to being HSE compliant.
So, what first aid qualifications do your employees need? Below we discuss the different first aid training courses available to your Wirral-based business.
What Are the Different Types of First Aid Qualifications?
There are six first aid training courses that you can complete with TL Training. The one you choose depends on your skill level and the nature of your work.
Emergency First Aid Course
The One-Day Emergency First Aid at Work course is appropriate for all novice first aiders. The course aims to teach learners how to administer basic first aid techniques confidently and correctly.
During the training course, you will learn how to report an accident, how to administer CPR, and much more.
First Aid at Work Course
The HSE requires that every workplace have a qualified first aider on site. The Three-Day First Aid at Work course is a comprehensive course that provides learners with HSE-recognised first aid qualification. To remain HSE compliant, all designated workplace first aiders must complete a three-day first aid training course.
The course will cover basic emergency first aid and more advanced first aid techniques too. At the end of the course, you will know how to administer first aid to someone who is having a seizure, is choking, or having an angina attack, to name a few. You will also learn how to use first aid equipment, such as an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Requalification Course
Your HSE recognised first aid qualification is only valid for three years. To remain qualified, employees will need to complete a Two-Day First Aid at Work Requalification course to re-qualify. After completing the course, you will receive a new first aid qualification valid for three years.
The requalification course is extensive and covers a wide range of first aid emergency principles and techniques. You will also be brought up to speed with any protocol changes that have occurred since your initial qualification.
To be admitted to the course, you must have a copy of your existing first aid certificate. To re-qualify, you must take the course within 90 days of your first aid certificate expiring or 28 days after expiry. If you do not complete the requalification course in time, you will have to complete the three-day first aid course again.
Mental Health First Aid Course
The Mental Health First Aid course provides learners with essential skills to provide mental health support to others. After completing the course, you will receive a certificate of attendance that confirms that you are qualified to act as mental health first aider. You will also receive a manual and workbook that can be referred back to after training.
The course runs over four sessions. During the sessions, you will learn skills such as identifying mental ill-health and develop practical knowledge of how to help you support someone in distress. Mental health first aid courses are easily as important as physical first aider courses as both courses teach life-saving skills.
Paediatric First Aid Course
Anyone who cares for young children should complete a Two-Day Paediatric First Aid course. After completing the course, childminders, schoolteachers, and even grandparents will be able to administer first aid to children and infants.
First aid for children differs significantly from adult first aid. The paediatric first aid course you choose should meet the Ofsted Early Years and Childcare requirements.
Refresher Course
The First Aid Annual Refresher course is a three-hour-long course that aims to maintain your first aid knowledge. The course can be completed annually by anyone who has also already received their first aid qualification. The HSE recommends that all qualified first aiders complete an annual refresher course.
During the refresher course, you will revisit the skills you learnt during your three-day first aid and emergency first aid training. You will receive a certificate of attendance at the end of the course too.
Why Should You Complete Your First Aid Qualification with TL Training?
First aid training provides potentially life-saving skills. Your ability to help during an emergency depends on the quality of the training you received.
Some employers try to cut corners when choosing a first aid training provider. However, choosing an unaccredited and inexperienced training provider could jeopardise your HSE compliance and put your employees’ safety at risk.
TL Training is an accredited training provider with a track record of successfully delivered courses stretching back several years. We have provided life-saving training to businesses in Wirral, Chester, and right across the North West.
Our experienced trainers provide interactive and educational first training that is appropriate for all working environments. If you are unsure about your workplace’s first aid requirements, we can help you conduct a first aid risk assessment too.
Get in touch with us today, and one of our experienced team members can get you started with an obligation-free quote. You can give us a call at 0151 343 0588 or email us at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
