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FAQs

How long does a first aid at work certificate last for?

A first aid at work certificate lasts for three years. This means that the person can fulfil the role of a workplace first aider for those three years. Once a certificate expires a person cannot fulfil the role of a workplace first aider and an employer may not be providing the necessary first aid provision that their risk assessment identifies.

Although a certificate is valid for three years, studies have shown that the quality of first aid skills can deteriorate after 6 months. This is called skills fade. The HSE strongly recommends that first aiders complete an annual refresher of their first aid skills.

What is the difference between first aid at work and emergency first aid at work course?

The first aid at work course is most appropriate for employers who, based on their risk assessment, operate with a higher degree of hazard or for larger employers who, based on their risk assessment, operate with a lower degree of hazard.

The first aid at work course also covers more first aid techniques than the emergency first aid at work and if an employer’s risk assessments identifies that employees are at specific risk for example fractures, burns or anaphylactic shock they should train their first aiders in this first aid at work course.

How do I become a certified first aider?

You need to attend a first aid at work or emergency first aid at work course and successfully complete the assessment on these courses. The assessments for both courses test both your knowledge but also your skill to respond to a variety of first aid incidents. If you are already have completed a first aid at work course and your certificate is about to expire, you can attend a requalification in first aid at work course to keep your certificate current.

What is the difference between a first aider and an appointed person?

An appointed person is expected to take charge of the first aid arrangements which includes looking after first aid equipment such as ensuring the first aid kit is regularly replenished and calling the emergency services if an incident occurs. They are not expected nor are they trained to provide first aid. Appointed persons are only appropriate for very small low risk workplaces where their risk assessment has identified that a first aiders is not required. A first aider is trained and assessed to be competent to provide first aid if a first aid incident occurs.

Can you fail a first aid at work course?

Before you can fulfil the role of a first aider in the workplace, you need to evidence that you have both the knowledge and are competent to manage a variety of first aid incidents. If you are unable to prove on a first aid at work course that you have sufficient knowledge and are competent to manage a variety of first aid incidents, you will not be allowed to complete the course and be awarded a certificate.

How often should I do first aid training?

A first aid at work or emergency first aid at work certificate is only valid for 3 years. You need to complete either a requalification in first aid at work or redo the emergency first aid at work before your certificate expires to continue to fulfil the role of a first aider in the workplace. Although a certificate is valid for three years, studies have shown that the quality of first aid skills can deteriorate after 6 months. This is called skills fade. The HSE strongly recommends that first aiders complete an annual refresher of their first aid skills.

How many first aiders do I need?

The number of first aiders needed is determined by a combination of the number of people you employ the level of hazard that your operations present, the layout and size of your workplace and work patterns such as shifts. The number differs from employer to employer and a thorough risk assessment is required to determine what is appropriate for your operation.

As a rule of thumb, if you operate at a higher hazard, you should have 1 first aider with a first aid at work certificate for every 50 people employed on site at all times. For lower hazard employers, it is 1 first aider for the first 25 people employed on site at all times, then 1 extra for every 100 people employed.

If you operate over several floors, a large site or have a shift pattern, you need to ensure the same provision is provided across your whole site and at all times your workplace is open. If you have a multi-use site that has a variety of operations, for example an office plus light manufacturing on site, you need to ensure that enough trained first aiders are provided based on the varying hazards of different parts of your site. The HSE also advises that you take into account if parts of your site are open to members of the public and ensure sufficient first aiders are provided.

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