First aid cover in the workplace is a legal requirement. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have been reviewing the current regulations and a new set of regulations will come into force on 1 October 2009.

• 1 day course will be called Emergency First Aid at Work
• Any course that takes place  after 1 Oct 09 should be refreshed annually (this is not mandatory, but "strongly recommended")
• 4 day course (First Aid at Work) to become 3 day course, with a 2 day refresher every 3rd year to remain the same.
 
 
Summary of HSE.gov website:
 
Frequently asked questions on the changes to first aid training and approval arrangements.

This note is aimed at employer duty holders and first aid training organisations.  It considers some common enquiries received by HSE on future changes to the first aid training regime for first aiders in the workplace.

In the text, FAW refers to 'first aid at work' and EFAW to 'emergency first aid at work'.  

First aid provision by employers
1. When will the changes be fully implemented?
The new training courses will be introduced from 1 October 2009. 

2. If I need first aiders in my workplace before 1 October 2009, what training will they need?
The current requirements will remain in place until 1 October 2009.  Any prospective first aiders will need to successfully complete a four day FAW course delivered by an HSE approved training organisation.

3. If a first aider obtains an FAW certificate just before implementation of the new training regime, will they need to be retrained as soon as the new courses are introduced?
No.  They will only enter the new training regime when their three year FAW certificate expires. 

4. Will annual refresher training be a mandatory requirement?
No.  It will be strongly recommended to employers to help qualified first aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes in first aid procedures.

Training
1. Will the EFAW course take over from appointed person training?
For regulatory purposes, successfully completing an EFAW course will enable the student to act as a first aider in the workplace.  The role of the appointed person will remain and there will continue to be no regulatory requirement for such personnel to undertake first aid training.  However, employers will still be able to send appointed persons on basic first aid training and organisations would not need HSE approval to offer such training.  Some employers may choose instead to send individuals on EFAW courses, in which case they would become first aiders in regulatory terms.

To Book your First Aid Training Telephone Lorraine Crashley on (01427) 610101