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First Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Appointed Person First Aid Course accredited by the HSE?
What does the HSE say about appointed persons?
What is the difference between a first aider and an appointed person?
How many first aiders or appointed persons do I need?
What does the new training regime for first aiders in the workplace entail?

Q. Is the Appointed Person First Aid Course accredited by the HSE?

A. The HSE does not accredit any first aid courses. The HSE is responsible for: “approving training organisations providing first aid at work, offshore first aid or offshore medic courses.” AB First Response is approved by the HSE to provide first aid at work training.

Q. What does the HSE say about appointed persons?

A. On its website the HSE gives answers to frequently asked questions and says the following about appointed persons:

“What is an appointed person?
When an employer’s first aid needs assessment identifies that a first aider is not necessary, the minimum requirement is to appoint a person to:

• take charge when someone is injured or ill, including calling an ambulance if required;
• look after the first aid equipment, eg restocking the first aid box.
• They can also provide emergency cover where a first-aider is absent due to unforeseen circumstances (annual leave does not
  count).

Can appointed persons perform first aid, eg cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?
Appointed persons should not attempt to give first aid for which they have not been trained.

Are appointed persons required to take an approved training course in first aid?
There are no legal requirements for appointed persons to have any approved training in order to carry out their responsibilities. However, there are courses available for appointed persons.”

AB First Response provides courses for the appointed person. These courses will train the appointed persons to carry out their duties and also give them some knowledge of basic emergency first aid procedures including CPR.

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

A. A first aider is someone who has undergone first aid at work training and holds a current valid First Aid at Work Certificate or an Emergency First Aid at Work Certificate. First aid at work training is only delivered by HSE approved training organisations. The first aider is qualified to administer first aid. He/she can also carry out the duties of the appointed person.

An appointed person (see question 2 above) is someone who takes charge when someone is injured or ill, including calling an ambulance if required; and looks after the first aid equipment, eg restocking the first aid box. The appointed person will not administer first aid unless he/she has been trained to do so.

Q. How many first aiders or appointed persons do I need?

A. By law you are required to assess the risks of your place of work. Your findings will help you decide on the number of first aiders and/or appointed persons. The HSE offers guidance in a table available on their website but stress that these are only suggestions and not a legal requirement. It is up to you to look at your particular circumstances and make the appropriate provisions.http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg214.pdf

Q. What does the new training regime for first aiders in the workplace entail?

A. Under this regime,starting from 1st October 2009, an employer can send prospective first aiders on a course in either first aid at work (FAW) or emergency first aid at work (EFAW). The employers should use the findings of their first-aid needs assessment to ensure the type of
training course chosen is appropriate for the circumstances of the workplace. New guidance for employers is available on HSE’s website.http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg214.pdf

The new First Aid at Work (FAW) training course lasts 3 days and the certificate is valid for 3 years. Before the end of the 3 year period, first aiders need to undertake a 2 day First Aid at Work requalification course.

The new Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) training course lasts one day and the certificate is valid for 3 years. Before the end of the 3 year period, first aiders need to undertake a new Emergency First Aid at Work training course.

Only HSE approved training organisations can deliver FAW or EFAW training courses. AB First Response is approved to deliver both courses.

Annual refresher courses.
HSE strongly recommends that first aiders undertake annual refresher training. Although not mandatory, this will help qualified first aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes to first-aid procedures.

The Appointed Person under the New Regime. 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. 

For further information, please call Annie on 01446 771274