Become a First Aider in the United Kingdom: The Essential Guide

Wiki Article

 Statistics  

Many people keep their fingers crossed and pray that accidents won't occur. But if the worst happens, a doctor or other medically trained person will be nearby to take charge and help. Sadly, accidents do happen, and the HSE have released the following 2018/19 statistics on injury and illnesses at work (and these are just the ones that were reported!): according to the Labour Force Survey, 581,000 working people sustained an injury at work, ; 69,208 severe injuries to employees were reported under RIDDOR; 28.2 million working days were lost due to work-related illness and workplace injury, and workplace accidents caused 137 fatalities.

While First Aid at work courses aren't legally required in every workplace, the HSE strongly recommends that employers provide appropriate First Aid cover. Not only is it morally right to protect your employees, but there are potential legal implications if you don't have a First Aid provision and an accident occurs.

 What needs to be checked before enrolling on the course? 

So, what does First Aid at Work involve? Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) courses typically last around six hours and enable delegates to deal with a range of common First Aid emergencies, including dealing with an unconscious casualty; CPR; choking; wounds and bleeding; minor injuries; burns; scalds and the effects of extreme cold and heat.

  What will you get in the FAW course? 

At the end of an EFAW course, delegates should be able to:

• Evaluate the situation and circumstances to act safely, promptly and effectively in an emergency.

• Give First Aid to a casualty who is unconscious (including seizure).

• Administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

• Recognise the presence of significant illness and provide appropriate First Aid (including heart attack, stroke, epilepsy, asthma, and diabetes).

• Administer First Aid treatment for minor injuries (including small cuts, grazes and bruises, minor burns and scalds, and small splinters).

A First Aider will also need good 'people skills' as they may be required to comfort casualties or relatives in a difficult or distressing situation. First Aid training courses are typically very interactive to help build confidence, and First Aiders should feel comfortable practising First Aid techniques on adults and children.

Many reputable First Aid providers offer EFAW courses across the United Kingdom if you're interested in becoming a First Aider. Hurak & Tutorak are just a few organisations that provide Emergency First Aid at Work courses. Prices for an EFAW course start from around £40 per person.

 Final Words 

So, you have everything you need to know about becoming a First Aider in the United Kingdom. Whilst First Aid training isn't legally required in every workplace, it is highly recommended by the HSE and could potentially save a life.

Stay safe! If you are still feeling overwhelmed, why not check out our First Aid for Dummies guide, which covers all the basics of First Aid in a handy, easy-to-read format. You can also find loads of First Aid tips and advice on our First Aid blog.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for an Emergency First Aid at Work course today! It could potentially save a life.