What is a First Aid Refresher Course?
The First Aid at Work Refresher course is an intensive two-day program aimed at refreshing the first aid skills of individuals who have previously completed the full First Aid at Work training. This course reinforces and updates participants on the latest practices in handling workplace medical emergencies. Training focuses on key skills such as the administration of CPR, using Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), and managing specific workplace incidents like severe bleeding, burns, and spinal injuries. The first aid refresher courses are structured to ensure that participants can confidently maintain their roles as first aiders within their workplaces, promoting continued safety and compliance.
Course Content
What can I expect from First Aid at Work Refresher training?
Participants in this first aid refresher course will enhance their proficiency in:
Can I effectively respond to emergencies at work with this refresher training?
Absolutely. The First Aid at Work Refresher course renews and updates your first aid skills to ensure you remain a competent responder in various emergency situations within the workplace. This refresher training not only revisits essential first aid practices but also introduces any new techniques and guidelines that have emerged since your last certification. By reinforcing both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, this course ensures you are well-prepared to provide immediate and effective first aid responses. This ability is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment and for acting swiftly and confidently during workplace emergencies, thus continuing to safeguard the health and safety of your colleagues.
Entry Requirements
Are there any entry requirements for the First Aid Refresher course?
To enrol in this requalification course, participants must have previously completed a First Aid at Work course and hold a certificate that is nearing expiration. This first aid refresher course is ideal for those looking to renew their skills and continue their responsibility as certified first aiders.
Assessment & Certification
How is the First Aid at Work Refresher course assessed?
Assessment in the first aid refresher includes:
These assessment methods ensure that all participants meet the rigorous standards required to effectively manage first aid situations at work.
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a renewed First Aid at Work certificate, valid for another three years. This certification confirms their ability to act as first aiders in the workplace, maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations.
Progression
What are the progression opportunities after completing the First Aid Refresher course?
Participants of this refresher course are encouraged to continue their education in specialised areas of first aid, such as mental health first aid or paediatric first aid. These additional qualifications can enhance their capabilities and broaden their roles within their organisations.
Available training dates
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Find a training dateHow often should First Aid at Work be refreshed?
First aid skills at work should typically be refreshed every three years to ensure that first aiders retain their skills and stay updated with the latest first aid practices and guidelines. However, many health and safety experts recommend taking annual refresher courses, especially for practicing crucial skills like CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These shorter annual refreshers help maintain proficiency and confidence in responding to emergencies, ensuring first aiders are always prepared to act effectively.
What is the grace period for First Aid Refresher?
In the UK, the First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification needs to be renewed every three years according to the guidelines set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The renewal involves attending a first aid refresher course, which is typically shorter than the initial training and should be completed over two consecutive days.
It's crucial to note that once a First Aid certificate expires, the individual is no longer considered competent to act as a workplace first aider under the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. Unlike some certifications that may offer a grace period, there is no official grace period for FAW certifications. Therefore, employers and first aiders should ensure that requalification is completed before the existing certificate expires to maintain continuous compliance with HSE regulations. This standard is upheld by various awarding bodies across the UK to ensure a consistent level of training and readiness among first aiders.
Can you do a Refresher First Aid course online?
The practical components of First Aid at Work Refresher courses generally require face-to-face training to ensure that all practical skills are adequately demonstrated and assessed under the supervision of a qualified instructor. These components include tasks like CPR, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and other emergency procedures that need hands-on practice to ensure proficiency.
However, some theoretical parts of the refresher training might be available online, depending on the provider. This could include learning about first aid theory, understanding the latest guidelines, and reviewing case studies. It's essential to check with specific training providers or awarding bodies to see if they offer a blended approach that combines online learning with required practical sessions.
Always ensure that any online components are recognised by the awarding body and meet the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines to ensure that the certification remains valid and compliant.
