FAQ’s
What training is required for people who work with children?
ABC north west offer specific first aid training for people who look after children, it is a comprehensive 12 hour Paediatric First Aid course and has been designed to meet all the recommended requirements of OFSTED and Surestart and is suitable for registered child minders, nannies, Au pairs, nursery workers, school teachers and playgroup leaders.
For those who don’t have to comply with OFSTED requirements or do not require a work based certification then we also offer a shorter 6 hour Emergency First Aid Baby & Child course suitable for Parents, Child Carers, foster carers etc that covers basic life saving and first aid for babies, children and adults.
How many First Aiders do we need to provide in the work place?
The Health & Safety Executive provides guidance on the minimum numbers of First Aid Personnel required in the work place. The HSE also strongly recommends that you include non-employees visiting your premises in your first aid provision.
It is important to remember that accidents and illness can happen at any time and First-aid provision needs to be available at all times people are at work. A first aid needs risk assessment needs to be carried out. To help you with deciding on numbers of first aiders and levels of training abc have a free downloadable guide to the new regulations.
What is a First Aider?
First Aiders are members of staff who hold a current first aid at work certificate issued by a Health & Safety Executive approved training organisation such as ABC. There are two levels of First Aiders as detailed below
What is the difference between a First Aider FAW and a First Aider EFAW?
First Aider FAW is a first aider who has undergone the full FAW program of a 3 day training course and is the recommended level of first aider for most organisations where your risk assessment identifies a first aid need.
First Aider EFAWis a one day basic level first aid course which covers a limited range of conditions and is suitable for very low risk environments and is ideal where previously a company only had an appointed person but identified a need to train them in first Aid then EFAW would be the most suitable option.
What is an Appointed Person?
Following a risk assessment of your workplace, you may find that you do not require a first aider. In this instance, the minimum requirement is to “appoint a person to deal with any emergency situations an “Appointed Person”. An appointed person is someone who Can A) Take charge when someone is injured or falls ill and can call emergency services. B) Look after the first aid kit making sure it is up to date and fully stocked. First aid training is not required but if training is identified the best course of action would be to undertake the EFAW course.
What should we have in a First Aid Kit?
This is a list of HSE recommended basic standard contents and is given as guidance for up to 10 people in a low risk environment. (The quantities should be increased for more people or if you find you are regularly using a particular item):
• 20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings of assorted size (plasters).
• Blue detectable plasters should be provided for food handlers.
• Hypoallergenic plasters are suggested for children.
• 2 sterile eye pads.
• 4 triangular bandages, individually wrapped and preferably sterile.
• 6 safety pins.
• 6 medium wound dressings (pad size approx. 12 cm x 12 cm), individually wrapped and sterile.
• 2 large wound dressings (pad size approx. 18 cm x 18 cm), as above.
• 1 pair of disposable gloves.
• A leaflet giving general guidance on first aid.
(Equivalent items may be used)
If mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, at least 1 litre of sterile water or ‘saline’ should be provided in sealed disposable container(s). Other items may be required identified in your risk assessment. Contact ABC for any advice on what you may need or download our price list.
Where should we keep the First Aid Kit?
A first aid kit should be kept in an easily accessible location at every place of work and this means at larger sites more than one first aid kit may be required and you should also consider employees who are traveling therefore include company vehicles as part of an overall risk assessment. the first Aid Kit should be clearly identified by a white cross on a green background and should also protect the contents from dust and damp. See ABC supplies for a full range of available kits.
How often do we have to re qualify as first Aiders?
First aid certificates are valid for Three years and must be renewed every three years prior to expiry or within 28 days of their expiry. For those who requalify within the time scales then a two day approved requalification course must be attended. If certificates elapse then a full 3 day course must be attended. For EFAW requalification then it would be a one day course every three years.
Do we have to attend annual updates?
Whilst not compulsory, annual updates are strongly recommended by the HSE and half day courses are offered by abc.
Do we have to re qualify with the same training provider as the original certificate?
No, provided the training provider is approved by the HSE and offers suitable courses you are free to use any of the HSE registered training providers.
useful Links
- Federation Of First Aid Training Organisations http://www.fofato.co.uk/
- The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) http://www.hse.gov.uk/
- The First Aid At Work Council http://www.fwc-uk.com/
- Resuscitation Council UK http://www.resus.org.uk/
- NHS Direct http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/