What courses are available at First Aid Safety?

We offer a selection of courses ranging from workplace and paediatric first aid, fire, food safety and online or e-learning courses. Many of our courses are accredited, regulated and are delivered in classroom-based/face to face setting or online.

A complete list of our portfolio is available to view via the training courses page.

How long are course certificates valid for?

Due to the extensive availability of the courses available, the course certificates are valid with 1 or 3 years. Most popular courses such as the Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work or the Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work are valid for 3 years. The certificate validation period are available to view via the individual course pages.

What is the difference between an accredited, regulated and a non-accredited, unregulated qualification?

In the UK there are four regulators – Ofqual (England), Qualifications Wales (Wales), CCEA (Northern Ireland) and SQA (Scotland) – These regulators all have statutory powers under Acts of Parliament. Qualifications regulated by these regulators are recognised worldwide.

Regulated courses must be written in accordance with UK statutory legislation and be delivered to a high standard, this is moderated, and quality controlled by an accredited body.

In contrast, non-accredited, unregulated courses are not regulated by an external third party or accreditation body. The qualification or certificate may not be accepted worldwide and in some cases by a UK employer. This does not mean that the course is of a sub-standard or lacks the information needed to achieve the learning outcome.

Many non-accredited or unregulated qualifications adhere to the guidelines and recommendations set by the respective bodies and the regulators in the UK, such as the HSE, Resuscitation Council, OFQUAL.

How many first aiders do we need?

This is a popular question and there is no ‘one size that fits all’ answer. By law to identify the first aid provisions specific to an individual workplace, an employer must conduct a risk assessment.

First aid provision must be adequate and appropriate to the circumstances of a workplace. This means that the employer must always provide sufficient levels of equipment such as first aid kits, facilities and trained personnel.

As general guidance, first aid needs assessment should consider the circumstances of your workplace identifying the hazards and risks that may be present. First-aid needs assessments specific to a workplace is highly recommended.

Although the list is not exhaustive, a first aid needs assessment should consider:

  • the nature of the work you do
  • workplace hazards and risks (including specific hazards requiring special arrangements)
  • the nature and size of your workforce
  • the work patterns of your staff
  • holiday and other absences of those who will be first-aiders and appointed persons
  • your organisation’s history of accidents

You may also need to consider:

  • the needs of travelling, remote and lone workers
  • the distribution of your workforce
  • the remoteness of any of your sites from emergency medical services
  • whether your employees work on shared or multi-occupancy sites
  • first-aid provision for non-employees (e.g. members of the public)

Further information on first aid needs assessments can be found on official HSE guidance.

What is the difference between the First Aid at Work and the Emergency First Aid at Work course?

Both courses are crucial to ensuring your business meets HSE regulations, however, the courses do differ in terms of their content, duration and learner outcomes.

The Emergency First Aid at Work is a one day course that provides learners with core first aid knowledge required to manage an emergency situation, such as CPR, choking and bleeds. If your workplace risk assessment identifies a need for a person trained in Emergency First Aid at Work, then this is the right course for you.

The course teaches attendees how to provide first aid to a casualty that is unresponsive, in shock or who has minor injuries like cuts, grazes and burns, and how and when to place an injured person into the recovery position.

In comparison, the First Aid at Work is an advanced course covering major conditions and is usually delivered over three days or a minimum of 18 contact teaching hours. This qualification is aimed at those looking to undertake the role of a first aider in the workplace, as outlined in the Health and Safety (First-aid) Regulations 1981 and the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1982.

The first unit or day one of the course incorporates the Emergency First Aid at Work syllabus and in addition, covers major injuries and illness over the final two days. Successful learners will be equipped with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to administer first aid. For example, how to manage a casualty with anaphylaxis or provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty.

Do your first aid courses include AED/Defibrillator training?

All First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work courses include AED awareness. An advanced Level 3 Award in Responding to Incidents with an AED course is also available offering training on an AED specific to a workplace. This includes maintenance and troubleshooting.

How do I determine the right first aid course?

Your workplace first aid needs/risk assessment will help identify the level of provision needed (i.e. the number of first aiders required). Once established the information identified by your workplace first aid needs/risk assessment will indicate the adequate number of first aiders and the course type specific to your organisation.

Do our paediatric courses meet OFSTED and EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) guidelines?

The simple answer is YES! Our paediatric courses meet OFSTED and EYFS guidelines. Course syllabus for the OFQUAL regulated Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid course and the Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid are available on our site. Both courses are approved by our qualifications regulators QNUK.

Which paediatric course is best for an early years setting?

As of the 1st September 2016, the department of education confirmed changes to the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), requiring newly qualified early years staff (with full and relevant level 2 or level 3 childcare qualification) to hold a current Paediatric First Aid (PFA) or an Emergency PFA certificate and in line with the staff/ child ratio in an early years setting.

We recommend staff employed in or considering work in early years setting complete either the one-day Level 3 Award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid or the advanced Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid courses.

Please call us on 020 7112 8543, live chat, email or via the contact us form for any unanswered questions not on the list