Meeting the requirement for first aid cover sounds simple. Ensure you have enough tools, such as first aid kits, and make sure you have enough people who know first aid, job done. And you just need to repeat the process every three years. However, if you speak to your first aiders, first hand, you may hear another story. This is why it is wise to recognise that initial first aid training does not last forever. That knowledge and the ability to apply it over time can fade.
The HSE recommends that first-aiders undertake annual refresher training, over half a day, during any three-year certification period. 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. At STS First Aid, we completely agree, so please take a look at more detail on our refresher courses.
Why people need refresher training.
How many opportunities are first aiders given to build on their knowledge? Depending on your work environment, it is unlikely that First Aiders will be having to use their training everyday or even every month. It's probably something that we hope we never have to use but this doesn’t mean we should let our skills slip.
The last thing we want is, when faced with a sudden injury to a colleague, you realise that your memory has faded slightly and also applying skills in practice is entirely different. Emergencies such as administering CPR or dealing with a serious wound can require immediate action. But they can also be intimidating, once you are put on the spot. So, an important question to ask is how confident are you or your first aiders in their abilities to act in a given emergency?
If you are not practicing, you can forget. Taking refresher courses can help systematically recall and reinforce previously acquired knowledge and skills.
First aid practice changes.
The Coronavirus pandemic made it clear how important it is to stay up-to-date with the latest facts and information. For instance, when the virus began, many had no idea whether it was still okay to administer first aid, when doing so would put yourself at risk of transmission of the virus.
Fortunately, first aid training bodies and the government have come out with clear guidelines on how to handle these situations. It’s essential that your first aiders have this knowledge and are aware of any other changes to how first aid is administered.
Is refresher training legally required?
There are two types of first aid training that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognises: Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work. Both of these certificates last for a period of three years.
There is no explicit legal requirement that either type of training be refreshed. However, employers are legally bound to ensure first aiders remain competent with adequate skills to address the first aid needs of the working environment. As mentioned above, the HSE recommends refresher courses are taken at least annually.
Failure to ensure certificates are up-to-date and adequate first aid cover is provided is a breach of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
Ensure your first aiders know what they are doing.
While the law only requires you to refresh training once every three years, it's clear that this may not be enough. After all, what is the likelihood that you can recall information that you were given once over a few days, three years ago!
How to renew first-aid certificate.
The renewal process of first aid training is quite simple and straightforward. The certificate can be renewed 90 days before expiry and will become active after the expiration of the old one. However, if the old one has expired, the designated person must attend the entire course again within 28 days after expiry. If you are unsure, just call one of STS First Aid’s experts on 0208 211 2054 and they can guide you through the process.
First aid training can be extremely useful in a huge number of different situations and especially in workplace environments. If you are a teacher, health and social care worker or you look after children for a living, first aid training is even more vital. It isn’t enough to undergo a first aid training course, however. You need to keep your skills and knowledge sharp, as well as stay up to date on the latest changes in first aid regulations and practices. This is why refresher courses are available, and it is your responsibility to book your place on one of them when it’s time.
It is up to you to act in an emergency when you have vulnerable people in your care, which is why first aid skills are so important.
A first aid refresher course should be undertaken at least once every year, after your initial training. During this course, which is much shorter than the initial programme you will have completed, you will cover all first aid essentials. The difference is that each topic will be covered in brief, to simply refresh your skills and give you the chance to ask your instructor any questions.
First aid knowledge has its benefits for both you as an individual and for your community. It prepares you to assist people who become injured in an accident or emergency situation until help arrives. First aid skills can be necessary anytime, anywhere: at home, at work, or in public locations. Having first aid knowledge extends to your family, friends, co-workers, and the community.
Accidents are inevitable, and no one is safe from any potential physical injury, illness, or trauma. The safest and wisest thing that people can do is to be prepared if any accidents or emergency situations happen. This is why it is very important for as many people as possible to have at least a basic knowledge of first aid.
In Australia, CPR training should be renewed annually to refresh existing knowledge, and to ensure that your techniques remain current. Full first aid qualifications should be refreshed every three years. But why is it important to complete a first aid refresher?
Changes to first aid procedures
Recommendations for basic lifesaving techniques and first aid procedures can be updated from time to time. New medical advancements are constantly being made and that’s why health authorities advise first aiders to stay on top of all changes that might have occurred since their training, by taking a first aid refresher course.
A good reminder!
Unlike many other skills, some knowledge can fade with time. Because the need for CPR or first aid in real life situations is rare, you may not have used the skills you learned during your first aid training. The chance that you may have forgotten some part of it is high. To ensure you are still competent and to keep your skills updated and your minds sharp, we recommend you take regular refresher courses.
Stay confident
It is one thing to know the theory of different first aid techniques and practice them on a manikin, but it is another to have the confidence to step in and apply them on a casualty when an emergency happens. Regular training ensures you act quickly and without hesitation during an emergency, which is vital when providing first aid. You need to act quickly and effectively when faced with a potentially stressful medical crisis.
Refreshing your first aid certification
If it has been twelve months since your last CPR training session, you should now refresh your skills and knowledge. If it has been three years or more since you last renewed your first aid training, you should contact a PADI RTO Trainer near you to complete retraining. Refreshing your first aid training is not just about ticking a box, it is ensuring that you have all the required skills and knowledge to save a life.
Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills you need to provide assistance in emergency situations by completing first aid training with PADI RTO. With PADI RTO Trainers located Australia-wide, there’s no need to wait to refresh your skills.
Tags: First Aid, First aid refresher, PADI, PADI RTO, RTO Trainer, Training