If you’re looking to become a qualified first aider, one of the first questions you may have is: how do you get a first aid certificate?
The process is fairly straightforward, but the type of training you need will depend on why you’re taking the course and, if you’re training for work, the needs of your workplace.
For businesses, choosing a first aid course shouldn’t simply be about getting a certificate. Employers need to consider the risks within their workplace, the number of employees, working arrangements and the level of first aid provision required.
At 1st Choice Safety Training & Consultancy, we provide a range of first aid training courses for businesses and individuals, with options available across the Midlands and throughout the UK.
Here’s what you need to know about getting a first aid certificate.
What is a first aid certificate?
A first aid certificate confirms that you’ve successfully completed a first aid training course and met the required standard for that qualification.
There are different types of workplace first aid courses available, with two of the most common being:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – provides essential emergency first aid skills.
- First Aid at Work (FAW) – provides more comprehensive first aid training and covers a wider range of injuries and illnesses.
The right course will depend on the circumstances and risks involved. There isn’t one first aid course that’s automatically suitable for every workplace.
How do you get a first aid certificate?
Getting a first aid certificate involves choosing a suitable course, completing the training and successfully completing the required assessment.
For workplace first aid, there are a few things to consider before booking your course.
1. Decide which first aid course you need
If you’re completing first aid training for work, your employer should consider the first aid needs of the workplace before deciding which course is appropriate.
A first aid needs assessment can take into account factors such as:
- The type of work being carried out
- Workplace hazards and risks
- The number of employees
- Working patterns and shifts
- Staff holidays and absences
- The size and location of the workplace
- Whether employees work remotely or alone
- Previous accidents or incidents
This helps businesses decide what level of first aid provision is appropriate and how many trained first aiders may be needed.
For example, an office-based business may have very different first aid requirements from a construction site or manufacturing environment.
2. Choose a suitable training provider
Once you’ve identified the type of training you need, the next step is to choose a suitable training provider.
It’s worth looking at more than just the price of a course. Consider the experience of the trainers, the course content, the practical elements and whether the training is appropriate for your workplace.
The HSE no longer approves first aid training providers. Employers are responsible for selecting a competent provider that can deliver the training their workplace requires.
A good training provider should be able to explain the different options available and help you understand which course may be appropriate for your needs.
3. Complete your first aid training
The length and content of your training will depend on the course you’ve chosen.
For example, an Emergency First Aid at Work course provides essential emergency first aid skills, while a First Aid at Work course provides more comprehensive training.
Depending on the course, training can cover areas such as:
- CPR
- Using an automated external defibrillator (AED)
- The recovery position
- Choking
- Bleeding and shock
- Assessing a casualty
- Common workplace injuries and illnesses
- The responsibilities of a first aider
First aid training includes practical elements because being able to respond confidently in an emergency requires more than simply understanding the theory.
Do you have to pass a first aid assessment?
Yes. The assessment requirements will depend on the course you’re completing.
During your training, you’ll need to demonstrate that you’ve achieved the required standard before your qualification can be issued.
Your training provider should explain the assessment process and what you’ll be expected to demonstrate during the course.
Once you’ve successfully completed the training and assessment, you’ll receive your first aid certificate.
How long does a first aid certificate last?
For workplace First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work qualifications, certificates are valid for three years.
However, the HSE strongly recommends that first aiders complete annual refresher training during this period to help maintain their skills and confidence.
Annual refresher training is not mandatory, but it can be particularly useful for first aiders who don’t regularly use their skills.
Before the certificate expires, the first aider will need to complete the appropriate requalification training if they are to continue acting as a qualified workplace first aider.
Can anyone get a first aid certificate?
Generally, anyone who meets the requirements of the relevant course can complete first aid training.
However, if you’re taking a course to become a workplace first aider, it’s important to make sure the training is appropriate for the role you’re going to carry out.
For example, someone working in a low-risk office may have different training needs from someone working in construction, manufacturing, education or another higher-risk environment.
The aim should always be to choose training based on the needs of the workplace rather than simply choosing the most comprehensive course available.
How many first aiders does a business need?
There isn’t one fixed number of first aiders that applies to every business.
The number required should be considered as part of the workplace’s first aid needs assessment.
Businesses may need to consider:
- The number of employees
- The risks associated with the work
- Different shifts and working patterns
- Holidays and staff absences
- The size and layout of the workplace
- Lone or remote workers
- How quickly emergency medical assistance can arrive
The aim is to make sure suitable first aid provision is available whenever it may be needed.
This is why simply having one person with a first aid certificate doesn’t necessarily mean a business has suitable first aid arrangements in place.
Choosing the right first aid training for your business
Getting a first aid certificate is only part of making sure your workplace has appropriate first aid provision.
The most important thing is choosing training that reflects the people, work and risks within your business.
At 1st Choice Safety Training & Consultancy, we offer a range of first aid courses for businesses and organisations, including Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work training.
Whether you’re training a first aider for the first time, looking to increase your existing first aid provision or need advice on which course is right for your team, we can help.
Get in touch with 1st Choice Safety Training & Consultancy to discuss your first aid training requirements and find the right course for your business.
