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Legally, all organisations are required to have an adequate number of employees who have a first aid qualification. They must determine the number of qualified first aiders necessary based on their specific workplace hazards, ensuring that adequate personnel, equipment, and facilities are available to handle any resultant incidents.

In assessing needs, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests considering factors like work nature, hazards and risks, company size, work patterns, and previous accidents.

The aim of this first aid qualification is to offer a recognized national certification for learners currently working or preparing to enter the industry who have been identified as first aiders in the company’s risk assessment. It’s usually offered as a one-day program, covering HSE-acknowledged topics essential in safe, prompt, and effective treatment of workplace injuries and ill health. It provides learners with first-aid knowledge, understanding, and skills.

The question how long will it take me to achieve this qualification? This is a 1 credit course requiring 8 guided learning hours and 6 hours of direct contact time, usually covered in one day.

And, how is the qualification assessed? Students must pass a practical competency assessment and a short answer knowledge assessment, addressing a set series of questions. In accordance with HSE guidelines, this qualification validates learners as emergency workplace first aiders for three years, after which a refresher course is needed. It’s also advisable for learners to refresh their knowledge annually.

After achieving this qualification, learners may consider other qualifications, such as the Level 1 Award in Fire Safety, the Level 2 Award in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillation, and the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in the Workplace.

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