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First Aid - Workplace

***PLEASE NOTE*** IMPORTANT changes to FAW qualifications!!!

October 2009 seen some important changes enforced to First Aid at Work qualifications. contact hours have been reduced to 18. HSE have also introduced a new EFAW course. for further information contact us.

First aid at work - 18 hour course (3 days)

The aim of the NaRS[FAW] is to establish a standard which creates a level of competence for first aid skills that meet the requirements for the Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.

The FAW qualification is valid for 36 months,

Length of Course

Training courses, including final assessment, must last at least 18 contact hours. Contact hours mean actual teaching or practical time. It does not include coffee and meal breaks. The programme can be run over several days or in sessions over a period of weeks. If chosen to run over a period of weeks, each session should last no less than two hours. The whole course, including any final assessment, should be finished within 13 weeks.

Syllabus
On completion of training successful candidates need to be able to apply the following competencies:

1. The ability to act safely, promptly and effectively when an emergency occurs at work.
2. The ability to administer cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) promptly and effectively.
3. The ability to administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who is unconscious.
4. The ability to administer first aid safely, promptly and effectively to casualty who:
   • Is wounded or bleeding.
   • Has been burned or scalded
   • Is suffering from an injury to bones, muscles or joints.
   • Is suffering from shock
   • Has an eye injury
   • May be poisoned
   • Has been overcome by gas or fumes

The ability to transport a casualty safely as required by the circumstances of the workplace.
The ability to recognise minor illness and take appropriate action.
The ability to maintain simple factual records and provide written information to a doctor or hospital if required.

Students will also be required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of first aid at work, in particular of:

1. The importance of personal hygiene in first aid procedures
2. The legal framework for first aid provision at work
3. The use of first aid equipment provided in the workplace

First Aid at Work Refresher:

Re-validation - 12 hour course (2 days)

A First Aid at Work Certificate is valid for 36 months. Re-validation must take place before the expiry date of the current certificate; candidates will not be accepted on to refresher courses if the certificate has expired.

Refresher training must last at least 12 hours including the assessment; sessions should not be less than 2 hours. The course should include a revision of topics covered in the basic course, together with any new first aid procedures, which have been introduced since the last course. Any certificates issued by an approved organisation should be accepted by any other organisation approved by HSE.

Regular ongoing training and practice is recommended; the NaRS Record Sheets provide the opportunity for recording ongoing training by the First Aider and provides evidence of underpinning knowledge and skills practised.

NaRS Emergency First Aid at Work (NaRS EFAW) :

This course is delivered over a day. 6 contact hours needed.

The aim of the EFAW is to enable a candidate to be able to act as an appointed person to take charge of the first aid arrangements, including looking after the equipemnt and facilities and calling the Emergency Medical Services when required. As of October 2009 HSE have approved the EFAW as a First Aider qualification.

Syllabus

On completion of training, successful candidates should be able to

Understand the role of the first aider including reference to:

• the importance of preventing cross infection;
• the need for recording incidents and actions;
• use of available equipment;

• Assess the situation and circumstances in order to act safely, promptly and effectively in an emergency.
• Administer first aid to a casualty who is unconscious (including seizure)
• Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• Administer first aid to a casualty who is choking.
• Administer first aid to a casualty who is wounded and bleeding.
• Administer first aid to a casualty who is suffering from shock; provide appropriate first aid for minor injuries (including small cuts, grazes and bruises, minor burns and scalds, small splinters). 

Appointed Persons.

The aim of the NaRS[AP] is to enable a candidate to be able to act as an appointed person to take charge of the first aid arrangements, including looking after the equipment and facilities and calling the Emergency Medical Services when required.

This Award is Valid for 36 months

Length of Course

Training courses, including final assessment, must last at least 4 contact hours. Contact hours mean actual teaching or practical time. It does not include coffee and meal breaks. The programme can be run over one-day or in sessions over a period of weeks. If chosen to run over a period of weeks, each session should last no less than two hours.

Syllabus

The course syllabus covers the following as laid down by the Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981:

• What to do in an emergency
• Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation
• First aid for the unconscious casualty
• First aid for the wounded or bleeding
• First aid equipment
• Employers risk assessment of first aid needs