What Do You Learn On a First Aid at Work Course?

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First aid training can be the difference between life and death when accidents happen in the workplace. If you’re an Appointed Person and are keen to learn what to do in an emergency, taking a First Aid at Work course is likely to be on your to-do list. But what do these courses teach you? In our latest blog, our HSE experts outline the usual course content and explain how the material differs between courses.

What do you learn when taking a first aid course? A general first aid at work course will cover the basics of first aid, which include:

Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Safely using a defibrillator (AED)
Dressing wounds & burns
Stopping & controlling bleeding
RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences)
Accident management & when to call emergency services

Read on to learn more about a First Aid at Work course, how to prepare for taking one, and other common first aid FAQs.

What Does a First Aid Course Entail?

First aid courses cover a range of life-saving skills that can be applied in various types of workplaces, including general office buildings, warehouses, factories, and construction sites. Below, we’ve outlined some of the areas that your First Aid at Work course is likely to cover:

Basic First Aid Techniques

Any first aid course will teach the basic skills to prepare you for becoming a first aider. The course teaches you how to dress wounds and burns, as well as how to stop bleeding. It will also outline how to deal with minor illnesses like nosebleeds, dizziness, and muscular strains. The course should cover what to do when someone is choking, experiencing difficulty breathing, and when to call emergency services.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

While most people have seen CPR performed in films or TV shows, the technique requires formal training to perform the procedure correctly. Your tutor will cover the proper technique for regular chest compressions, including the depth and frequency of administering compressions between breaths. The first aid course will also cover when you should use CPR, as the technique can cause more harm than good if carried out when not necessary. Attending an in-person course may teach you how to use a defibrillator (AED).

First Aid Kits

A first aid course won’t just cover advanced techniques, but it will also cover the basics. This includes first aid kits, which are a legal requirement for employers to have in every workplace. The course will teach you how to use the contents of the kit safely and adequately. Depending on your course and workplace requirements, you may learn how to use a trauma first aid kit or other specialist or industry-specific medical equipment.

RIDDOR

RIDDOR, also known as the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, requires employers and Appointed Persons to accurately report workplace accidents and other potentially dangerous occurrences. Your course will cover the types of accidents that fall under RIDDOR and how to document, assess, and report incidents accurately. Accurate reporting will help to keep employers accountable for the health and safety procedures put in place.

Accident Management

The First Aid at Work course will teach you how to assess an accident, so you’ll better understand when you should call emergency services to the scene. The course will also teach you how to manage the scene of an accident should it happen.

If you are an appointed person, you must have the skills to delegate tasks effectively and promptly manage the injury. This may involve you performing CPR while someone else calls emergency services and another person clears the car park to make room for the ambulance.

How Long Is a First Aid at Work Course?

To become a fully qualified first aider, you need hands-on classroom training with a minimum of 18 contact hours. Due to this, in-person courses typically last three days. Online courses are a great starting point if you don’t have three days to spare, as they are typically shorter. The online First Aid at Work course can be completed at your own pace, usually taking two and a half hours.

How Are You Assessed When Taking a First Aid at Work Course?

Your assessment method will vary depending on the course you take and the training provider you choose. If you attend an in-person course over a day or a few days, you will be assessed through observations, questions from your tutor, and how well you perform practically. Some course providers, however, may require you to take an exam at the end of your training.

If you choose to take the online First Aid at Work course with HSEDocs, you’ll be assessed with a multiple-choice Q&A at the end of each module, giving you a chance to solidify your understanding as soon as the module content has been covered. Our online course consists of three modules, resulting in three multiple-choice exams.

How Should You Prepare For a First Aid Course?

When you attend an in-person first aid course, you will likely be required to practice CPR, which requires kneeling on the floor, or other medical procedures, which include moving around. Due to the hands-on nature of a first aid course, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement and sensible, flat-soled footwear.

We’d also recommend getting involved as much as possible when attending the course - be the first to volunteer for demonstrations and try out the techniques. Another great way to solidify your knowledge and understanding is to ask questions. By doing so, you’ll leave the course feeling confident that you know everything required, and you may also help out some of your quieter classmates in the process.

Get Your First Aid at Work Certificate Online With HSE Docs

If you’re looking for a quick, yet comprehensive First Aid at Work course, look no further than HSE Docs. We have over 20 years of experience in the health and safety industry, offering a range of courses to enhance your skills and expertise and HSE documents tailored to your workplace.

Our online First Aid at Work certification will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to be an effective Appointed Person in the workplace, giving you the confidence to take control of emergencies. The course can be completed in just a few hours, at any location, with all course materials accessible online. Once you have completed the course, the certificate is valid for three years and is recognised by local authorities and major UK employers.

Do You Legally Have To Have a First Aider at Work?

Having an appointed person formally trained in first aid is a legal requirement if you work in a high-risk environment (think factories or warehouses) or have over five employees. For more information on the legal requirements within the UK, read one of our recent blog posts - ‘Do You Legally Have to Have a First Aider at Work?’.

Can You Fail a First Aid at Work Course?

Although it doesn’t happen often, you can fail a First Aid at Work course. If you don’t demonstrate sufficient knowledge or fail an exam, you may have to resit part or all of the training course. If you choose to get certified for first aid online with HSE Docs, you can resit the end-of-module exams as often as needed. You’ll also have unlimited access to the course materials to revise topics where necessary.

Is it Difficult to Learn First Aid?

Learning first aid isn’t tricky. Although the course material is complex, your tutors, whether online or in person, will provide the best possible advice and techniques to stay with you if you ever encounter an emergency. Numerous helpful resources are widely available online if you want to expand on the knowledge gained during your training course.

How Often Should You Do First Aid Training?

First aid training certificates are only valid for three years, so you should retrain as needed to maintain an up-to-date certification. This could be every three years. However, guidance recommends taking a refresher course annually.

Retraining will help you stay current with the latest legislation, best practices, and techniques. Retraining frequently will also build up your knowledge and confidence in handling emergencies.

Why is First Aid Important in the Workplace?

Under the 1981 Health and Safety Regulations, it is a legal requirement to have adequate and appropriate personnel available to care for employees if they become ill or injured. Not only is it a legal requirement, but workplace first aid training also benefits staff morale, reduces accidents, and fosters a positive culture.

If you're keen to learn more about the benefits of first aid training for your workplace, you may enjoy our recent blog post. In the post linked, we discuss the benefits of first aid training and how many people should be trained in it.