This first aid at work course complies with the HSE 1981 "First aid at work" legislation for a first aider in the workplace. Each course is adjusted to suit the needs of the students. This course is for providing first aid to adults, for children (up to 12 years old) first aid see our paediatric first aid courses.
The HSE First Aid at Work course is a 3-day course (at least 18 classroom hours plus extra independent learning hours). A short oral test will take place during the last session of the first aid course. The tutor will also assess the student as the coure progresses. A first aid certificate which is valid for 3 years is awarded to successful students. Each student receives a First Aid manual and course notes. It is acceptable to run the first aid at work course over a longer period not exceeding 10 weeks where each session lasts at least two hours. The candidate should complete two Basic Skills Updates before their 3 year expiry date.
On completion of the first aid at work training, successful candidates should be able to:
- Understand the role of the first aider including reference to the use of available equipment and the need for recording incidents and actions.
- Understand the importance of basic hygiene in first-aid procedures.
- 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 and/or in seizure. Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Administer first aid to a casualty who is wounded or bleeding and/or in shock. Administer first aid to a casualty who is choking.
- Provide appropriate first aid for minor injuries.
Additionally they should be competent in:
- Recognising the presence of major illness and applying general first aid principles in its management.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate the correct first-aid management of:
- soft tissue injuries;
- injuries to bones including suspected spinal injuries;
- chest injuries;
- burns and scalds;
- eye injuries including how to irrigate an eye;
- sudden poisoning and anaphylactic shock.
Students wishing to remain valid first aiders must receive refresher first aid at work training after 3 years.