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When did the changes take place? The HSE changes were introduced on 1 October 2009. HSE NI regulatory changes take effect from 1st September 2011.Back to the top of the page
What has changed about the training for first aid at work?There are three main changes:
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What are annual updates? The HSE, HSE NI and the Red Cross strongly recommend that anyone who completes either the first aid at work (FAW) or emergency first aid at work (EFAW) course attend an annual first aid annual update (FAU) course to refresh their skills. Annual updates will last half a day.Back to the top of the page
What does this mean for the refresher training? Refresher training will now be known as a first aid requalification (FAR) course. To maintain a first aid at work accreditation you will need to requalify by completing this two-day requalification course before the expiry date shown on your certificate. The FAR will be valid for three years.
To maintain an emergency first aid at work accreditation you will need to attend the one-day course for emergency first aid at work before the expiry date shown on your certificate. There is no formal requalification course for the emergency first aid at work certificate. Back to the top of the page
What’s the difference between an update and a requalification course?An annual update is a half day course for first aiders who still have a valid certificate. This annual update is to maintain their confidence and skills in first aid and is recommended by the HSE and HSE NI.
The requalification is a two-day course for first aiders who have already completed the first aid at work (FAW) course and whose certificate is about to expire.Back to the top of the page
Will my existing qualification be invalid now new courses have been launched? No. Qualifications gained before regulatory changes take effect remain valid until the expiry date stated on the certificate. You will then be able to choose from the set of new HSE and HSE NI approved courses.Back to the top of the page
What's the difference in the first aid at work and emergency first aid at work? The first aid at work (FAW) course is a more comprehensive three-day course that covers everything you need to know to be the official first aider in your organisation. It is especially useful for companies that are in high risk sectors or have more than 50 employees.
The emergency first aid at work course is a basic one-day course that is better suited to low risk environments and companies with few staff. It does allow the trainee to act as the first aider in the workplace but it does not provide as comprehensive a set of skills as the three-day first aid at work (FAW) course.Back to the top of the page
What will the new course content be? Full details of all the new courses, which are in line with all the new HSE and HSE NI changes, can be found on our course information page.Back to the top of the page
How do I book a new HSE and HSE NI accredited course? Red Cross Training has scheduled course dates for all of the new courses. Courses can be booked online or by over the phone by calling 0844 871 8000.Back to the top of the page