From 1 October 2009 the HSE is introducing important new changes that will affect the current first aid training regulations.

Under the new arrangements first-aiders provided by an employer in the workplace must hold a certificate of competence in either:

• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) a one day course.
• First Aid at Work (FAW) - three day course

EFAW training enables a first-aider to give emergency first aid to someone who is injured or becomes ill while at work. FAW training includes EFAW and also equips the first-aider to apply first aid to a range of specific injuries and illness.

Employers should use the findings of their first aid needs assessment to help them decide whether first-aiders should be trained in FAW or EFAW.

It is also recommended that all FAW certificate holders undertake annual refresher training during this three year period to help maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes to first aid procedures.

The mandatory requirement for all FAW certificate holders to attend a 2 day refresher course prior to certificate expiry in order to remain qualified still applies.

Certificates issued on successful completion of an FAW or EFAW course are valid for three years. Existing certificates will remain valid until their expiry date after which the new training arrangements will apply.

For more information on the impending changes contact our admin team on 01642 754880