First Aid

Three categories of First Aid personnel

There are three categories of First Aid personnel: 

• First Aid at Work (FAW) First Aider - Full qualification (FAW training courses involve at least 18 hours of training and are run over a minimum of three days - re qualification/certification every three years)
• Emergency First Aid at Work (E FAW) Appointed person - Part qualification for emergency E FAW training courses involve at least six hours of training run over a minimum of one day.
• Appointed person - Non qualified usually takes charge in the event of an emergency, calls ambulance etc and takes care of the equipment. 

A First Aider may assume the position of the lower qualified persons and it is strongly recommended that the First Aider undertakes annual refresher training.

Employers must assess their First Aid needs in the light of their particular circumstances - such as the risk of injury and ill health and the number of people that may be affected. 

Employers should remember to take into account the age and health of employees and their disability needs. Allowances have to be made for staff holidays and sickness to ensure cover for all periods of operation.