The immediate assistance provided to an individual who is ill or injured is first aid. The role of a first aider is to keep the individual safe and prevent further injury until they are taken under medical attention. The type of assistance a first-aider provides to a casualty can range from dressing a wound to performing a life-saving technique, such as CPR.
Who is a first-aider?
Someone who has taken the appropriate training to act under different circumstances is a first-aider.
First-aiders not only prevent injuries from getting worse, but sometimes it can also mean the difference between life and death.
According to the NHS, thousands of people die or get severely injured every year in the UK, which could be prevented if first aid were provided before the arrival of emergency services.
A first aider must hold a valid certificate of competency in either first aid at work, emergency first aid at work, or any other level of qualification that is fitting to the circumstances.
The First aid at employment qualification is legally valid for 3 years. The first aid qualification can be renewed by a refresher course.
The minimum level of qualification needed for becoming a first aider is the Emergency First Aid at Work qualification.
Qualification and Need of First-Aiders
Anyone who wants to become a First Aider at workplace, they need to complete a First aid at Work Qualification.
The First Aid at Work Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) (Regulation 3) states guidelines on what employers should consider when they are evaluating their first-aid requirements.
It is a risk assessment but it helps employers to identify and categorize the training level required for first-aiders.
For an employer it is vital to find a first aider needs assessment that helps them to decide how many first-aiders are needed.
They need to take into all the applicable circumstances of their workplace also, on exact numbers there are no strict rules also.
The role of a first aider is challenging but rewarding. It can prevent injuries save lives, and improve the conclusion of a casualty. Employers should make sure that first-aiders they are hiring have the needed skills, training, and qualities to perform their roles. While deciding on who will be the first aider, the right choice must be made because if the wrong choice is made then there are some serious consequences for the casualties.
Emergency First aid at Work Qualification is also mandatory to renew your SIA Security Licence. Join our First Aid at Work course in Leicester or Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work course in Leicester and become a certified First Aider.
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