A beginner’s guide to first aid courses.
So you are new to first aid, or have been asked to ‘Book me on a first aid course’. In which case you are probably confused with jargon and not sure what to go for.
We have listed the ideal beginner’s courses below and the sort of industries they work for. If you find one you are interested in, call or email and speak to us about it.
Good luck and happy searching.
Basic Life Support (RQF Level 2) If there was an entry-level for first aid, then this would be it. This is a half-day course and just covers the very basics of what to do if your casualty is not responding and you need to find out if they are breathing. We do show you what to do if they are and if they are not.
Pros: Great starter, builds confidence
Cons: may leave you wanting to learn more.
Industries: This is accepted by any industry and is ideal as a backup to other first-aiders.
Basic Life Support with AEDs (RQF Level 2) A very similar course to Basic Life Support, except this one, adds a more in-depth look at defibrillators. If you have seen the public ones around and want to know how to use them, then this is the course.
Pros: Great starter, builds confidence, added bonus of defibrillators
Cons: may leave you wanting to learn more.
Industries: This is accepted by any industry and is ideal as a backup to other first-aiders.
Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF Level 3) A one-day course that looks at first aid at a bigger level. But not too big! The first part is basic life support then we add in choking, seizures as well as bleeding and minor wounds. But don’t worry, there is no blood on our courses.
Pros: Great knowledge base, builds confidence, simple to remember
Cons: doesn’t cover some of the more serious conditions you may come across.
Industries: Small businesses, offices, youth organisations and areas which are classed as a low-level hazard.
Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF Level 3) This course spends the day looking at first aid on children. If you have children or want to work with children, then this course will give you the confidence and knowledge to do the right thing in an emergency.
Pros: Ideal for parents or parents-to-be, builds confidence
Cons: doesn’t cover some more serious conditions or illnesses
Industries: Nurseries, schools, youth groups
First Aid at Work (RQF Level 3) This is a three-day course, but don’t look at it as a lot to take in. The course is designed to be well-paced and simple for anyone to take in. If you have never done first aid before and want the gold standard, then this is the one.
Pros: Great knowledge base, builds confidence, simple to remember
Cons: doesn’t cover heat-related conditions
Industries: All