What's New?
November 2006
The Health & Safety Executive has just announced that training providers no longer require 4 weeks notice to run first aid at work courses. This is great news for all concerned. Businesses and providers can now run courses immediately.
We are very pleased to announce that Myosotis has teamed up with Laerdal, the Uk's largest distributor of Phillips external automated defibrillators.
In line with our mission statement, we aim to increase public and client awareness into the importance of these life saving devices.
January 2006
The Health & Safety Executive have just released the following information. Although these changes have yet to be implemented, they will eventually affect your training.
The intention is that in future, employers will be able to send suitable employees on either a 6 hour (minimum) emergency first aid at work (EFAW) or an 18 hour (minimum) FAW course, based on the findings of their first aid needs assessment (see Appendix 1). After 3 years, first aiders will need to complete another course (either a 6 hour EFAW or 12 hour FAW requalification course, as appropriate) to obtain a new certificate. Within any 3 year certification period, first aiders should complete two annual refresher courses, covering basic life support/ skills updates, that will each last for at least 3 hours.
No date for the introduction of these courses has been set but HSE is aware that FAW training providers require an adequate lead-in period. There are a number of additional issues to be clarified before a date can be finalised. Firstly, whether the 3 day FAW course needs to be trial led in a pilot study prior to its introduction. Secondly, consideration will be given to any arrangements that need to be put in place for the approval and monitoring of those providers wishing to offer the EFAW course and whether these arrangements should be extended to those offering annual refresher training.
HSE will revise the guidance for employers in its publication: First aid at work: The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 Approved Code of Practice and Guidance (L74). This will help employers understand the new training regime and will provide more detailed information on how to conduct a first aid needs assessment. HSE recognises this is crucial in ensuring employers send prospective first aiders on the course that most closely meets the needs of their workplace. The guidance will also strongly emphasise that HSE will consider it good practice for first aiders to undertake annual refresher training.
If you require any further information please contact us directly.
See also
New Resuscitation Guidelines
Appendix 1 Flow chart showing courses to be completed over a 3 year certification period for emergency first aid at work and first aid at work. The dotted line indicates the route to be taken in subsequent years after completion of the relevant course at year 3
