Workplace First Aid Training

First Aid Training for Work: The Training that Saves Lives

Why Do I Need First Aid Training in My Workplace?

Many consider first aid training a waste of time that presents additional expense burdens. In the UK, however, first aid training for the workplace is a legal obligation. Failing to comply with the stipulated regulations will result in an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A workplace needs a first aid policy and procedures, the required equipment, and first aid-trained persons to satisfy legal requirements.

First aid is the immediate (or first) medical attention provided when an injury or illness occurs. First aid aims to resolve minor issues or stabilise a person until further medical help arrives or the person is hospitalised.

Emergency first aid at work training establishes enhanced awareness about the importance of health and safety. Providing first aid training and having qualified first aiders at your workplace assures employees that you, as an employer, value their safety and wellbeing. Promoting first aid training in the workplace signifies proactivity and preparedness for the unforeseen.

First Aid Training Requirements in the Workplace

Several variables determine the workplace first aid training solutions needed by a business:

• The size of a company determines the number of trained first aiders needed


• The level of risk involved with the performance of duties determines the type of first aid equipment needed on site and the level of first aid training provided to designated persons


• Special medical conditions determine additional first aid training needs, such as workplace CPR first aid training


• The necessity of a first aid room must form part of first aid planning


• Some areas may be more risky or hazardous than others. These areas require additional attention

Your health and safety risk assessments should include first aid training needs. These include workplace first aid training posters, resuscitation shields, and AED (automated external defibrillator) kits. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 detail the specific first aid training requirements for different types of businesses.

Our first aid training essentials address all first aid at work training needs.

Why First Aid Training Is Essential for Workers

It is estimated that the correct administration of first aid could prevent as many as 150,000 deaths per year in the UK. However, close to 60% of all employees do not feel equipped to administer first aid when needed. These figures alone reflect the urgency and importance of first aid training in the workplace.

The benefits of first aid training in the workplace translate to the home and community lives of employees. First aid training is essential for workers because:

• Lives can be saved. First aid training empowers staff to react to an incident and possibly save a life


• First aid shortens recovery times. This means that injured or sick employees will be able to return to work sooner


• It promotes safety awareness among employees. Increased safety awareness leads to better risk management in the workplace, which in turn decreases incidents and accidents


• First aid training is a morale booster that makes employees feel empowered and motivated


• First aid training for work creates team-building opportunities that allow employee interaction and skills acquisition. It builds positive working environments


• Trained employees know how to manage and use first aid kits. This eliminates wastage and promotes the correct usage of first aid devices and equipment


• Trained and knowledgeable employees know how to react in a crisis and control panic

A business needs designated persons to maintain first aid boxes, administer first aid, and contact emergency services.

Elements of First Aid Training for Work

First aid training for work covers an array of eventualities. Your risk assessment and health and safety plans should address the detailed training required by employees. The elements covered during workplace medical first aid training include:

• Tending to minor ailments


• Cleaning and dressing abrasions and cuts


• Dealing with lacerations


• Performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)


• Stabilising and splinting fractures


• Performing procedures such as the Heimlich manoeuvre


• Managing blood loss


• Managing unconscious colleagues or colleagues having seizures


• Using equipment such as defibrillators


• Managing trauma and reducing panic and shock

The Essentials in a First Aid Kit

High- and low-risk environments may require different first aid materials and equipment. Low-risk workplaces should stock items such as:

• Adhesive and non-adhesive dressings in varying sizes


• Gauze swabs and eye dressings


• Dressing fasteners


• Sterile gloves


• Tweezers and scissors


• Antiseptic ointment


• Pain medication

High-risk workplaces, such as the offshore and diving operations highlighted by the HSE, require additional training and equipment. These may include:

• Hydrogel dressings


• Defibrillators


• Heat-retaining blankets


• Burn treatment kits


• Advanced CPR and intubation training

First aid training for work is a health and safety area not to be neglected. Employers must keep in mind that they are responsible for:

• Training sufficient numbers of employees


• Additional training in the case of hazardous environments


• Adequate first aid equipment and materials on site

The HSE’s guide on the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 outlines the requirements for first aid kits, training requirements, and special first aid facilities.

Explore Seton’s all-inclusive range of workplace first aid training kits and workplace first aid training guides.