First aid training during coronavirus restrictions in place from 12 February 2021
HSE accepts that First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) training or requalification can be a mix of face to face and e-learning (blended), but that certain practical elements, e.g. administration of CPR, management of traumatic injury, application of a tourniquet etc. should take place face to face, to ensure that the competence of students is properly demonstrated and assessed. Guidance for employers considering blended first aid training can be found at para 24 here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/geis3.pdf
If first aiders are unable to access annual refresher training face to face during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, HSE supports the use of online refresher training to keep their skills up to date.
The latest HSE information on first aid training during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions in England, Scotland and Wales is below.
For more about first aid at work visits HSE website.
First aid training in England
The policy position of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is that first aid training required to comply with health and safety or other legislation can continue to take place under relevant coronavirus restrictions in England. All possible measures must be taken to ensure that both training activities and environment are COVID-secure.
Under current restrictions, some premises are closed to the public or are prohibited from carrying out their normal business. These premises can be considered for use as training venues, providing the conditions outlined above are adhered to.
All businesses and individuals should adhere to current regulations and follow relevant government guidance.
HSE’s current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered.
First aid training in Scotland
The Scottish Government has informed HSE that first aid training can be permitted under the current coronavirus restrictions, given the following considerations:
- The training is a required part of the work or operation of the business commissioning the training (e.g. is necessary for compliance with health and safety or other legislation)
- Other requirements for businesses and individuals under the current restrictions are met
- All controls necessary are in place to comply with relevant regulations and guidance published by the Scottish Government and any additional measures necessary to ensure the training activities and environment are COVID-secure are taken.
Under current restrictions, some premises are closed to the public or are prohibited from carrying out their normal business. These premises can be considered for use as training venues, providing the conditions outlined above are adhered to.
HSE’s current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered.
First aid training in Wales
The Welsh Government has informed HSE that first aid training can be permitted under the current coronavirus restrictions, given the following considerations: The training is a required part of the work or operation of the business commissioning the training (e.g. is necessary for compliance with health and safety or other legislation)
- Other requirements for businesses and individuals under the current restrictions are met
- All controls necessary are in place to comply with relevant regulations and guidance published by the Welsh Government and any additional measures necessary to ensure the training activities and environment are COVID-secure are taken
Premises required to close for normal business under coronavirus restrictions may be considered for use as training venues, providing the conditions outlined above are adhered to. Authority to open premises for first aid training can be obtained from the relevant local authority or appropriate department of the Welsh Government.
HSE’s current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered