What is a First Aider?
First Aiders are staff who hold a current first aid at work certificate issued by a Health & Safety Executive approved training organisation. A First Aid at Work Certificate is awarded upon successful completion of a 4 day training course. The certificate is valid for 3 years and a 2 day refresher course must be undertaken within 28 days of the expiry date of the current certificate. Click here for more details on requalification.
What is an Appointed Person?
Once you have done a thorough risk assessment of your workplace, you may find that you do not require a fully qualified first aider. In this instance, the minimum requirement is to "appoint a person to deal with any emergency situations" (hence the name "Appointed Person"). Many companies also train staff as appointed persons to assist their fully qualified first aiders. Click here for information on risk assessment.
An appointed person is someone who is appointed to:
1. Take charge when someone is injured or falls ill, including calling an ambulance if required
2. Look after the first aid equipment e.g. restocking the first aid box.
Our HSE recognised Appointed Persons Course is a 1 day first aid course that covers what to do in an emergency, CPR and basic first aid skills.. |