Selecting a first-aid training prvider A guide fr emplyers DRAFT VERSION General Infrmatin Sheet 3 Intrductin 1 This guide is fr emplyers. It will help yu identify and select a cmpetent training prvider t deliver any first-aid training indicated by yur first-aid needs assessment under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulatins 1981. Further infrmatin abut carrying ut a needs assessment and all ther aspects f prviding first aid at wrk can be fund in HSE s guide t the Regulatins First aid at wrk. 1 2 Where yur first-aid needs assessment indicates that trained first-aiders are required, the level f training undertaken shuld be as identified in the assessment. Typically, this will be first aid at wrk (FAW) training r emergency first aid at wrk (EFAW) training, althugh it may als be sme ther level f first-aid training, utside the usual framewrk, if indicated by the needs assessment. 3 First-aid training is available frm a number f surces, many perating under vluntary accreditatin schemes r industry bdies, whse intentin is t set and maintain standards in line with the requirements f HSE ther training prviders may chse t perate independently f any such scheme. First-aid training is als available frm the Vluntary Aid Scieties.* 4 The effrt yu will need t put in t yur due diligence ( reasnable investigatin ) in selecting a training prvider shuld be in prprtin t a training prvider s chsen rute t delivery r industry affiliatin. Table 1 summarises the level f due diligence an emplyer wuld need t undertake in identifying a cmpetent training prvider. Table 1 Level f due diligence required in selecting a cmpetent training prvider Optin Awarding rganisatins Vluntary Aid Scieties (see paragraph 3) Industry bdy Independent Training prvider Prvide natinally accredited regulated qualificatins in FAW and EFAW (see paragraph 5) Have similar quality assurance prcesses and prcedures. The qualificatins prvided are nnregulated fr FAW and EFAW (see paragraph 7) May have suitable quality assurance system and ther suitable requirements. The FAW and EFAW qualificatins are nn-regulated. Will need t be fully verified (see paragraph 8) Independent training prviders. Independents may have a system f quality assurance and ther suitable prcedures. The FAW and EFAW qualificatins are nn-regulated. Will need t be fully verified (see paragraph 9) Level f due diligence required N due diligence required Sme due diligence required (see paragraph 12) Full due diligence required Full due diligence required * The Vluntary Aid Scieties are St Jhn Ambulance, British Red Crss and St Andrew s First Aid. Selecting a first-aid training prvider: A guide fr emplyers (DRAFT VERSION) 1
5 First-aid training can be btained thrugh apprved training centres f awarding rganisatins (AOs) that ffer regulated qualificatins in bth FAW and EFAW that are natinally recgnised. Qualificatin regulatrs (ie Ofqual, SQA r the Welsh Gvernment) require the AOs t have dedicated quality assurance prcesses, and apprve and mnitr their training centres t ensure they deliver FAW and EFAW training in accrdance with the criteria set ut in paragraph 13. 6 Qualificatins regulatrs als require these AOs and their apprved training centres t wrk in cmpliance with the Assessment Principles fr First Aid Qualificatins, which can be fund n the Skills fr Health website (www.skillsfrhealth.rg.uk) and are cnsistent with the criteria in paragraph 13. This gives emplyers ready-made assurance f a training prvider s cmpetence t deliver apprpriate training. 7 Yu may als find ready-made assurance when cnsidering the Vluntary Aid Scieties. The Vluntary Aid Scieties are tgether acknwledged by HSE as ne f the standard setters fr currently accepted first-aid practice (see paragraph 24), in s far as they relate t the tpics cvered in FAW and EFAW training curses. The Vluntary Aid Scieties als wrk t similar principles f assessment, and emply a similar hierarchy f plicies and prcesses t ensure training quality standards allied t thse f regulated qualificatins (see paragraphs 5 and 6). Yu may, hwever, wish t undertake sme f the elements f due diligence prpsed belw. 8 Yu may als select training frm a prvider wh is a member f a vluntary industry accreditatin r quality assurance scheme. HSE is nt in a psitin t verify the level f assurance that an emplyer can assume when a training rganisatin is a member f these vluntary accreditatin schemes and therefre emplyers shuld undertake all the elements f due diligence listed belw. Such requests will be expected by these training prviders wh wuld be happy and prepared t prvide the infrmatin required upn request. 9 If yu select training frm an independent rganisatin with n affiliatins, all elements f due diligence cvered in this guidance (the five criteria listed in paragraph 13) shuld be undertaken in full t establish whether the rganisatin is cmpetent. 10 Where yur first-aid needs assessment identifies, r yu chse t use qualificatins ther than FAW r EFAW t demnstrate wrkplace first-aid cmpetence, yu shuld use elements f the due diligence belw t ensure that the training prvider is cmpetent and any alternative qualificatin is fit fr purpse. 11 There may be alternative methds f demnstrating cmpetence in first-aid training t thse listed belw, and respnsibility fr cnsidering and deciding whether such alternatives are acceptable lies with yu the emplyer in selecting a training prvider. 12 Shuld an emplyer decide t prvide first-aid training in-huse they will need t make sure that the first-aid training is fit fr purpse by ensuring: the cntent f any first-aid training is apprpriate (see paragraph 11) and that elements f the syllabus in cmmn with FAW r EFAW (see Appendices 1 and 2) are delivered in accrdance with currently accepted standards fr first-aid practice (paragraph 24); in-huse individuals acting as trainers/assessrs have the necessary skills, qualificatins and cmpetencies expected f thse wrking fr an external training prvider (paragraph 15); a system f quality assurance is in place ensuring that the cmpetence f trainers/assessrs is regularly reviewed by cmpetent verifiers. These systems shuld be reviewed n an annual basis by a cmpetent persn independent f thse directly invlved in the delivery/assessment f this training (paragraph 17); class sizes are apprpriate and take accunt f the needs and capabilities f thse undertaking any training (paragraph 21 and 22); certificates issued cntain infrmatin in accrdance with paragraph 33; equipment prvided is suitable and sufficient (paragraph 17); Selecting a first-aid training prvider: A guide fr emplyers (DRAFT VERSION) 2
training cnsists f sufficient, minimum cntact training time (Table 2). Fr cmpliance purpses yu may find it beneficial t maintain gd recrds. 13 The guidance cvers what yu shuld expect and check fr when yu select a training prvider, including the fllwing five criteria: the qualificatins expected f trainers and assessrs; mnitring and quality assurance systems; teaching and standards f first-aid practice; syllabus cntent; and certificatin. 14 There is n requirement fr the checks yu carry ut when chsing a training prvider t be frmalised r written dwn, althugh it may be useful fr yu t retain a written recrd. By dcumenting the checks yu have undertaken t cnfirm the cmpetence f a training rganisatin, and retaining a recrd f thse steps, yu can demnstrate t an HSE r lcal authrity inspectr hw yu selected a training prvider. The checklist in Table 2 can be used fr this purpse. Table 2 Checklist fr evaluating the cmpetence f first-aid training rganisatins CHECK YES NO NOTES Trainers/assessrs D the trainers/assessrs have a current FAW certificate r qualify fr an exemptin? D the trainers/assessrs have an apprpriate training/assessing qualificatin? Quality assurance Is there a dcumented quality assurance plan designating an individual t take respnsibility fr quality assurance, including assessment f the perfrmance f trainers/assessrs at least annually? Des the designated persn have a current FAW certificate r qualify fr an exemptin? Des the designated persn have an assessing/verifying qualificatin? Is there a dcumented curse evaluatin prcedure? Is there a dcumented cmplaints prcedure? Teaching currently accepted first-aid practice Is FAW/EFAW taught in accrdance with current guidelines n adult basic life supprt published by the Resuscitatin Cuncil (UK), and fr ther aspects f first aid, in accrdance with current guidelines published by the Vluntary Aid Scieties r ther published guidelines that are supprted by a respnsible bdy f medical pinin? Training syllabus Des the curse cntent adequately meet the needs f yur wrkplace as indicated by yur first-aid needs assessment? Selecting a first-aid training prvider: A guide fr emplyers (DRAFT VERSION) 3
CHECK YES NO NOTES Fr FAW, des the syllabus include the tpics listed in Appendix 1 and des the curse include at least 18 training and assessment cntact hurs, ver three days? Fr FAW requalificatin, des the syllabus include the tpics listed in Appendix 1 and des the curse last at least 12 training and assessment cntact hurs, ver tw days? Fr EFAW, des the syllabus include the tpics listed in Appendix 2 and des the curse last at least six training and assessment cntact hurs, ver ne day? Fr EFAW requalificatin, des the syllabus include the tpics listed in Appendix 2 and des the curse last at least six training and assessment cntact hurs, ver ne day? Certificates D the certificates issued t students assessed as cmpetent cntain the name f the training rganisatin, the title f the qualificatin (eg FAW r EFAW), reference t the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulatins 1981, the date f issue and cnfirmatin the certificate is valid fr three years? (If training is neither FAW nr EFAW the certificate shuld als list the learning utcmes f the syllabus n which candidates have been assessed.) Are the trainers/assessrs cmpetent? 15 Trainers/assessrs shuld have knwledge and cmpetence in first aid, as demnstrated by: a current, valid FAW certificate; r being registered and licensed as a dctr with the General Medical Cuncil; r current registratin as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Cuncil; r current registratin as a paramedic with the Health and Care Prfessins Cuncil; and a knwledge and cmpetence in training and/r assessing, demnstrated by hlding a training/assessing qualificatin such as thse listed in Table 3; r wrking twards such a qualificatin with the bjective f achieving it within tw years, prviding they have previus experience f first-aid training/assessing. 16 The list in Table 3 is nt exhaustive but prvides a guide t acceptable training and assessing qualificatins. Trainers wh als assess student cmpetence shuld hld a qualificatin (r separate qualificatins) that enables them t perfrm bth f these functins. A training rganisatin may use different individuals t train and assess students and they shuld hld qualificatins apprpriate fr their rle. Selecting a first-aid training prvider: A guide fr emplyers (DRAFT VERSION) 4
Table 3 Acceptable training/assessing qualificatins Qualificatin Train Assess A1 (D32/33) Assess candidates using a range f methds - A2 (D32) Assess candidates perfrmance thrugh bservatin - Cert Ed, PGCE, B Ed, M Ed CTLLS/DTLLS English Nursing Bard 998 First Aid at Wrk Trainer/Assessr qualificatin* Further and Adult Educatin Teacher s Certificate IHCD Instructinal Methds IHCD Instructr Certificate Learning and Develpment Unit 9D Assess wrkplace cmpetence using direct and indirect methds Learning and Develpment Unit 9D1 Assess wrkplace cmpetence using direct and indirect methds - - Nursing mentrship qualificatins PTLLS - PTLLS with unit Principles and Practice f Assessment QCF Qualificatins based n the Learning and Develpment NOS fr assessrs - S/NVQ level 3 in training and develpment S/NVQ level 4 in training and develpment TQFE (Teaching Qualificatin fr Further Educatin) Training Grup A22, B22, C21, C23, C24 - * Where this qualificatin is nt linked t a regulated training/assessing qualificatin listed in Table 2, by 1 Octber 2015 the qualificatin will n lnger be cnsidered valid fr the purpses f demnstrating cmpetence t train r assess first aid. Is there a quality assurance system in place t mnitr the quality f training? 17 The training rganisatin shuld have: a suitable and dcumented quality assurance plan designating an individual t take respnsibility fr quality assurance, including assessment f the skills f trainers/assessrs at least annually. This designated persn, wh can be frm inside r utside the rganisatin, shuld be independent f training delivery and demnstrate cmpetence fr their rle (see paragraphs 18 and 19); a dcumented curse evaluatin prcedure that includes feedback frm students; a dcumented cmplaints prcedure; a mechanism fr retaining a detailed recrd f assessments fr each student and stre thse recrds fr a minimum f three years after cmpletin f the curse; sufficient quantity f well-maintained equipment that permits students t cmplete their training and assessment within the apprpriate number f cntact hurs; Selecting a first-aid training prvider: A guide fr emplyers (DRAFT VERSION) 5
where training is prvided in blcks, these blcks shuld be nt less than tw hurs in duratin and ensure the candidate has cmpleted the curse and the assessment within a reasnable time frame, ie fr 3-day FAW 10 weeks, 2-day requalificatin FAW 6 weeks, and EFAW 3 weeks. 18 The designated persn shuld have knwledge and cmpetence in first aid, as demnstrated by: a current, valid FAW certificate; r being registered and licensed as a dctr with the General Medical Cuncil; r current registratin as a nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Cuncil; r current registratin as a paramedic with the Health and Care Prfessins Cuncil; and an in-depth knwledge f the subject f first aid and first-aid training. 19 The designated persn shuld als have knwledge and cmpetence in assessing and verifying qualificatins, as demnstrated by: an assessing qualificatin such as thse listed in Table 3; and a verifying qualificatin such as thse listed in Table 4; r wrking twards such a qualificatin with the bjective f achieving it within tw years, prviding they have previus experience f verifying first-aid training and assessing qualificatins. 20 The list in Table 4 is nt exhaustive, but prvides a guide t acceptable verificatin qualificatins. Table 4 Acceptable verifying qualificatins Qualificatin D34 Internally verify the assessment prcess D35 Externally verify the assessment prcess V1 Cnduct internal quality assurance f the assessment prcess V2 Cnduct external quality assurance f the assessment prcess Level 4 Award in the internal quality assurance f assessment prcesses and practice Level 4 Award in the external quality assurance f assessment prcesses and practice Level 4 Certificate in leading the internal quality assurance f assessment prcesses and practice Level 4 Certificate in leading the external quality assurance f assessment prcesses and practice Have training prviders demnstrated that they wrk t accepted standards fr training? 21 Training rganisatins shuld demnstrate that class size is apprpriate. Fr example where first-aid training is prvided in class sizes f greater than 12, unless additinal trainers and/r assessrs are prvided there may be cncerns ver addressing the training needs f individual candidates r adequately assessing their cmpetence. 22 Where yur candidates fr training have learning r cmmunicatin difficulties these shuld be cmmunicated t yur training prvider. The training prvider shuld then make reasnable adjustments t accmmdate their learning needs, eg prvisin f additinal learning supprt. Selecting a first-aid training prvider: A guide fr emplyers (DRAFT VERSION) 6
23 Where candidates have a disability, training prviders shuld make reasnable adjustments during the perid f training. Hwever, at the frmal (summative) assessment stages the candidate must demnstrate their first-aid cmpetence withut assistance f any kind. Is first aid taught in accrdance with currently accepted firstaid practice? 24 Training rganisatins shuld teach the first-aid management f injuries and illness, in relatin t the tpics cvered in FAW/EFAW training curses, in accrdance with: current guidelines published by the Resuscitatin Cuncil (UK); and the current editin f the first-aid manual f the Vluntary Aid Scieties (St Jhn Ambulance, British Red Crss, St Andrew s First Aid); r ther published guidelines, prvided they are in line with the tw abve r supprted by a respnsible bdy f medical pinin. 25 Where yur first-aid needs assessment identifies, r where yu chse t use qualificatins ther than FAW r EFAW t demnstrate wrkplace first-aid cmpetence, yu shuld ensure that cmmn elements f the syllabus are taught in accrdance with the same guidelines. Des the first-aid training curse cver an apprpriate syllabus? 26 First aid at wrk the training rganisatin shuld prvide a syllabus cvering the tpics listed in Appendix 1. The training shuld last at least 18 hurs (nt including breaks) ver a minimum perid f three days. 27 First aid at wrk requalificatin the training rganisatin shuld prvide a syllabus cvering the same tpics as thse in the initial first aid at wrk curse (see Appendix 1). The training shuld last at least 12 hurs (nt including breaks) ver a minimum perid f tw days. 28 Emergency first aid at wrk the training rganisatin shuld prvide a syllabus cvering the tpics listed in Appendix 2. The training shuld last at least six hurs (nt including breaks) ver a minimum perid f ne day. 29 Emergency first aid at wrk requalificatin the syllabus and duratin f this curse shuld be the same as fr the initial EFAW curse, ie six hurs, nt including breaks (see paragraph 28). 30 Alternative qualificatins where such qualificatins are being used fr the purpses f Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulatins 1981, the syllabus shuld cntain apprpriate cntent t address the findings f the first-aid needs assessment. This is likely t cntain elements cmmn t, r indeed all the tpics listed in the syllabus fr FAW (see Appendix 1). The duratin f training (nt including breaks) shuld be based n cmparisn f the prpsed syllabus cntent with that fr FAW and the time adjusted accrdingly. 31 HSE des nt accept qualificatins where training is delivered in a blended, e-learning r distance frmat fr cmpliance with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulatins 1981. Selecting a first-aid training prvider: A guide fr emplyers (DRAFT VERSION) 7
D certificates issued t students assessed as cmpetent cntain apprpriate infrmatin? 32 The training rganisatin shuld nly issue certificates t thse students it has assessed as cmpetent thrugh demnstrating satisfactry knwledge, skills and understanding in all aspects f the training curse. 33 The certificates shuld cntain: the name f the training rganisatin; the name f the candidate; the title f the qualificatin (eg FAW r EFAW); reference t the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulatins 1981; cnfirmatin that the certificate is valid fr three years; the cmmencement date; if the qualificatin is neither FAW nr EFAW, the certificate shuld als list the learning utcmes f the syllabus n which candidates have been assessed. Selecting a first-aid training prvider: A guide fr emplyers (DRAFT VERSION) 8
Appendix 1 Cntent f a first aid at wrk curse This infrmatin has been reprduced frm Appendix 5 f the 2013 editin f First aid at wrk. 1 On cmpletin f training, whether a full FAW curse r a FAW requalificatin curse, successful candidates shuld have satisfactrily demnstrated cmpetence in all f the subject areas listed in Appendix 2 and als t be able t: administer first aid t a casualty with: injuries t bnes, muscles and jints, including suspected spinal injuries; chest injuries; burns and scalds; eye injuries; sudden pisning; anaphylactic shck; recgnise the presence f majr illness and prvide apprpriate first aid (including heart attack, strke, epilepsy, asthma, diabetes). Appendix 2 Cntent f an emergency first aid at wrk curse This infrmatin has been reprduced frm Appendix 6 f the 2013 editin f First aid at wrk. 1 On cmpletin f training, successful candidates shuld be able t: understand the rle f the first-aider, including reference t: the imprtance f preventing crss-infectin; the need fr recrding incidents and actins; use f available equipment; assess the situatin and circumstances in rder t act safely, prmptly and effectively in an emergency; administer first aid t a casualty wh is uncnscius (including seizure); administer cardipulmnary resuscitatin; administer first aid t a casualty wh is chking; administer first aid t a casualty wh is wunded and bleeding; administer first aid t a casualty wh is suffering frm shck; prvide apprpriate first aid fr minr injuries (including small cuts, grazes and bruises, minr burns and scalds, small splinters). Selecting a first-aid training prvider: A guide fr emplyers (DRAFT VERSION) 9
References 1 First aid at wrk: The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulatins 1981. Apprved Cde f Practice and guidance L74 (Secnd editin) HSE Bks 2009 ISBN 978 0 7176 6260 9 www.hse.gv.uk/pubns/bks/l74.htm (new editin t be published Octber 2013) Further reading First aid at wrk: Yur questins answered Leaflet INDG214(rev1) HSE Bks 2009 www.hse.gv.uk/pubns/indg214.htm Basic advice n first aid at wrk Leaflet INDG347(rev2) HSE Bks 2011 www.hse.gv.uk/pubns/indg347.htm HSE s first aid at wrk website: www.hse.gv.uk/firstaid Further infrmatin Fr infrmatin abut health and safety, r t reprt incnsistencies r inaccuracies in this guidance, visit www.hse.gv.uk/. Yu can view HSE guidance nline and rder priced publicatins frm the website. HSE priced publicatins are als available frm bkshps. This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Fllwing the guidance is nt cmpulsry, unless specifically stated, and yu are free t take ther actin. But if yu d fllw the guidance yu will nrmally be ding enugh t cmply with the law. Health and safety inspectrs seek t secure cmpliance with the law and may refer t this guidance. This leaflet is available at: www.hse.gv.uk/pubns/geis3.htm. Crwn cpyright If yu wish t reuse this infrmatin visit www.hse.gv.uk/cpyright.htm fr details. Draft published 02/13. Published by the Health and Safety Executive GEIS3(draft)(amended) 03/13 Selecting a first-aid training prvider: A guide fr emplyers (DRAFT VERSION) 10