Hi all, We have sufficient numbers of FAW qualified first aiders on our site but we are considering running “basic” in-house first aid courses for certain members as an extra measure if the FAW is not immediately available – CPR, bleeds. The training will be carried out by an in-house company trainer that has sufficient experience and knowledge in first aid from being a retained fire fighter. Would anybody happen to know the legalities of this? Thanks

My thought would be to stick to a recognized training provider otherwise you are looking at the retained fire fighter passing on second hand knowledge which i mean that he will be training your employees what he remembers and will not be following a recognized training syllabus. If you did use him for training and later someone suffered and injury or worse they may try to sue saying the training the first aider was given was not suitable and sufficient also who's would say the training he provided was suitable and sufficient is he going to issue his own certificate. I think it might be different if the retained fire fighter trained others in the fire service but basically he has only received the first aid training so would not make him a qualified trainer in the subject. I'm sure training from a recognized company is not that expensive and possible you might be penny pinching where you shouldn't. the retained fire fighter may be someone who could provide refresher training once your employees have received the initial training. Phil

jon-p (For the sake of arguement, if theres a delay on the attendance of a FAW have you propery considered the numbers required? My own view is that better to have a good level of first aid across the board than try and achieved an unsustainable level of qualified cover over the minimum your RA identifies. we had a run of train a FAW - they leave - train another etc hence me investigating other options below). By coincidence I have just been speaking to the HSE first aid monitoring centre regarding a similar matter. We were considering running in house FAW courses to increase our cover. Due to the approval requirements etc this is not cost effective. The alternative I considered was to maintain Qualified FAW as per the regs but to supplement this by providing supplementary training in key subjects (i.e. (on our site) CPR, chemicals burns treatment and eye injury). The options were to buy in bespoke training from an OH provider or one of the training organisation (e.g. St Johns or Red Cross). It is also acceptable to do this in house if you have the competence (and can demonstrate it!). If the 'trainer' has a recognised training qualification (or you can demonstrate competence in some other way) there should be no reason why he can't deliver supplementary training if its part of his skills set. I'd advise he was a qualified FAW as this will ensure he is upto date with latest thinking (This is a requirement for trainers as part of the HSE approval process for training organisations). With regards specific hazard training (if you are considering this) HSE no longer approves courses but state 'training providers must ensure training is provided by instructors with the necessary skills. Knowledge and competence to conduct such a course). In summary if the chap is a 'trainer' I'd make him a qualified FAW or qualify him as FAW then send on the trainers course you have then get the bases covered for delivery of supplementary basic first aid in house. I know you stated in your OP that you had sufficient FAW to meet the regs but I would stress (for the benefit of all) that this approach is complimentary and not a substitute for FAW. Good luck