Hi all I seem to recall a conversation on here some time ago about the one day (3hour) annual refresher training and it only being guidance and not compulsory. I tried the search and got the black screen of death, then an error. I seem to recall the discussion suggesting it was a money making exercise, but not sure if I remember correctly. Once they do the 3 day FAW which is valid for 3 years, do people think it is a good idea to get people to do the three hour refresher ? Are people just doing it as the guidance / HSE site suggest they should or is whatever you can re learn in 3 hours worth it. I know context is everything on this site so, say it is for a workshop, 20 people ( one or two first aiders around at any one time). Some hot work ( oxy / Acetylene or MIG), some work at height, some heavy lifts with equipment (not crane) and general assembly work. What are your thoughts ? Also is there a one month time limit each year to do the refresher. Chris

Hi Chris, Like anything, you'll have opinions on both sides of the fence here. To answer your initial points, you are correct in that the annual refresher is not a legal requirement, but based on a strong recommendation from the HSE that annual refreshers are given. The argument for it is pretty straight forward, in that its not uncommon for a certified first aider to never actually being called upon to administer first aid and the refresher training is an opportunity for first aiders to be refreshed on the practical and theory side of things. You'll find this recommendation from the following link: http://www.hse.gov.uk/fi...d/first-aid-training.htm Regarding the 28 day limit, please read the following link: http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/review/may06.htm

Our 3hr annual refreshers consist of basic life support skills, ie CPR, recovery position and use of our defib unit. It is not suprising what people forget in the space of a year if not giving a chance to use their skills in that time, so the benefit for us is great as it bring these individuals up back up to speed and there is the chance of having that immeasurable benefit of saving a life.