Posted By Zyggy Turek David, If first-aiders are doing it for the money, then it's the wrong reason (we pay the princely sum of £104 pa - taxable!). Do not even consider conscripting employees. Not everybody can cope with an emergency situation, it takes a certain type of character & you cannot force people to assist. Have you thought of introducing Appointed Persons rather than fully certificated First-Aiders?

Posted By David Kinnison My advice. Up the incentive: i.e. pay more on the honarium and/or pay more for a 'position of reponsibility' (promote on spinal system if in operation). Depending on the levels of occupancy and nature of work at the sites your organisation could be breech of the First Aid regs if operating without first aid cover. Are the employees aware that they would be covered by the company whilst at work in their role as First Aider? I have experience of workers being misinformed believing that they would be personally liable if they provided 'treatment'. I understand that employees do percieve this fear in the 'claim culture'. Easily solved b the company/organisation stating that their First aiders are covered. In my organisation we are fortunate to have plenty of volunteers but no regretably no financial incentives for first aiders.

Posted By james mackie Isn't saving someone's life reward enough?

Posted By Zyggy Turek David, Lots of good advice about talking to employees/liaising with the Unions & having the opportunity to dispel some myths re liabilities. A couple of years ago I was offered an "Emergency First-Aid course" as part of my involvement with a Premier League Football Club - no financial incentive involved. I saw it as a chance to learn one of those life skills, but hoped that I would never be put to the test. Within 2 weeks, my son had a serious asthma attack & as a direct result of my training I was able to deal with the situation. The issue of financial incentives worries me as employees may come forward for purely these reasons, but may not have what it takes to put any training into practice. For those of you that have had to carry out CPR on a real person, rather than in sterile conditions with "Resusci-Annie" during training, will know that it's an entirely different ball game. Good luck with your quest!