First Aid Training Standards:
Standardization in Education is an essential requirement – and the first aid training sector is no exception, whether it be for Emergency First Aid at work (1 Day) or the First Aid at work (3 Day) qualification.
Models of standardization:
The HSE does prescribe these qualifications – however currently each HSE approved first aid training organization has it’s own quality assurance measures in place, ranging from ISO standards to other generally accepted standards.
Key players – some globally, others nationally, who have implemented models of standardization for first aid training courses ranging from basic first aid courses, cpr training courses through to first aid instructor training courses include the following:
PADI and Emergency First Response (international) AAB Training, Aid Training, Nuco Training, the RYA, the AOFAP – the association of first aid providers, SJA – st. Johns ambulance, British Red Cross / Red Cross and also HABC (Highfield awarding body)
Common areas derived from different models of standardization for first aid training courses includes the following:
· Powerpoint presentations: Clear, plain English, graphic presentation
· Sample video clips – relevant to first aid training scenarios
· Skills set: Scenario based learning to keep learners engaged
· Assessment strategy: Ensuring the learning is assessed sufficiently
· Mentoring: Revising developmental areas on an individual basis
· First Aid updates: Through the UK resuscitation council – or ERC (European)
Key requirements for a first aid training course:
The trainer should be knowledgeable in first aid but also in teaching styles incorporating relevant humour, sensitivity to culture and political correctness together with a presentation style that will keep all first aid learners actively engaged. The scope of the First aid training should be set, hence qualified first aid instructors must prevent venturing into the medical field with too much detail, as this might hinder candidates from understanding basic important concepts.
Current UK resuscitation guidelines conforms with that of the ERC ( European Resuscitation Council) – as does HSE first aid training guidelines. Several pressure groups currently oppose the notion that the HSE might delegate it’s quality assurance function to a combination of the QCA and other awarding bodies – as first aid training has never been a problematic industry if compared with i.e. the security industry.