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What are the duties of a first aider?

The role of a first aider is to provide immediate, temporary care to someone who is ill or injured. In the case of basic life support procedures, such as CPR, using an AED or putting someone into the recovery position first aid may be live-saving.

What must you do to become a qualified first aider?

According to the HSE, in order to be considered a qualified first aider you must hold a valid certificate of competence in either:

  1. First Aid at Work
  2. Emergency First Aid at Work
  3. Any other level of training or qualification that is appropriate to the circumstances

[ref: https://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/first-aider.htm ]

What's the difference between an appointed person and a first aider?

When an employer's first-aid needs assessment identifies that a first-aider is not necessary, the minimum requirement is to appoint a person to take charge of first-aid arrangements. The role of this appointed person includes looking after the first-aid equipment and facilities and calling the emergency services when required. They can also provide emergency cover, within their role and competence, where a first-aider is absent due to unforeseen circumstances (annual leave does not count).

To fulfil their role, appointed persons do not need first-aid training. However, emergency first-aid training courses are available.

Appointed persons are not first-aiders and should not attempt to give first aid for which they have not been trained.

[ref: https://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/faqs.htm#first-aider-appointed-person-anchor]

More Frequently Asked Questions:

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