Further extensions granted to expiring First Aid qualifications

Further extension announced by the HSE to EFAW and FAW qualifications expiring on/after 16 March 2020 to 30 September 2020. DfE also announced that this extension may apply to Paediatric First Aid if requalifiation training is still unavailable... for more click here...

What is happening with First Aid Training?

The government has not yet given the okay for first aid training to commence. The last update that we had from the Ofqual Awarding Organisations and the HSE was that the Covid-19 threat level should be reduced to 3 prior to training commencing and that social distancing should be 'maintained at all times' - this will mean changes to training as many of you know it!

For details of the changes we are implementing to training to ensure that our staff, you, your colleagues and families stay safe, read this update on our Blog.

By September 2020 we hope to be able to run with the new course programme dates which are available to view on our website. Please do book early via email as courses are running with reduced numbers. Thank you in advance for bearing with us, as if the Covid-19 threat level increases there may be further disruption to courses in the future.

Our priority is to deliver high-quality professional first aid training which will give delegates the confidence to save a life, whist ensuring the safety of our trainers/staff, our candidates and their families.

In light of Covid-19, should we be giving ventilations if performing CPR?

The Resuscitation Council (UK) is recomending that if performing CPR on an adult who has likely suffered from cardiac arrest, perform chest compression only CPR ideally with a cloth covering over the casualty's nose/mouth to minimise the risk to a rescuer of being exposed to the Covid-19 virus. NOTE: when assessing for signs of life AVOID putting your head anywhere close to the casualty's airway as this puts the rescuer at increased risk. See video explaining options for these adaptations here It is safe for the general public to use an AED as soon as it is available.

However, for a baby or child casualty, rescue breaths are still essential to perform - the likely cause of a baby or child not breathing is initially respiratory arrest rather than cardiac arrest. This means they will be low on oxygen, so definately do give rescue breaths. It is also likely that the rescuer knows the child and almost certain that CPR will have an unsucessful outcome if breaths are not given. For more on resuscitaition in light of Covid-19 and especially for any healthcare professionals see the guidance available on the Resuscitation Council (UK) website which will be relevant to your area of work.