You should review your current first aid provision to see if it complies with the new HSE recommendations and check that your first aiders are trained to the correct standard. Our first aid needs assessment guide will help you with this.
If you currently have FAWs on site but are a low/medium hazard business you will probably find that you now require EFAWs. This means less expenditure for you and less time away from work for your employees. If you still require FAW trained staff then the course time has now reduced from 4 to 3 days.
Staff previously trained on a Basic First Aid for Appointed Person course would now benefit by attending the new 1 day EFAW course. For the same time investment they would gain a higher qualification allowing them to act as a workplace first aider in regulatory terms.
Q: Does an Appointed Person still exist?
A: Yes. Appointed Person is still the minimum requirement in the UK for all businesses no matter how big or small, to fulfil their statutory duty of care. However due to the type of work done, numbers of staff present, distance from medical help, you may need more than appointed persons to meet the statutory duty of care. You must carry out a first aid needs assessment in order to determine this.
Appointed persons should have basic instruction on the upkeep of first aid kits, calling emergency services and recording details of the incident. First aid training for Appointed Persons is not compulsory, but is recommended by the HSE. Appointed persons should NOT carry out first aid for which they have not been trained. Please note that Appointed Persons training is not regulated or monitored by the HSE.
