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The latest information on First Aid training.

• British Red Cross First Aid Trainer Training
• First Response
• Frequently Asked Questions

In partnership with British Red Cross we are running a four-day British Red Cross Trainer Training course at Gilwell Park in April 2009. Please see www.scouts.org.uk/gilwelltraining for more information.

All Warranted Leaders are required to produce a valid First Aid certificate, of 'First Response' level or above, when their Warrant is renewed and for the award of their Wood Badge.

For a qualification to be considered an equivalent to First Response it must meet the following criteria:

1. The qualification needs to be set by a recognised national body such as St John Ambulance, The British Red Cross, NYA, BCU, MLTB, HSE etc.

2. The qualification must involve training of at least 6 hours duration.

3. The qualification must be run by a qualified First Aid trainer.

4. The qualification must cover the following areas:

   Principles of First Aid

   Initial response to a First Aid situation

   Emergency Life Support (DRAB)

   Shock

   Causes and Treatment of Unconsciousness

   Bleeding (Major and Minor)

   Heat Exhaustion, heatstroke and hypothermia

   Burns and Scalds

   Fractures and Soft tissue injuries

   Meningitis.

If a qualification meets the above criteria then it can be considered a suitable alternative to First Response and satify the minimum training requirements for Woodbadge presentation and Warrant renewal.

Further information regarding the appropriateness of First Aid qualifications is available in the Factsheet FS310547 First Response: Definition and Equivalents .

• What qualifications do I need to be a trainer of First Response?
• What is classed as a full First Aid qualification?
• What shall I put in my First Aid Kit?

In answer to some of your questions:

Firstly make sure you have the most up to date edition of the Factsheet: FS310547 First Response: Definition and Equivalents .

What qualifications do I need to be a trainer of First Response?

In order to run a First Response course you must either be

An externally qualified First Aid trainer

or

Hold both a Full First Aid qualification and The Scout Association qualifications for Presenting and Facilitating (either the Presenting and Facilitating Competencies or Modules 28 Presenting and 29 Facilitating).

Alternatively, two people one of which holds the First Aid qualification and the other who has the training qualifications, can run the course.

In order to run First Response you will need to purchase the Trainers Notes and Participants Course Book (each participant will need a copy of this. The book contains notes based on the training and a certificate, which should be signed by the trainer to confirm that they have reached the required standard).

What is classed as a full First Aid qualification?

The definition is as follows:

1. Nationally set by a reputable body (NYA, BCU, St John Ambulance, MLTB, HSE, etc.)

2. Involve training of at least 16 hours duration.

3. The qualification would be examined or assessed (rather than being based upon attendance).

4. At least some part of the assessment would be carried out by a doctor, health professional, recognised (St John, HSE etc.) first aid examiner etc.

5. Would be valid for no longer than 3 years.

6. Cover the following topic areas in some detail:

Principles of First Aid

Initial response to First Aid situation

Emergency Life Support (DRAB)

Shock

Causes and treatment of unconsciousness

Bleeding (major and minor)

Heat exhaustion, heat-stroke and hypothermia

Burns and Scalds

Fractures and soft tissue injuries

What shall I put in my First Aid Kit?

Download the factsheet FS140048:First Aid Kits and Accident Books for more information