Who Is the Annual First Aid Refresher Course For?

 

This course is designed for anyone who holds a current workplace first aid qualification and wants to refresh their knowledge and practical skills.

It is particularly suitable for:

• Emergency First Aiders at Work

• First Aiders at Work

• Employees who provide first aid in the workplace

• Designated workplace first aiders

• First aiders approaching the 12 or 24-month point of their qualification

• Employers arranging annual refresher training for their first aid team

• Organisations wanting their first aiders to remain confident between formal qualification courses

 

Candidates should hold a current Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work certificate before completing the refresher course.

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Recommended for EFAW and FAW First Aiders

 

This refresher course is suitable for people who have completed either:

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Emergency First Aid at Work

The Emergency First Aid at Work qualification prepares candidates to provide immediate emergency first aid when somebody becomes injured or ill at work.

 

First Aid at Work

The First Aid at Work qualification includes emergency first aid skills as well as training in a wider range of workplace injuries and illnesses. The HSE describes EFAW and FAW as recognised levels of workplace first aid training.

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Annual refresher training does not replace either qualification or extend the expiry date of an existing EFAW or FAW certificate. It helps qualified first aiders maintain their knowledge, skills and confidence between their initial course and formal requalification.

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Why Complete Annual First Aid Refresher Training?

 

First aid skills may deteriorate when they are not used or regularly practised. Even experienced first aiders can become less confident about performing CPR, using a defibrillator or responding to a serious workplace emergency.

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The HSE strongly recommends annual refresher training so that qualified first aiders can maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with changes in first aid procedures.

Completing an annual refresher can help first aiders:

• Maintain confidence in an emergency

• Recall the correct emergency action sequence

• Refresh CPR and defibrillator knowledge

• Revisit the treatment of common workplace emergencies

• Identify any gaps in their knowledge

• Remain aware of changes in first aid procedures

• Prepare for their eventual requalification course

 

The refresher is generally completed around the 12-month and 24-month points after qualifying or requalifying as a workplace first aider.

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What Does the Annual First Aid Refresher Cover?

 

The course refreshes essential workplace first aid knowledge and procedures, including:

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Emergency Action Planning

Review how to assess an incident, protect yourself and others, summon appropriate assistance and provide immediate first aid.

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Unresponsive Casualties

Refresh how to assess an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally and place them safely into the recovery position.

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CPR and Defibrillator Use

Review how to respond when a casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, including:

• Calling the emergency services

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

• Recognising abnormal breathing

• Using an automated external defibrillator

• Following an AED’s spoken and visual instructions

 

Seizures

Review how to recognise and assist a casualty experiencing a seizure while protecting them from injury.

 

Choking

Refresh how to recognise choking and provide appropriate assistance to a casualty with an obstructed airway.

 

External Bleeding

Review how to assess external bleeding and take immediate action to control serious blood loss.

 

Shock

Refresh the recognition and treatment of shock while awaiting further medical assistance.

 

First Aid Updates

The course includes updates on relevant changes to first aid procedures and guidance.

The course content follows the supplied Annual First Aid Refresher specification.

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Choose How You Complete Your Refresher

 

Annual First Aid Refresher eLearning

Complete the refresher online at a time and place that suits you.

Our eLearning option is ideal for:

• Individual first aiders

• Remote employees

• Shift workers

• Businesses with employees based across different locations

• Organisations requiring a flexible refresher option

• First aiders who cannot attend a scheduled classroom course

 

Candidates work through the refresher content online and receive certification following successful completion.

 

Please note: eLearning refreshes knowledge but cannot provide the same practical skills practice as a face-to-face session. Employers should consider their workplace first aid needs and whether practical training is also appropriate.

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Start the eLearning Course

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Group On-Site Annual First Aid Refresher Training

 

We can deliver the three-hour refresher course at your workplace for groups of employees.

On-site training is suitable for:

• Offices

• Warehouses and distribution centres

• Factories and manufacturing businesses

• Construction and engineering organisations

• Schools and education providers

• Retail and hospitality businesses

• Healthcare and care settings

• Charities and community organisations

 

Training at your premises reduces employee travel and allows several first aiders to refresh their skills together.

 

Face-to-face courses are available for groups of up to 12 candidates per instructor.

 

Request an On-Site Course

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Join an Open Course in Doncaster

Individuals and smaller groups can join one of our open Annual First Aid Refresher courses at our designated training centre in Doncaster.

 

Courses are held at:

Emergency Response Training Ltd
Canberra House TDC
10 First Avenue
Finningley
Doncaster
DN9 3GA

 

Our training centre is located close to the Doncaster Sheffield Airport site and provides free on-site parking.

Open courses provide practical, instructor-led training and an opportunity to practise essential first aid skills using appropriate training equipment.

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View Upcoming Course Dates

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Assessment and Certification

 

Candidates attending the face-to-face course are continually assessed by the instructor throughout the session.

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Successful candidates receive a:

First Aid Annual Refresher Certificate

 

The refresher certificate is valid for one year.

 

The certificate confirms completion of annual refresher training. It does not renew, replace or extend the expiry date of an Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work certificate.

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When Should the Course Be Completed?

 

Annual refresher training is generally completed:

• Approximately 12 months after qualifying or requalifying

• Again at approximately 24 months

• Before completing the appropriate formal requalification course

 

First aiders must ensure that their main EFAW or FAW certificate remains valid and complete the appropriate qualification or requalification course before it expires.

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Why Choose Emergency Response Training?

 

Emergency Response Training has delivered practical workplace training since 2002.

 

We provide flexible training options for individuals and organisations, including:

• Flexible eLearning

• Open courses at our designated Doncaster training centre

• On-site workplace training

• Experienced and supportive instructors

• Practical face-to-face sessions

• Group training for up to 12 candidates per instructor

• Free parking at our Doncaster venue

• Training for businesses across Yorkshire and nationwide

• Support from our Doncaster-based team

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Annual First Aid Refresher for?

The course is suitable for qualified workplace first aiders who hold a current Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work certificate.

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Does the HSE recommend annual first aid refresher training?

Yes. The HSE strongly recommends annual refresher training to help trained first aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with changes in first aid procedures. It is recommended rather than a mandatory legal requirement.

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Is the refresher suitable for Emergency First Aid at Work first aiders?

Yes. It is suitable for candidates who hold a current Emergency First Aid at Work certificate.

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Is it suitable for First Aid at Work first aiders?

Yes. The course is also suitable for candidates who hold a current First Aid at Work certificate.

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Can I complete the course through eLearning?

Yes. The Annual First Aid Refresher is available as an eLearning course for candidates who need a flexible online option.

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Can you deliver the course at our workplace?

Yes. Face-to-face refresher training can be delivered at your workplace for groups of up to 12 candidates per instructor.

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Can individuals attend an open course?

Yes. Individuals and smaller groups can join an open course at our designated training centre in Doncaster.

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How long does the course take?

The course takes approximately three hours to complete.

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Does the refresher renew my EFAW or FAW certificate?

No. Annual refresher training does not renew or extend the expiry date of your Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work qualification.

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How long is the refresher certificate valid?

The First Aid Annual Refresher Certificate is valid for one year.

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