FAQ

1. What is the statutory requirement regarding first aid provision in the workplace?

2. How do I assess the number of first aiders I require?

3. Are Pulse Cymru approved by the HSE and is this important?

4. How long do courses take and how long does the certificate last?

5. When can I book a course?

6. Do you provide any other type of first aid courses?

7. Where are courses taught?

8. What is included in the course fee?

9. Are you able to deliver manual handling training?

10. How qualified and experienced are the trainers?

11. When do I have to contact you regarding updating my certificate?

12. What after training services do you provide?

1.  What is the statutory requirement regarding first aid provision in the workplace?

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees if they are injured or become ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with five or fewer employees and to the self-employed What is adequate will depend on the circumstances in the workplace. This includes whether trained first aiders are needed, what should be included in a first aid box and if a first aid room is needed. Employers should carry out an assessment of first aid needs to determine this.

2.  How do I assess the number of first aiders I require?

This would depend on the distribution of workers and whether they are on a single site or several sites. Other factors to consider are shift workers, lone workers, numbers of staff and the type of work undertaken. For example chemical works have more demanding requirements than an office environment.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) advice is “Employers are required to carry out an assessment of first aid needs. This involves consideration of workplace hazards and risks, the size of the organisation and other relevant factors, to determine what first aid equipment, facilities and personnel should be provided”.

It should be noted that there are specific requirements covering offshore work and diving.

Pulse Cymru staff are qualified carry out a risk assessment for you or the HSE produces a leaflet that contains a useful checklist covering the points employers should consider when carrying out the assessment, this can be assessed from the HSE website.

3.  Are Pulse Cymru approved by the HSE and is this important?

Organisations that have identified that first aiders are needed in their workplace must gain a certificate of competence from a training organisation that has been approved by HSE. There are only 1200 approved training providers throughout the UK and Pulse Cymru are amongst those approved to deliver training. This is important as courses must be delivered to a set criterion to ensure first aiders have reached the high standards required.

4.  How long do courses take and how long does the certificate last?

The only statutory course is the HSE First Aid at Work course which lasts for at least 24 hours of training, usually held over four days or spread over several weeks. A First aid at work certificates remains valid for three years. Refresher courses are of at least 12 hours training and are normally held over two days.

There is a second recognised course which is a one day Appointed Persons course that covers basic first aid and would normally be the person responsible for keeping accident records, first aid kits up to date and would be the liaison person with emergency services.

5.  When can I book a course?

The HSE monitors the training of those undertaking the HSE First Aid at Work course (4 day course) and can arrange to assess that training is being delivered appropriately by the training provider (Pulse Cymru).

We would ask therefore that you give as much notice as possible, certainly more than 28 days so that we can arrange course dates, venues etc to meet your requirements.

Other courses such as 1 day appointed persons, sports injuries; childcare etc can normally be accommodated at short notice, although we do have a programme of courses throughout the year.  

6.  Do you provide any other type of first aid courses?

We do tailor courses to meet your specific requirements such as childcare, sports injuries, managing the elderly and many more. All these courses will consist of the core elements of resuscitation, managing the unconscious patient and how to deal with a choking casualty.

7.  Where are courses taught?

Pulse Cymru have a training centre in the Swansea Enterprise Park, where we can cater for individuals, or groups of up to 14. Alternatively we can train at your premises or we can arrange a venue near to you should this be more appropriate.

8.  What is included in the course fee?

Courses held at our training centre will include refreshments, buffet lunch, course materials, certificate and assessments.

Courses held at your venue will include course materials, certificate and assessments. We can also arrange for refreshments and buffet should you wish.

There are no hidden charges on any of our courses.

9.  Are you able to deliver manual handling training?

We are able to deliver manual handling training in all aspects of the All Wales NHS Manual Handling Passport & Information Scheme covering modules A, B, C, D, E, and F. These modules can be delivered at our training centre where we have facilities to teach the practical aspects of bed mobility, lateral transfers and hoisting or we can come to you and train on site.

Our lead trainer Jacqui played a key role in the development of the Passport Scheme you can therefore be assured of expert training.

10.  How qualified and experienced are the trainers?

Our trainers are state registered paramedics with many still serving members of the Ambulance Service and as such, will have vast experience from dealing with people on the ‘frontline’. Our trainers will not rely only on textbooks to teach and will ensure that students are aware of the realities of dealing with practical situations.

In addition our trainers have other skills and qualifications, such as NEBOSH qualifications in Health & Safety, environmental health management, back care management, clinical governance arrangements and many more.

11.  When do I have to contact you regarding updating my certificate?

You don’t. We have a database that will remind you in advance that you’re due for requalification and we will contact you in sufficient time to enable you to book an appropriate course.

Our records are protected and secure and are not shared with any outside agency.

12.  What after training services do you provide?

As front line paramedic staff we have experienced many traumatic events and we appreciate more than anyone the benefit of having someone to talk to should you use your skills. We provide all students with personal contact numbers should they wish to get in touch to talk through their experiences.

Students who have used this have found this to be of tremendous benefit as we have been able to offer reassurance and support where needed.

Any discussions are between the trainer and student and will remain confidential and will not be used in any other forum.