The Health Safety Executive has announced that the new format first aid training courses will be implemented from 1 October 2009.

The long awaited changes will introduce a shorter First Aid at Work course, reduced from four days to three days, and a new one-day course in Emergency First Aid at Work. Both courses will require re- certification after three years.

The HSE recommends annual refresher training to update basic skills for all certificate holders during the three years. Many first aiders have reported a fall-off in skills and confidence if no additional training is given during the three years.

People receiving first aid training before 1 October 2009 will not need to re-train immediately on the new courses after that date, but will need to take the new courses when their certificates expire.

As previously, the employer’s assessment of first aid needs will be used to select the number and type of first aid trained employees. This assessment takes in factors such as numbers of people, the type of work carried out and proximity of the workplace to local emergency services.

More information on the implementation of the new courses and supporting guidance will be published by the HSE later this year.