How do I qualify as a First Aid Trainer?
The qualifications required to teach accredited first aid awards and become a first aid instructor have changed over the last couple of years. You can no longer teach accredited first aid at work or emergency first aid with just a first aid trainer award, as this will not be accepted by any of the UK awarding bodies.
Teaching Qualification
To qualify as a first aid trainer you first and foremost need to have an entry-level teaching qualification. The PDLSG – Planning and Delivering Learning Sessions to Groups Award or the ETA – Level 3 Award in Education and Training qualification gives the teaching award accepted by all awarding bodies. This course is nationally accredited and allows the successful candidate to teach any subject they have experience in.
First Aid Qualification
You now have a teaching qualification either PDLSG or ETA that proves your competence as a trainer. What next is to match it up with some relevant first aid experience. The easiest way to do this is to obtain the Level 3 First Aid at Work certificate or a current First Aid at Work qualification. Holding the teaching qualification and current first aid experience will allow you to teach the following courses:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)
- First Aid at Work (FAW)
- Paediatric First Aid
Insurance
Trainers will require public liability insurance to gain approval from awarding bodies and to protect them in case a member of the public blames you for causing damage or injury. Professional indemnity insurance is also advised. Both of these insurances are around £120 to £140 per year.
Equipment
First aid training requires specific equipment:
- First Aid PowerPoint presentations
- CPR manikins (adult and child)
- AED training unit
- First aid kit for demonstrations
- Bandages, dressings and other consumables
First Aid Trainer Courses with Teaching Award
If you do not already have a teaching award, Abertay International Training offers comprehensive First Aid Trainer courses that include the PDLSG teaching award. Our courses provide everything you need in one package.