The importance of first aid training for businesses

If you're a business owner, you know that your staff are one of your most important assets. You need to make sure that they're trained in first aid so that they can help protect themselves and others in the event of an emergency. First aid training can help your staff stay safe and prepared for any situation. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider getting your staff first aid trained.

1) Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere.

2) First Aid training can help your staff stay calm and handle emergencies effectively.

3) First Aid training may be required by law in some areas.

4) First Aid skills can help save lives.

5) First Aid training is affordable and accessible.

The importance of first aid training in the workplace.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has specific guidance on the provision of first aid in the workplace. Employers have a duty to provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and personnel to deal with foreseeable injuries and illnesses that could occur at work.

First-aid trained employees are an important part of any emergency response plan and can make a huge difference in an emergency situation.

First aid trained employees can:

• Help to reduce the severity of an injury or illness.

• Help to prevent an injury or illness from becoming more serious.

• Help to save lives.

There is a specific guidance document that is freely available to help businesses carry out a first aid risk assessment and it can be viewed here.

What to expect from a first aid training course.

A first aid training course will give your employees the skills and knowledge to deal with a range of first aid emergencies. The exact content of a first aid course will vary depending on the length and level of the course, but it will typically cover topics such as:

• First aid priorities.

• Scene assessment.

• CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

• Seizures.

• Choking.

• Bleeding control.

• Shock.

• Burns.

• Musculoskeletal injuries.

When choosing a first aid training provider, look for a reputable organisation that offers courses that are accredited by a recognised body. NR Medical Training is based in Norfolk and provide first aid courses that are accredited by Qualsafe Awards and the content meets the guidance criteria set out by the HSE.

The benefits of having first aid trained staff members.

Apart from compliance there are many other benefits to having staff on-site with first aid training . These include:

• Increased morale – Employees feel valued when an employer has made the investment in their safety and wellbeing.

• Reduced staff absences – First aid trained employees are more likely to be able to deal with minor illnesses and injuries at work, which can reduce the amount of time off work that is taken.

• Greater peace of mind – As a business owner, you will have peace of mind knowing that your staff are better equipped to deal with an emergency should one occur.

• Improved customer service – In the event of an emergency, first aid trained staff will be able to take care of customers until the ambulance arrives. This can help to protect your business reputation.