The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) announced a little while back, that from the 31st December 2016, all first aid training providers must now include Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Training on First Aid at Work Courses.
First Aid at Work syllabuses have been revised to include this training, in response to changes to resuscitation guidelines which place more emphasis on the role of an AED in treating a casualty who is unresponsive and not breathing.
Going forwards, our courses we will be offering will always include the HSE’s recommended content; that’s why we will also be offering practical AED Training,
What do these changes mean for employers in terms of First Aid in the workplace?
According to the HSE…
– New first aiders must be trained in how to use an AED
– Existing first aiders don’t have to re-train – they will update their skills when they requalify
– Employers don’t have to buy an AED for their workplace – the requirement is still dependent on their needs assessment.
What actually is an AED?
An AED is a portable machine that automatically sends an electric shock to the heart muscle to return to its normal rhythm. Once opened, it will provide full instructions on what you should do.
When should an AED be used? 
AED’s are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest and they are unresponsive and not breathing. When combined with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using an AED gives an unresponsive person who is not breathing the best possible chance of surviving.
Our new mannequins have just arrived ready for us to start delivering Basic Life Support and AED Training.
Our first course will be running on the 29th of August. The course will cover Basic Life Support, including CPR, choking hazards, the recovery position and the use of an AED machine (‘Defib’). The cost per person is £40+VAT.
To secure a place on the course or if you have any unanswered questions before you book, please give us a call today and we will be happy to help.
