Changes to how First Aid is Delivered (Coming soon)
Background:
As you may or not be aware, back in 2011 Professor Lofstedt was requested to review Health and Safety legislation as we currently know it, which included, amongst other things Approved Codes of Practise and First Aid regulations ultimatley to remove the Health and Safety burden currently imposed on employers.
As part of the findings from this review, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will no longer be responsible for Approved First Aid training as of midnight on 5th April 2013 and has therefore recently announced changes in the way that first aid qualifications are to be monitored and regulated.
What does this mean ?
As a result of this PROSEC will be delivering two new Ofqual accredited first aid qualifications – The HABC Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (QCF) and the HABC Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (QCF). These qualifications will become available from January 2013.
What are the new qualifications ?
HABC Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (QCF) – NEW from January 2013
The recommended course duration is 1 day; however this may be adjusted in accordance to meeting learner needs. Topics covered include: the roles and responsibilities of the Emergency First Aider, assessing an incident, recognising signs and symptoms of injury and illness and assisting a casualty who is suffering from injury and illness. The qualification is assessed via on-going oral questioning and practical demonstration.This new qualification is ideal for those already working or preparing to work within industry wishing to become an Emergency First Aider in the workplace for the purposes of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.
All successful students will be issued with an Emergency First Aid at Work Certificate, along with a wallet-sized plastic card detailing their qualification which is valid for a period of 3 years.
HABC Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (QCF) – NEW from January 2013
This new QCF qualification (NOW a Level 3 Qualification) is ideal for those already working or preparing to work within industry wishing to become a First Aider in the workplace for the purposes of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.
The recommended course duration is 3 days (Traditional) or 2 days (Blended); however this may be adjusted in accordance to meeting learner needs. Topics covered include: the roles and responsibilities of the First Aider; assessing an incident, recognising signs and symptoms of injury and illness, assisting a casualty who is suffering from major injury and illness, chest injuries, spinal injuries and anaphylaxis. The qualification is assessed via on-going oral questioning and practical demonstration.
All successful students will be issued with a First Aid at Work Certificate, along with a wallet-sized plastic card detailing their qualification which is valid for a period of 3 years.
How does this effect me and my current qualification ?
Dont worry, in short, it wont ! These new qualifications will not affect your current qualification at all and your qualification remains valid throughout your qualification period. The only time this will affect you is when, after your 3 years qualification period, it is time for you to re-qualify. Even then, it wont really affect you, it just means your new qualification will be the NEW QCF qualification, whether that be the Level 2 Emergency First Aid or the Level 3 First Aid at work qualifications.
I or my staff are already booked on a First Aid course with PROSEC in January 2013, which qualification will we receive and how will this effect my training ?
As the regulation does not change until April 2013, our Awarding Body (HABC) will continue to provide the current qualifications until the end of the first quarter of 2013. PROSEC intends to change over to the NEW qualification structure as soon as HABC launch them, however, until the First Aid Event on 16th January 2013 PROSEC cannot estimate when this be. Any course currently booked course prior to that date will have the current qualifications delivered and will still be qualified for the same 3 year period.
*Please note, the course content has not changed and candidates will receive the same training content in First Aid. The changes are merely in the qualification title and that the NEW awards will now sit on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).
How much more expensive will these qualification be ?
At present PROSEC have no plans to change any of its current pricing for any of its First Aid courses, however this is ultimatley decided by our awarding bodies pricing. A First Aid event is planned for January 16th which PROSEC staff will attend and more information on any price changes will be available after this date.
Why are you telling me all of this ?
We understand that ALL of the Qualifications we deliver here at PROSEC are important, but, probably none more so than First Aid. There are rumours out there about these new qualifications and some First Aid Training providers are even burying their heads in the sand ! and not telling candidates what is going on at all. PROSEC continues to put its candidates training requirements first and will continue to provide information on ANY new developemts within the training industry. Just another reason why PROSEC are a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Training provider and are currently rated by freeindex as the best training provider in the UK from some 1,270 providers. Dont just take our word for it, see what our students have to say:
So what happens next ?
PROSEC`s Director of Training will attend the HABC First Aid Event on 16th January 2013 and will then be in a position to pass on any news relating to these new qualifications after this date.
There are still some elements of this I dont understand, what should I do next ?
If there is anything you are not sure of, worried about or need further clarification on please contact us on Tel: 01373 228055, by email at info@prosec-ltd.com, or click here to complete an online inquiry and we will answer as soon as possible.