First aid training amid a pandemic

Face to Face Training – Back in the Classroom

First aid training is, by its very nature, a hands-on experience.

When a medical emergency occurs, those in attendance are often called upon to apply pressure to a wound, deliver CPR or even simply hold someone’s hand to offer reassurance until professional help arrives.

So how can first aid trainers provide the necessary instruction to participants amid a pandemic?

Here we will provide you with more detail, so you know what to expect when you choose Kendall Training for your first aid training courses.

Can face to face training go ahead?

With guidance from the First Aid Awarding Organisations Forum (FAAOF), we are pleased to announce that as a regulated qualification, first aid training is classed as education and can continue to be delivered, albeit under strict requirements.

We do, however, ask those who do not need this qualification in order to perform their job (e.g. a sole first aider in an office) to contact us to discuss booking in training at a later date, to give priority to those who need to renew their certificate(s) or who have taken on a role for which certification is crucial.

Please note that the HSE and DfE have not relaxed their rules on maintaining adequate first aid training.

How will we ensure your safety during a first aid training session?

• Before you attend your training session, we will complete a thorough COVID-19 risk assessment.
• We will limit class sizes to ensure that there is enough space for each participant to be seated two metres apart from other learners and the trainer.
• Your trainer will screen everyone (including themselves) and exclude anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms (which are a new continuous cough and/or a temperature of 37.8⁰C and/or a loss of taste/smell).
• Your trainer will check that no one attending the course has been in a situation where they should be self-isolating and temperatures will be taken upon arrival.
• We will remind you not to touch your mouth, nose or eyes unless you have just washed or sanitised your hands.
• There will be plenty of hand sanitiser available to all attendees for the entirety of the session.
• Ventilation will be maintained to keep the air in the room fresh. This might mean we have to leave windows and doors open, so please bring suitable layers.
• Manikins will be used for practical exercises (e.g. CPR practise), but strict hygiene practices will be adhered to.
• Our trainers will be wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including a mask and gloves.

What will you be expected to do?

• In addition to our preparations we ask that anyone due to participate in a first aid training session, who feels unwell, not to attend and instead to contact us via email so that the trainer is aware you will not be attending.
• If you begin to feel unwell during a course, please let the trainer know and leave immediately.
• Please wear a mask whenever you are out of your seat.
• You will be asked to wash and sanitise your hands on arrival and following each theory and practical session.
• Please cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, which should then be thrown away, before sanitising your hands thoroughly.
• Listen to and follow the trainer’s instructions during the practical elements of the course to ensure everyone remains safe.

There will be increased theory taught during our first aid courses and the practical elements will include additional steps and considerations to ensure the safety of each participant and the trainer.

Despite the steps listed above, we want to reassure learners that our first aid training courses will provide you with the very best knowledge and understanding to help you confidently respond to a first aid need within your community.

If you have any questions about our range of first aid courses please get in touch via email or phone today!