FAQ Page

On this page we’ve grouped together the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) that we receive. Hopefully you’ll be able to find the answer to your questions here. But if not, there’s a contact form at the bottom of the page to ask us a question directly. We aim to get back to you within 24 hours, but it’s usually much sooner than that.

Where are you & what time does the course start?

Believe it or not, this is the most commonly asked question!

• Course Joining Instructions: We have a dedicated Joining Instructions page in which you can find everything you could possibly want to know about your course (who, what, where, when, etc). You can get to this page from:
  • the link in the main menu bar at the top of every page,
  • the footer of every page
  • the tabs on each of the product pages.
  • There’s even a link to it lower down on every face-to-face course product page. (And the link above!)
• Map: This is on our home page and again on the Joining Instructions page.
• Address: This is on the map (see point above), in the website footer of every page, and on the Joining Instructions page. You can even find our training centre address on Google, Bing, etc!
• Parking: Again, this is covered on the Joining Instructions page.
• Trains: Guess what – it’s on the Joining Instructions page!
• Start Times: Nope – not in the Joining Instructions page. These are listed within your booking receipt email, or if you’re yet to book, within the course dates that you need to select when making your booking.

Accredited, Regulated, Unregulated? What’s the difference?

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. Ofqual regulate & maintain standards and confidence in qualifications in England, including GCSE’s, A levels, AS levels & vocational and technical qualifications. This latter category includes all the accredited courses that we offer.

We are affiliated to Qualifications Network UK (QNUK), who are an Awarding Organisation (AO) regulated by Ofqual. They have written courses to match the requirements set by Ofqual. In effect Ofqual set the syllabus and the AO’s create a course to match the Ofqual syllabus. The individual AO’s then “own” their courses. These are then offered by training centres affiliated to the AO’s. The courses that are written by the AO’s and accredited by Ofqual are then listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which can be found here; https://register.ofqual.gov.uk/

Naturally, Ofqual keep a keen eye on the AO’s. The AO’s in turn, keep a keen eye on their affiliated training centres. In turn, AO’s undertake regular External Quality Assessments of centres & courses, along with unannounced spot checks of paperwork and training courses.

Only courses that are accredited in this way can use the terms “Level …” in relation to a number of credit points awarded for passing each element of the course. Examples of these would be the QNUK Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work (RQF). There are three types of qualifications that are awarded on the basis of accumulated credit points:

• awards; to gain an award, it is necessary to have 1 to 12 credits
• certificates foresee accumulation of 13 to 36 credit points
• diplomas require a minimum of 37 accumulated credits

For the last few years, all first aid courses have been regarded as being a level 3 course have and a 3-year certification period. However, there are specific skills courses that only last for 1 year, such as administration of emergency medical gases, for example.

Unregulated or Unaccredited

Unregulated/Unaccredited courses are just that; courses that don’t have anyone to regulate or accredit them. We offer unregulated courses ourselves alongside the Ofqual accredited courses.

Typically these are for those where there isn’t a national standard for the course, or a Body that oversees the subject matter. However, they can also include first aid courses where there is a set syllabus that all training providers should teach with a guidance on the amount of time that a typical candidate will take to learn the subject. These generally match those set by the AO’s for their accredited courses.

Examples include our evacuation chair course & critical injury responder course. For our unregulated/unaccredited courses, we have adopted the same level of testing required for accredited courses.

These courses don’t have a point scoring system for each element and as such can’t become denoted “Level….” in the same way as the Ofqual accredited qualifications can. However some training providers do use “level x,y,z” in the descriptions of their own unregulated/unaccredited courses to denote which is a more advanced version of a course. This causes confusion in the minds of the public who don’t fully understand the Ofqual credit point scoring system and how some training providers use a similar terminology for their own purposes.

We don’t use “level x,y,z” on our bespoke courses for this very reason.

In short, you can rest assured that when you train with Chris Garland Training you’re getting the best training around.

What qualification do I get after attending?

Details of each course certificate is included within the course details page on our website.

How many people will be on the course with me?

The Health and Safety Executive stipulate maximum of 12 learners per instructor on Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) & First Aid at Work (FAW) courses.

Our other Ofqual accredited courses are governed by the requirements of the Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisations to which Chris Garland Training are affiliated. In these cases, maximum number are again normally limited to a maximum of 12 learners per instructor. This is a sensible number and we try to maintain this for our bespoke courses as well.

We also have minimum numbers for each course, below which it would not be feasible to run a course. Generally there is a minimum requirement for 4 learners per course.

What do I need to wear/bring with me?

This is another FAQ. For full details of what you should bring with you for your course, please see our Joining Instructions page. Where courses are being held away from our main training centre, you will receive an email containing additional venue information. Please ensure that you read both the additional information and the joining instructions page before attending the course.

How do I book and pay for a course?

• Just booking for yourself or your colleagues?

Visit our individual course pages where you’ll find information about our courses (available dates, times, prices, locations, etc). When you’ve found your perfect course, select a course date and click “Add to basket”. You can then pay online by credit/debit card or BACS.

• Making a private booking?

To book a course for a group, at a time and place that suits your needs, please contact us. We can then offer you a selection of dates to choose from. Once we’ve confirmed a date we’ll process your booking through our online shop. You’ll receive a booking confirmation email which includes a link to open a printable version for your records. You can then pay online by credit/debit card or BACS.

I use a wheelchair; can I still attend?

Yes, of course. We can adapt most practical elements for you. When undertaking an accredited course, we may have to liaise with the Awarding Organisation beforehand. This is to confirm whether or not they will accept you for that particular course. (e.g. delivering CPR in a first aid course). If you’re not able to undertake these practical elements, we can issue a certificate of attendance. Please contact us if you have any special accessibility need that we need to take into consideration. We can then discuss these with the relevant Awarding Organisation beforehand.

Translation, Dietary Requirements, Allergies, Etc.

Please contact us before your booking if you have any requirements that we need to take into consideration. E.g. allergies, etc.

Can I bring my baby/toddler along to the course?

If you’re attending a Baby & Toddler First Aid Course, we’d be more than happy for them to come along. For all other courses we request that they don’t attend as they may disturb the learning of the other candidates. If you’d prefer to have your baby/toddler with you on the course, please contact us. We can then discuss running a private course for you.

Can I learn online?

In addition to our practical courses, we offer Online and blended courses where you can learn vital skills and extend your knowledge from your smart phone and mobile devices in your own time. Full details of these are available within the course details page on our website.

Are the trainers DBS checked?

Yes, all of our trainers hold current relevant enhanced DBS certificates which are verified on a regular basis.

What qualifications do the trainers have to teach?

Our Ofqual accredited courses are regulated by Qualifications Network UK (QNUK). They impose stringent requirements on instructors to have relevant qualifications and ongoing experience of the subjects that they wish to teach.

All our trainers have the quality of their training assessed regularly. The trainers all have formal teaching qualifications. In addition, Chris Garland Training offer regular updates and upskilling sessions for the team and require that all our trainers have used their skills in real life situations.

First Aid Course Questions

• Why choose Chris Garland Training for your first aid training, and not the St John Ambulance?
• Instructors
• Which first aid course should I attend?

Why choose Chris Garland Training for your first aid training, and not the St John Ambulance?

This needs more than just a few words to answer, so please do read on.

The Health and Safety Executive determines what should be included within workplace first aid course syllabus. (i.e. emergency first aid at work & first aid at work courses). These are then added to depending on the specifics of the course. For example, in a paediatric first aid course, the Department for Education have added certain elements. Outdoor courses operate in a similar way. Over the years National Governing Bodies have stipulated that certain elements are included in courses and these have become the norm.

Sadly, the St John Ambulance have decided that they will never teach certain elements of the standard emergency first aid at work/first aid at work course syllabus. (The Red Cross have stopped teaching first aid altogether). We’re not sure why, but they won’t, but we teach you the full syllabus. All our courses comply with the latest Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines & bring in the very latest information from other recognised bodies of authority, such as the British Burns Association.

Instructors

Back in 2013 the HSE decided to stop certifying first aid training providers, meaning that since then, first aid courses can be led by anyone who held a few minimum qualifications. That’s not good enough for us. We insist our trainers undertake significantly more CPD training than required by our Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisations. Chris undertakes an average of 20 hours CPD each week and previously volunteered alongside the North West Ambulance Service as a community first responder. Moreover, we pride ourselves on using only the best trainers around, all of whom are experts in their respective fields.

As a training centre, we are regularly audited & approved by our affiliated Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation. We have ample training equipment available, so you won’t be waiting around for others to finish before you get a chance to practice your skills.

Our courses are extremely practical and held in small groups so that everyone can receive individual attention to ensure you feel confident coping with a medical emergency. We also offer face-to-face courses both at our training centres and at your own venue.

Which first aid course should I attend?

Below are some questions which should help guide you to your ideal course. You can also visit this page which will help you to decided which course is right for you.

Do you just want to learn first aid for your own personal benefit (i.e. not for use at work)?

You could start with our Basic Life Support (Adults & Children) course, but realistically the sky is the limit.

Do you need a first aid qualification for work?

The most likely courses for you would be the 1 day Emergency First Aid at Work course (ideal for low risk environments such as offices), or the 3 day First Aid at Work course which is more suited to high risk environments (such as where there are higher numbers of staff, the staff are older (& therefore more likely to have serious health problems at work), or where the nature of the work is such that injuries are more likely.

Many other factors need to be taken into consideration as well. See “What does my employer have to do on first aid?” below.

Do you work on Forestry Commission land?

If you’re to be the first aider & undertake any of the Forestry Commissions “core activities” (harvesting, civil engineering, mechanised ground preparation, planting, fencing, pesticides application, forest nursery activities, or similar including whether lone working or as a site supervisor) on “sites remote from medical aid and where limited help will be available”, your should undertake a “+F” course.

Chris Garland Training offer the QNUK Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work +F (RQF) & QNUK Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work +F (RQF) qualifications as well as requalification courses.

The Forestry Commission state that when you are the designated first aider working on their land, but not undertake any of their “core activities”, you should hold either a valid Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work certificate.

Do you work with children?

In terms of first aid, people are grouped into three age groups;

• 0-1 years old = Infant
• 1 year-18 years = Child
• 18 years onwards = Adult

If you work with, or care for either infants or children, you should attend a paediatric first aid course. If you work within an Ofsted registered Early Years Foundation Stage setting (Ofsted registered childminder, Nursery school, Junior school, Pre/After school club, etc.) then you will, depending on whether you are to be included within Staff:Child ratios, need to hold a valid 1 day Emergency Paediatric First Aid (EPFA) certificate, or a valid 2 day Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate.

Further details of these requirements can be found within the Department for Education’s “Statutory framework for the early years foundations stage” document which came into force in April 2017.

Don’t forget that the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 place a general duty on employers to

“provide or ensure that there are provided such equipment and facilities as are adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for enabling first-aid to be rendered to his employees if they are injured or become ill at work”.

So adult first aid, not just paediatric first aid.

Self-employed people are also covered by the Regulations and are required to provide adequate and appropriate equipment so that they can render first aid to themselves if they are injured at work.

Certificate validity, re-qualification and refresher training?

Full details are given on the individual course page. All first-aid training certificates, whether First Aid at Work, Emergency First Aid at Work or other appropriate training, are valid for three years, while specific skills courses are valid for just 1 year.

Employers need to arrange retraining before certificates expire. If the first-aider does not retrain or re-qualify before the expiry date on their current certificate they are no longer considered competent to act as a first-aider in the workplace.

They can re-qualify at any time after the expiry date by undertaking the two-day re-qualification course which covers the same content as the initial First Aid at Work course. However, it may be prudent to complete the three-day First Aid at Work course, especially where a considerable period (in excess of one month) has elapsed since the First Aid at Work certificate expired.

It is for the employer to decide the most appropriate training course to re-qualify the first-aider. An Emergency First Aid at Work re-qualification course should be of the same duration and content as the initial Emergency First Aid at Work course.

Do your courses comply with Resuscitation Council UK guidance?

Yes; all of our courses have been written in accordance with the latest UK Resuscitation Council guidelines (2021) and guidance from other learned bodies (e.g. Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh).

I am unable to kneel on the floor/use a wheelchair; can I still attend?

Yes, of course. We can adapt the practical elements for you. Although if you are doing a regulated course the Health & Safety Executive require that we observe you undertaking full CPR on the floor. If you’re not able to undertake these practical elements we can issue a modified certificate in accordance with the guidance issued to us by the Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisations that Chris Garland Training are affiliated to.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any special accessibility need that we need to take into consideration for your course as we may need to discuss these with the relevant Awarding Organisation beforehand (e.g. access, dietary requirements, translation, etc).

Can I learn online?

In addition to our practical courses, we offer Online and blended courses where you can learn vital skills and extend your knowledge from your smart phone and mobile devices in your own time. Full details of these are available within the course details page on our website.

Online First Aid training courses fulfil the requirements for those needing the Appointed Person qualification or serve as an Annual First Aid Refresher as recommended through the Health & Safety Executive. The blended learning allows you to complete online learning at your own time and pace and then be assessed on the practical elements by one of our trainers.

What is blended learning?

Blended learning is the process of undertaking part of the course online at a time that suits you, then attending a classroom-based course to undertake and be assessed on the practical elements of the course. The online courses are compatible with all computers and mobile devices and allow you to stop and start as often as you like. The course is interactive consisting of videos, step-by-step instructions, diagrams, flow charts and much more. On the practical course we will cover the full Ofsted syllabus and your trainer will have adult, child and baby manikins available to use.

In terms of first aid, what is an appointed person?

When an employer’s first-aid needs assessment identifies that a first-aider is not necessary, the minimum requirement is to appoint a person to take charge of first-aid arrangements. The role of this appointed person includes looking after the first-aid equipment and facilities and calling the emergency services when required. They can also provide emergency cover, within their role and competence (i.e. level of training), where a first-aider is absent due to unforeseen circumstances (annual leave does not count).

Do appointed persons need to undertake first-aid training?

To fulfil their role, appointed persons do not need first-aid training. However we would recommend that they undertake a Basic Life Support course as a minimum.

Can appointed persons perform first aid, e.g. cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?

Appointed persons are not first-aiders and should not attempt to give first aid for which they have not been trained. Sadly there is one major first aid training provider who persists in training Appointed Persons, when in effect they cannot do anything other than basic equipment admin. So do they really need to attend a training course?

Record keeping: Do I need to record incidents requiring the attention of a first-aider?

It is good practice to provide first-aiders and appointed persons with a book in which to record incidents they attend. The information can help you identify accident trends and possible areas for improvement in the control of health and safety risks. It can be used for reference in future first-aid needs assessments.

The record book is not the same as the statutory accident book though the two might be combined. Employers, self-employed people and those in control of premises have a duty to report some accidents and incidents at work under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

What information should be recorded?

Useful information to record includes:

• the date, time and place of the incident.
• the name and job of the injured or ill person
• details of the injury/illness and what first aid was given
• details about what happened to the person immediately afterwards (e.g. went back to work, went home, went to hospital).
• the name and signature of the first-aider or person dealing with the incident.

Who is responsible for keeping the records?

It is usually the first-aider or appointed person who looks after the book. However, employers have overall responsibility, so it really depends on their record keeping policies.

What are the penalties for not meeting first aid at work regulations?

Breaches of the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 are dealt with proportionately. Enforcement action could include the issuing of a notice or prosecution if the circumstances warrant it.

Is first aiders annual refresher training a mandatory requirement?

The HSE strongly recommended it to employers to help trained first aiders maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes in first-aid procedures, but it’s not a mandatory requirement which always surprises those on first aid courses.

What does my employer have to do in terms of first aid?

Your employer is expected to have:

• completed a first-aid needs assessment.
• ensured that there is either an appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements or, if necessary, there are appropriate numbers of suitably trained first-aiders.
• ensured there are adequate facilities and a suitable stocked first-aid box.
• provided you with information about the first-aid arrangements.

How often should the contents of first-aid boxes be replaced?

Another popular question relates to the kits contents. Although there is no specified review timetable, many items, particularly sterile ones, are marked with expiry dates. They should be replaced by the dates given and expired items disposed of safely.

In cases where sterile items have no dates, it would be advisable to check with the manufacturers to find out how long they can be kept. For non-sterile items without dates, it is a matter of judgement, based on whether they are fit for purpose.

First aid for travelling, remote and lone workers

Employers are responsible for meeting the first-aid needs of their employees working away from the main site. The assessment of first-aid needs should determine whether:

• those who travel long distances or are continuously mobile should carry a personal first-aid box.
• employees should be issued with personal communicators/mobile phones.

Are first-aiders allowed to give tablets and medication to casualties?

First aid at work does not include giving tablets or medicines to treat illness. The only exception to this is where aspirin is used when giving first aid to a casualty with a suspected heart attack, in accordance with currently accepted first-aid practice.

The HSE state “It is recommended that tablets and medicines should not be kept in the first-aid box”. They don’t say that you can’t so it’s reasonable to be pragmatic about this when factors such as weight, space & time affect the storage of equipment.

Some workers carry their own medication that has been prescribed by their doctor (e.g. an inhaler for asthma). If an individual needs to take their own prescribed medication, the first-aider’s role is generally just helping them to do so. They can contact the emergency services as appropriate.

However, this does not apply to the administration of prescription only medication specified in Schedule 19 of the Medicines Regulations 2012, where this is for the purpose of saving life in an emergency; for example Adrenaline 1:1000 up to 1 mg for intramuscular use in anaphylaxis. Where a first aid needs assessment identifies that Schedule 19 medication may be required to be administered in an emergency, the employer should consider providing workplace first aiders with additional training in their use.

How many first-aiders are needed?

This is a really common question. The findings of an employer’s first-aid needs assessment will help them decide how many first-aiders are required. There are no hard and fast rules on exact numbers. All the relevant circumstances of your particular workplace should be taken into account. The Health & Safety Executive leaflet titled “First aid at work assessment tool” provides further guidance on this. This is summarised as follows:

Low Hazard Environments:

e.g. offices, shops, libraries.

• Fewer than 25 employees. At least one appointed person required.
• 25-50 employees. At least one first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work.
• More than 50 employees. At least one first aider trained in First Aid at Work for every 100 employed (or part thereof)

High Risk Environment:

e.g. coffee shops (pressure vessel in the coffee machine), light engineering & assembly work, food processing, warehousing, extensive work with dangerous machinery or sharp instruments, construction, chemical manufacture.

• Fewer than 5 employees. At least one appointed person required.
• 5-50 employees. At least one first aider trained in Emergency First Aid at Work or First Aid at Work. Which course depends on the type if injuries that might occur.
• More than 50 employees. At least one first aider trained in First Aid at Work for every 50 employed (or part thereof)

Can legal action be taken against first-aiders?

Technically yes. However it’s very unlikely that any action would be taken against a properly trained first-aider. If they go beyond their level of training/role, prosecution is more likely. We recommended that you seek advice from your employer’s insurance brokers, on whether your insurance policies cover first-aiders’ liability.

Does the Emergency First Aid at Work course replace appointed person training?

For regulatory purposes, successfully completing an Emergency First Aid At Work course means you to act as a workplace first-aider. The role of the appointed person remains. There continues to be no regulatory requirement for such personnel to undertake first aid training. Employers can send appointed persons on first aid training, in which case they would become first-aiders in regulatory terms.

Pre-Hospital Care Course Questions

Have a question?

Please feel free to contact us using the form below. We’ll do our best to answer your question within 24 hours.

Fire Safety Questions

Have a question?

Please feel free to contact us using the form below. We’ll do our best to answer your question within 24 hours.

Food Safety Questions

Have a question?

Please feel free to contact us using the form below. We’ll do our best to answer your question within 24 hours.

Which food safety/food hygiene course should I attend?

This depends on your role within the food business. Here’s a guide, but remember that your business may require you to undertake additional roles. For example, if you’re responsible for writing the policies and procedures, you should undertake a level 3 food safety course.

• Executive Chef (aka Group Chef) – level 3 food safety or above (usually level 5-6).
• Head Chef (aka Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine) – Level 3 food safety or above (usually level 4-5).
• Sous Chef (aka Second Chef) – Level 3 food safety or above (usually level 4-5).
• Chef de Partie (aka Station Chef, Line Chef, Line Cook) – Level 3 food safety or above (usually level 4-5).
• Commis Chef – Level 3 food safety or above.
• Kitchen Porter (aka Kitchen Assistant or Kitchenhand) – Level 2 food safety or above.
• Dishwasher (aka Escuelerie) – Level 1 food safety or above.

Evacuation Chair Questions

Have a question?

Please feel free to contact us using the form below. We’ll do our best to answer your question within 24 hours.

Health & Safety Questions

Have a question?

Please feel free to contact us using the form below. We’ll do our best to answer your question within 24 hours.

Mental Health Questions

Have a question?

Please feel free to contact us using the form below. We’ll do our best to answer your question within 24 hours.

Conflict, Safety & Security Course Questions

Have a question?

Please feel free to contact us using the form below. We’ll do our best to answer your question within 24 hours.

Safeguarding Course Questions

Have a question?

Please feel free to contact us using the form below. We’ll do our best to answer your question within 24 hours.

Train the Trainer Course Questions

Have a question?

Please feel free to contact us using the form below. We’ll do our best to answer your question within 24 hours.

Blended Learning Course Questions

Have a question?

Please feel free to contact us using the form below. We’ll do our best to answer your question within 24 hours.

E-Learning Course Questions

Have a question?

Please feel free to contact us using the form below. We’ll do our best to answer your question within 24 hours.

Not found the answer to your question?

If we’ve not answered your question above, please feel free to contact us using the form below and we’ll do our best to answer you within 24 hours.