Becoming a First Aider is an exciting, rewarding, and versatile career choice. First Aiders are regularly called upon to help people in crises or injuries, such as the aftermath of an accident, injuries sustained during a robbery or assault, and the prevention of injuries by healthcare professionals.
How Do I Become a First Aider In the UK?
Experts will train you to take charge of minor injury cases at a scene or when someone has been hurt in a workplace accident. So, learn how you will become an emergency first aider in the UK.
Choose a Level of Training
Are you ready to take on the challenge of becoming a first aider in the UK?
First Aid training is a great way to get involved in your community and help others. The first aid training course is designed for anyone who wants to volunteer as a first aider or support someone who is injured.
It can also be used by those looking for an entry-level job in the medical field. First aid courses are available at all levels, from basic to advanced, and you can choose from several different types of training:
- Basic First Aid (for those who have no previous experience)
- Refresher First Aid (for those who have taken an introductory course before)
- Advanced First Aid (for those who want to get more in-depth with their knowledge)
Find a Course Provider
You can become a first aid instructor in the UK by enrolling in a course at an approved provider. The course will cover every responsibility of a first aider, including CPR, AED training, and First Aid at Work. The course will be delivered in person or online, depending on your preference and location.
You don’t need any experience before you start training, so you can learn at your own pace and then apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations.
Book Your Training Course
You must complete a training course to be qualified for a first-aider job. Book this course through the British Red Cross Society or search the internet to explore the plethora of online courses available. You can even complete a one-day course to become an emergency first aider if you have time constraints.
The British Red Cross Society (BCS) offers several courses across the UK, including:
- Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – This one-day course covers recognizing and responding to an emergency, including what should be done if someone has been injured on site.
- Emergency First Aid at Home (EFAH) – This one-day course covers how to recognize and respond to an emergency at home, including what should be done if someone has been injured on site.
Pass the Course
So, to become a first-aid responder in the UK, you must pass the course and obtain the certificate by completing and understanding the training.
The course is open to anyone interested in learning how to do first aid and become a qualified first aider. However, it would be best to have a certain level of knowledge before taking the course. You should also be able to pass the tests and assessments at the end of each lesson to achieve your certificate.
Finding a local training center is best for better study and practical experience during the training sessions. The trainers will help you understand all aspects of first aid and practice them over time before going through any assessment or test.
Apply for a First-Aider Job
After completing the first-aider course, you can apply for a job as a first-aider. You may already have some experience as a first-aider. Still, completing the course to be legally registered with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is advisable.
This way, you can provide evidence of your training and qualifications when applying for jobs. The HSE has an excellent database of first-aiders who have completed their training and are looking for new roles.
Final Thought on Becoming a First Aider
It is a great idea to plan what to do if an unfortunate accident happens, whether at work or home. There is always a necessity for someone who can help those in need, which is why people who choose to become first-aid responders help the community.
You can learn how to apply first aid techniques, which will allow you to help those who have been hurt or ill.
