Question 1

What we do to keep everyone safe...

Accepted Answer

Blended-training method:
For many of our courses we offer a two-part training method called 'blended training.' This is a time efficient way of training that combines online learning and in-person training with an instructor. It reduces the time spent in a classroom by one day. Classroom courses remain available and operate with the following measures in place.
 
What if anybody has Covid symptoms?
Learners with any symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g. persistent cough, high temperature, loss or change to sense of smell or taste) must not attend training. A free transfer to another course will be provided. A pre-course health questionnaire is sent out 24 hours prior to the course.
 
Temperature checks:
Our instuctors carry out temperature checks of each learner on arrival.
 
Social distancing:
Social distancing measures are in place between learners during tuition, break, arrival and departure.
 
Instructor:
Our instuctors are double (if not triple) vaccinated and take regular Lateral Flow Tests.
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First Aid manikins:
First Aid courses with a CPR module require use of training manikins. Following the guidelines of the UK Resuscitation Council there will only be manual not facial contact with the manikins, and we will provide gloves. Manikins undergo rigourous cleaning and disinfection protocols.
 
Practical exercises:
Learners will remain distanced wherever possible and wear face masks and gloves. 
 
Face coverings:
Learners are expected to bring their own face masks and encouraged to wear them when moving through public areas of our venues and during certain excercises in the classroom.
 
Class sizes:
Our training venues have the appropriate size for the number of learners to ensure social distancing is possible. For onsite courses we expect our clients to take their responsibilities seriously and provide appropriately sized venues. 
 
Hand sanitation:
Hand sanitation is freely available, encouraged and required at all times. Regular breaks are created for hand washing purposes.
 
Sanitation:
All sanitising products are of hospital grade. Wipes and hand gel are provided. All surfaces are thoroughly disinfected between users.
 
Gloves:
We provide nitrile (latex free) gloves as required throughout the course during practical sessions.

Question 2

How many people will there be on my course, will there be safe distancing?"

Accepted Answer

We ask all learners to adhere to safe distancing rules when attending any of our group courses. Although a maximum of twelve people are permitted to attend, we prefer to operate in groups no larger than six. Anyone who cannot follow distancing rules, will be asked to leave the group so that we can keep all other learners safe.

Question 3

Do I need to wear a mask for the duration of my training?

Accepted Answer

We expect all learners to bring their own face masks and encourage them to wear these while moving through any public areas of our venues and also during selected practical exercises. Unless government guidance stipulates differently, it is currently not mandatory to wear face masks during first aid training.

Question 4

Do I need a negative COVID test before I can attend a course?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need a negative PCR or LFT test to attend a course. Yet if you experience any COVID related signs and symptoms at any time prior to the course, you must let us know. Courses can be rescheduled for you without any complication or additional charge.
 
Anyone who arrives at a course showing signs and symptoms that could indicate COVID, will be asked to leave and re-book for a time when they are well.

Question 5

Do I need to be fully vaccinated against COVID before I can attend a course?

Accepted Answer

No, it is currently not mandatory to provide proof of vaccination to attend First Aid or Health & Safety training. The HSE are encouraging us all to continue with first aid and safety training as long as we follow solid distancing and hygiene rules.

Question 6

What happens if I have to self-isolate on the day of the course?

Accepted Answer

Not a problem. Just let us know before the course begins by calling 01727 223201, if you are unable to call please email us.  Once we know that you need to isolate, we will simply rearrange your course for another time without any additional charges.

Question 7

My course involves CPR training. Are rescue breaths safe these days?

Accepted Answer

We are following the guidelines issued by the Resuscitation Council UK which stipulate that rescue breaths may be omitted from most first aid training courses.
 
If you are attending first aid training or a CPR course, we will still teach you how to perform rescue breaths but will not practise these, only mimic the technique.  
 
We are very experienced at delivering these courses and have developed techniques whilst  using the very latest equipment to ensure that you pick up the right skills and knowledge without risk.

Question 8

Is my current First Aid certificate still valid during lockdown?

Accepted Answer

Possibly.  The Government have allowed extension of qualifications under certain circumstances. Take care if your business is still operating; you still need to comply with the law. Here's their guidance:
 
Offshore Medic and Offshore First Aid Certificates:
 
From 31 October 2020 offshore medic (OM), or offshore first aid (OFA) certificates, must be current and in date. The temporary COVID-19 extension arrangements end.
 
First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First aid at Work (EFAW) certificates requalification:
 
First aid providers have resumed first aid training and assessment. In some cases, there remains a back log or limited availability.
FAW or EFAW certificates that expired after 16 March 2020 can remain valid until 31 October 2020 or 6 months from date of expiry, whichever is later. All requalification training for these certificates should be completed by 31 March 2021.
 
To qualify for the extension, employers must be able to demonstrate that:
 
they have made every effort to arrange requalification training as soon as possible and can explain in detail why they have not been able to do so. For example, they must show evidence that staff with expired certificates are booked on to EFAW or FAW requalification courses,  if requested by an inspector they have adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities to give first aid to any employee who is injured or becomes ill at work
the level of first aid cover provided remains appropriate for their particular work environment the level of first aid provision necessary in high risk settings is fully maintained, eg in construction, agriculture, engineering and chemicals
This guidance now applies to employers in England, Scotland and Wales.
 
For full Government advice, follow this link: https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/first-aid-and-medicals/first-aid-certificate-coronavirus.htm
 
Still unsure? Want to talk it through? Call us on 01727 223201 for friendly advice. Alternatively, email us with your questions and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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