The standard in relation to First Aid in the workplace is changing and it will impact on businesses in terms of cost of training. The Health and Safety Authority are the ones that are responsible for standards in relation to this. The standard is moving from QQI/FETAC to PHECC (Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council).
Currently training providers can take 10 participants on a 3 day Occupational First Aid Course (QQI) but this is now changing to 6 participants on a 3 day First Aid Responder Course (PHECC). The Occupational First Aid Refresher Course is currently 1 day (with 10 participants) but this is changing to a 2 day First Aid Responder Refresher (with 6 participants). This will impact on the cost of training, which will impact on the cost to businesses.
This change takes place on 1st September 2017. In the meantime the existing Occupational First Aid standard will be effective until 31st August 2017. Should anyone require any further information, please contact our office on 041-9822933.