Part of the SafeHands Workplace First Aid Employer’s Guide Series
First aid skills can make a crucial difference when somebody becomes injured or suddenly ill at work – but completing a training course should not be treated as a once-off exercise.
For employers, an important part of workplace first aid is knowing when employees need refresher or recertification training and ensuring appropriate first aid cover is maintained.
Different types of workplace first aid training are available, including First Aid Responder (FAR) and shorter Basic or Emergency First Aid courses. The refresher arrangements can differ depending on the training undertaken.
This Employer’s Guide explains what employers need to consider when keeping workplace first aid training up to date.
For a broader overview of employer responsibilities, read our Workplace First Aid Requirements in Ireland | Employer’s Guide.
How Often Should First Aid Response Training Be Refreshed?
The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) First Aid Responder (FAR) standard is the recognised standard for occupational first aid in Irish workplaces.
FAR certification is valid for two years.
After this period, a First Aid Responder needs to complete the appropriate recertification training to maintain their certification.
Employers relying on FAR-trained employees should therefore keep track of certification dates and arrange recertification before certificates lapse.
How Often Should Basic or Emergency First Aid Training Be Refreshed?
Basic or Emergency First Aid courses are shorter workplace courses designed to give employees practical knowledge and skills for responding to common first aid situations.
Unlike PHECC First Aid Response, these courses do not operate under the same national FAR certification and recertification framework.
Certification periods can depend on the course and training provider. Employers should therefore check how long the certification provided is valid and when refresher training is recommended.
Even where there is no specific statutory renewal period for a particular course, employers should consider whether employees' first aid knowledge and practical skills remain appropriate for the needs of the workplace.
What Is the Difference Between FAR and Basic First Aid?
First Aid Response and Basic/Emergency First Aid should not be treated as interchangeable qualifications.
First Aid Responder (FAR) is the PHECC standard recognised for occupational first aid in Ireland and has defined training, assessment, certification and recertification requirements.
Basic or Emergency First Aid generally refers to shorter courses providing practical instruction in responding to common injuries and medical emergencies.
The appropriate level of training will depend on the workplace and the findings of the employer's first aid needs assessment.
For more information, read Do I Need a First Aider in My Workplace in Ireland? | Employer’s Guide.
What Happens if a FAR Certificate Expires?
Employers should aim to arrange FAR recertification before an employee's certificate expires.
PHECC allows training institutions some discretion where certification has only recently lapsed in extenuating circumstances. A maximum grace period of 30 days is considered appropriate.
Where certification has lapsed for longer, the employee would generally need to complete the full FAR course again.
Employers should not rely on this grace period when planning workplace first aid training. Monitoring expiry dates and arranging recertification in advance is the better approach.
Should First Aid Training Ever Be Refreshed Earlier?
Potentially, yes. A certificate expiry date should not be the only consideration when reviewing workplace first aid training.
Earlier or additional training may be appropriate where:
- New workplace hazards are identified
- An employee's role changes
- New work processes introduce different risks
- Workplace first aid requirements change
- Employees need additional practice or instruction
- Particular hazards require specialised first aid knowledge
First aid training should reflect the actual circumstances and risks within the workplace.
How Do Employers Know What First Aid Training They Need?
There is no single first aid arrangement suitable for every workplace.
Employers should consider factors including:
- Number of employees
- Nature of the work
- Degree of workplace hazard
- History of accidents
- Size and location of the workplace
- Shift patterns
- Distribution of employees
- Distance from external medical services
These factors can help determine the level of first aid provision required and how many appropriately trained employees may be needed.
Why Should Employers Track First Aid Certification?
Waiting until a certificate has expired can create an unnecessary gap in workplace first aid arrangements.
A simple training record could include:
- Employee name
- Course completed
- Training date
- Certification expiry date
- Planned refresher or recertification date
Employers should monitor these records and arrange training sufficiently early to maintain appropriate first aid cover.
What About Annual Leave and Staff Changes?
Having employees with valid first aid certification does not necessarily mean appropriate cover is available at all times.
Employers should consider annual leave, shift patterns, different workplace locations and staff turnover.
If a trained First Aid Responder leaves the organisation, changes shifts or moves to another location, the employer should consider whether sufficient first aid cover remains.
First aid arrangements should therefore be reviewed when staffing or working arrangements change.
Why Is Refresher Training Important?
Employees may go for long periods without needing to use some of the practical skills learned during first aid training.
Refresher and recertification training provides an opportunity to revisit that knowledge and practise important techniques.
First aid can involve practical skills such as CPR, AED use, casualty assessment and responding to injuries or medical emergencies.
Keeping these skills up to date can help employees respond more confidently and appropriately when first aid is required.
What Else Should Employers Review?
First aid training is only one part of workplace preparedness.
When reviewing certification, employers should also consider:
- First aid kits and supplies
- Location of first aid equipment
- Emergency contact information
- How employees contact a first aider
- Changes to workplace hazards
- Whether current first aid cover remains appropriate
For more information, read First Aid Kits for Irish Workplaces | Employer’s Guide.
How SafeHands Can Help
SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions provides practical, onsite First Aid Response (FAR) and Basic/Emergency First Aid Training for businesses and organisations throughout Ireland.
Our face-to-face courses give employees the opportunity to learn and practise essential first aid skills under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
SafeHands Basic/Emergency First Aid certification is valid for two years, with refresher training recommended after this period.
We can also provide FAR training and recertification, helping employers maintain appropriate workplace first aid cover and keep employees' practical skills up to date. Contact us today to discuss your training and certification options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does First Aid Response training need to be renewed?
PHECC First Aid Response certification is valid for two years. Appropriate recertification training is required to maintain the qualification.
How often should Basic or Emergency First Aid training be refreshed?
Certification and refresher arrangements can vary depending on the course and provider. Employers should check the certification period applying to the training undertaken and consider refresher training to ensure employees maintain appropriate knowledge and practical skills.
Are Basic First Aid and First Aid Response the same?
No. First Aid Response is the PHECC standard recognised for occupational first aid in Ireland and has specific certification and recertification requirements. Basic or Emergency First Aid generally refers to shorter courses covering practical first aid skills.
Can a FAR certificate be renewed after it expires?
A limited grace period may be allowed in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the training institution. PHECC considers a maximum of 30 days appropriate. Longer lapses generally require completion of the full FAR course.
Should employers keep first aid training records?
Yes. Maintaining accurate records helps employers monitor certification and arrange refresher or recertification training before it becomes overdue.
Can first aid training be refreshed before certification expires?
Yes. Earlier or additional training may be appropriate where workplace risks, employee roles or first aid requirements change.
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