How do I become a first aid instructor?
Posted on 18th February 2022
Once someone has been through one of our first aid courses, we get the question, how do I teach it? So we thought we would create a blog article solely for this. The process is quite simple, although it may take sometime, depending on what qualifications you already have.
In this article, we cover all you need to know including (click the sentence to head straight there):
Lets get straight to it!
What is a First Aid Instructor?
A First Aid Instructor is someone who is not only trained in first aid, but also trained to teach it too. This means they have an in-depth understanding of the material they are teaching, but that they also have a training qualification. Not everyone will become an instructor, in fact most people don't go onto becoming a first aid instructor, and instead be a first aider for a company or an organisation.
To find information about what qualifications you need to become a first aid instructor, just read below.
Do I Need Any Qualifications?
There are three qualifications a person needs in order to become a first aid instructor, however the first qualification needed can vary:
A First Aid at Work qualification or
A nursing degree or a degree in medical diagnostics (doctor)
And a training qualification at a level 3.
And a First Aid Instructor qualification
It's important to remember, just because you've done some first aid training in the past it doesn't mean you can teach it; there's still plenty you need to do first.
You are required to have an up to date first aid qualification. This means you've done the First Aid at Work training within the past three years; although many first aid training providers will expect you to have done this within the past year. This ensures you're still up to date with the latest information and techniques.
Once you have an update First Aid at Work qualification, you will then need to ensure you also have a Level 3 Award in Education and Training. You aren't allowed to teach first aid until you have proven you are able to train others. The First Aid Instructor's course is not enough, as this qualification already assumes you have the first aid and training education to teach others.
So what's the point of the First Aid Instructor qualification? This qualification teaches you how to deliver the organisation's first aid course. Each organisation's first aid course will contain the same information, however the lesson structure, the learning materials and methods of delivery will no doubt be different. Therefore the organisation you are looking to become a first aid instructor for will want to you undergo their training in order to deliver their first aid courses.
Once you have done these steps, it still doesn't mean you can teach all aspect of first aid. There are specific elements such as using a tourniquet and mental health first aid which require further training in order for you to teach them.
Do I Have to be a Nurse or Doctor?
Luckily no, you don't have to be a nurse or doctor to teach first aid! Although if you are a qualified nurse or doctor you don't need to take the a first aid course as the first step. It is assumed you'll already have this knowledge and the practical skills so you just need a Level 3 Award in Education and Training and to undertake the First Aid Instructor training for whichever organisation you wish you work for.
How Long Can I Be An Instructor For?
Once you have become a First Aid Instructor, you can hold this qualification for decades. Ultimately there are only a few things to consider which will determine whether or not you get to continue as an instructor.
If you renew your qualification.
If you are physical able to deliver the course
If you meet the organisation's standards
Not a long list of requirements, but important ones. Firstly, you are required to undertake a refresher course, this ensures that not only you are up to date with the current knowledge and techniques, but you are also delivering the training to the required standard. This is usually a one day session, lasting around 6-8 hours, but different organisations will have their own quality assurance methods.
During this refresher course, you will be tested to ensure you can physically still carry out the training required, this means that you can knee on the floor and preform CPR on a manikin. The length of time you are required to do this for will depend on the organisation you work for.
Finally, if you have renewed your qualification and have proven yourself to be physically capable, you just need to ensure you meet the organisation's standards. Elements such as clear delivery of information, practical demonstrations, understanding of the material etc will all form part of this quality check.
You'll know if you're able to continue being a first aid instructor once you've done the refresher session. The organisation will either sign you off for another year or they will unfortunately tell you that you haven't passed. Most organisations will then support you to improve and ask you repeat the refresher course.
We hope this has been useful for you and answered any queries you've had about becoming a first aid instructor.
Free feel to check out our other blogs for more information about a whole range of topics, and contact us for first aid training Leicester.
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