Update on Equestrian First Aid Courses, what can you do?

Cory Jones, from Medi-K First Aid, looks at what courses you and your employees can do, lapsed qualifications and the extensions in place.

As the Coronavirus situation develops further, restrictions are changing across the UK, but we are taking bookings for first aid training. The situation is as ever quite dynamic however, and we are watching each Government update and responding appropriately.

The latest restrictions to social and domestic gatherings have not affected educational or workplace environments, so for now we are able to continue. However, recent experience shows that the situation may change at any moment, and we appreciate your understanding with that if and when it does happen.

Can I do a first aid course?

The answer is Yes, where circumstances allow. You are able to do a face to face first aid course now and we are currently running face to face courses across the country. These are run safely and in a ‘Covid safe’ way, with robust Covid Mitigation measures in place. Feedback so far has been positive, with participants reporting that they felt extremely safe throughout the course and thanking us for our efforts in making allowing them to complete their training. 

Latest HSE advice on first aid certificate validation

The HSE has released a statement that is supported by the First Aid Awarding Organisations Forum. This details the guidance for the extension of validity for workplace first aid qualifications effectively extending the validity of certificates expiring on or after 16th March 2020 to 31st October 2020 across the whole of the UK.

The HSE’s latest statement on First Aid qualification extensions is below (Published 23/09/20):

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.

My organisation needs to refresh our staff, coaches or club member’s qualifications imminently, what can we do?

We can now take bookings for private courses. You’ll need to be sure that you are able to provide a suitable venue in which the course can be held, and all Covid Mitigation regulations are adhered to.
Please contact the Medi-K office with your requirements and we’ll contact you directly to discuss everything with you.

In the meantime, stay safe, look after yourselves and your family. Respect the social distancing advice and do what is best for you and your community. Call us on 07585 723763 or email medi-k@firstaidtrainingcooperative.co.uk.

Don't forget that as an EEA member you recieve 10% discount on Medi-K courses. 
Last Updated 13/10/20.