How to Record a First Aid Training Arrangements Video for Your Health and Safety System
A Health and Safety System is how you manage workplace safety and demonstrate compliance with health and safety law. It provides documented procedures that protect your team and shows inspectors you take your legal duties seriously.
There are several ways to create and share your system with your team, including everything from printed manuals to digital documents, but we think that video-based training offers some important advantages. Video is the most relatable and personable way to train your teams—staff can see real people explaining real procedures in a familiar setting, making the content easier to absorb and remember than reading a manual.
Videos in Pilla are always available when your team needs them, they can be watched repeatedly until procedures are understood, and the system records exactly who has watched the videos and when. Recording your own first aid training arrangements means that this training reflects exactly how things are managed in your organisation, not generic guidance that may not apply to your operation.
This article gives examples of how you could record your video. It's not intended to be health and safety consultancy, and if you are unsure about how to comply with health and safety laws in your location, you should speak to a local health and safety expert.
Key Takeaways
- Step 1: Explain why first aid training arrangements matter—ensuring qualified people are always available to respond to emergencies during working hours
- Step 2: Plan what to demonstrate on camera versus document in writing—video for explaining the system and introducing first aiders; written records for training matrices, certification dates, and refresher schedules
- Step 3: Cover the core requirements: qualified training providers, ratio of first aiders to employees, coverage for holidays and sickness, training matrices, refresher scheduling, and succession planning
- Step 4: Walk through your training matrix, show where first aider names are displayed, explain how you ensure coverage, and demonstrate how refresher training is tracked and scheduled
- Step 5: Address common mistakes like letting certifications expire, not planning for holidays and sickness, failing to display first aider names, and not arranging replacement training when first aiders leave
- Step 6: Reinforce that first aid training is about maintaining competent coverage at all times—having the right number of trained people, keeping their skills current, and ensuring staff know who they are
Article Content
First aid training arrangements ensure that your organisation always has qualified people available to respond when someone is injured or unwell. Having first aid equipment is only useful if someone knows how to use it—and that knowledge comes from proper training. This video will help your team understand how first aid training is managed, who is trained, and how the organisation ensures there's always competent coverage during working hours.
Step 1: Set the scene and context
Start your video by explaining why first aid training arrangements are a critical part of your health and safety system.
Your company shall ensure that first aid training is given by persons or organisations qualified to do so. This isn't about sending people on any course—it's about ensuring that training comes from recognised, competent providers who deliver training that meets the required standards.
Guidance stipulates that low risk working environments should aim to have one trained first aider to every 20 employees. This ratio ensures that in the event of an injury or medical emergency, someone with the knowledge and skills to help is available and can reach the person quickly.
Why this matters
Help your team understand the importance of these arrangements:
"First aid equipment is only useful if someone knows how to use it properly. A first aid box full of bandages doesn't help if no one knows how to control bleeding. An AED on the wall is useless if no one knows how to operate it. That's why we invest in first aid training—so that when something happens, we have people who can respond confidently and competently."
"These arrangements ensure we always have trained first aiders available during working hours. Not just on paper, but actually present and able to help. That means thinking about shift patterns, holidays, sickness, and making sure we have enough trained people to maintain coverage."
The training requirement
Explain what qualified training means:
"First aid training must come from qualified providers. In the UK, this typically means training organisations that meet HSE requirements. The training covers how to assess casualties, how to perform CPR, how to deal with bleeding, burns, fractures, and medical emergencies like heart attacks and allergic reactions."
"A first aid at work certificate is valid for three years, but skills can fade without practice. That's why refresher training and keeping skills current is part of our arrangements."
What these arrangements cover
First aid training provision will be managed as per the safety arrangements, which include several connected elements:
- Identifying how many first aiders are needed based on workforce size and risk level
- Ensuring training comes from qualified providers
- Maintaining a training matrix to track who is trained and when refreshers are due
- Planning for coverage during holidays, sickness, and shift patterns
- Displaying first aider information so everyone knows who to find
- Reviewing numbers regularly to ensure adequate provision
- Succession planning when trained first aiders leave the business
Your video should cover all of these elements so that everyone understands how first aid training is managed in your organisation.
Where to film this introduction
Film your opening somewhere that sets the context for training and competence:
- Near your training records or where your training matrix is displayed
- In an office or meeting room where you'd discuss training needs
- Near your first aid station, connecting training to the equipment people will use
You'll reference specific documents and displays during the video, so start somewhere central before moving to show those items.
Step 2: Plan what to record versus what to write down
First aid training arrangements involve both the system for maintaining competence (which benefits from video explanation) and detailed records that need to be maintained in writing.
Record on video:
- Why first aid training matters and how it connects to first aid provision
- How the organisation determines how many first aiders are needed
- The process for selecting and booking training
- How the training matrix works and what it tracks
- How coverage is ensured during holidays and sickness
- Where first aider names and locations are displayed
- How refresher training is scheduled and managed
- What happens when a trained first aider leaves
- Who is responsible for managing first aid training
Document in written form:
- The training matrix itself with names, training dates, and expiry dates
- Certificates from training providers
- Training provider details and contact information
- The calculation showing how many first aiders you need
- Refresher training schedule and booking confirmations
- Records of any gaps in coverage and how they were managed
- Budget allocation for ongoing training
The video explains HOW the system works and WHY it matters. The written documents provide the detailed RECORDS that demonstrate compliance and track individual certifications.
Getting the balance right
Video is essential for:
- Explaining the logic behind your first aider numbers—why you have the coverage you do
- Showing where to find first aider information—pointing to actual displays
- Introducing the people responsible for managing training
- Making clear that training is taken seriously and properly resourced
- Explaining what staff should do if they're interested in becoming a first aider
Written documentation is essential for:
- Individual training records and certificates
- Expiry dates that trigger refresher training
- The training matrix showing all first aiders and their status
- Evidence of training provider qualifications
- Budget and expenditure records
- Any risk assessment that informed the number of first aiders needed
Structuring your video
A good structure for your first aid training arrangements video:
- Introduction: Why training matters and what this video covers (2 minutes)
- How we determine first aider numbers: The ratio and risk assessment (3 minutes)
- Training providers and standards: Where training comes from (2 minutes)
- The training matrix: How we track who's trained (5 minutes)
- Ensuring coverage: Holidays, sickness, and shift patterns (5 minutes)
- Displaying first aider information: So everyone knows who to find (3 minutes)
- Refresher training: Keeping skills current (4 minutes)
- When first aiders leave: Succession planning (3 minutes)
- How to become a first aider: For interested staff (2 minutes)
- Summary: Key points to remember (2 minutes)
Total: approximately 30 minutes for a thorough explanation of your training arrangements.
Step 3: Core rules and requirements
Structure your video around each element of your first aid training arrangements, explaining what you do and why.
Determining the number of first aiders
Responsible Persons will identify the amount of first aiders required for the business and ensure that there are staff who are trained to the same level, so cover can be provided for holidays and sickness.
Explain how this works:
"Guidance recommends one trained first aider for every 20 employees in low-risk environments. We have [number] employees, so we need at least [number] trained first aiders. But that's the minimum—we actually have [number] to ensure we always have coverage."
"Why more than the minimum? Because people take holidays. People are sometimes off sick. If we only had exactly the minimum number, a single absence could leave us without a trained first aider on site. That's not acceptable, so we train additional people to ensure resilience."
Explain how risk level affects the calculation:
"The one-to-twenty ratio applies to lower-risk workplaces. If your workplace has higher risks—heavy machinery, hazardous substances, or activities with greater injury potential—you might need more first aiders, or first aiders with additional training. Our assessment determined that [explain your situation]."
Walk through your specific calculation:
"Let me show you how we worked this out. We have [number] employees. At busy times, we might have [number] people on site. Using the one-to-twenty guidance, we need at least [number] first aiders. We've trained [number] to ensure we have cover for absences. Here's how that breaks down across our shifts and locations..."
Training from qualified providers
Your company shall ensure that first aid training is given by persons or organisations qualified to do so.
Explain what this means:
"First aid training isn't something we do in-house with unqualified trainers. We use [training provider name], who are [explain their qualifications—HSE approved, regulated, etc.]. This ensures our first aiders receive training that meets the required standards."
"The training covers everything a first aider needs to know: how to assess a casualty, CPR, dealing with bleeding and wounds, burns, fractures, choking, and medical emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, and severe allergic reactions."
"Training typically takes [duration—usually 3 days for a full First Aid at Work certificate, or 1 day for Emergency First Aid at Work]. Staff are given time off to attend, and the company covers all costs."
Explain why provider qualification matters:
"Using a qualified provider isn't just bureaucracy. It means our first aiders are learning correct, up-to-date techniques. First aid guidance changes over time as medical understanding improves. A qualified provider stays current with these changes and teaches accordingly."
"It also means the certificates our first aiders receive are recognised. If an inspector asks about our first aid provision, we can show certificates from a reputable provider that demonstrate proper training."
The training matrix
Ensure that all staff who are trained as a first aider are added to the business training matrix and ensure when training is up for renewal, staff are given time off to attend planned refresher training.
Explain what the training matrix is:
"We maintain a training matrix—a document that lists everyone who has first aid training, when they were trained, and when their certification expires. This is how we track competence and ensure no one's training lapses without us knowing."
Show or describe your training matrix:
"Here's our training matrix. You can see each first aider's name, the type of training they've completed, the date of their training, and the expiry date. Three years from training, the certificate expires and they need refresher training."
"The matrix also shows who's responsible for monitoring it. [Name/role] reviews this monthly to check for upcoming expiries and schedule refresher training in advance."
Explain how it triggers action:
"When someone's training is approaching expiry—usually we look three months ahead—we book their refresher training. This gives us time to find a suitable course date, arrange cover for their absence, and ensure they're retrained before the certificate expires."
"If we waited until training had actually expired, we'd have a gap in coverage. By planning ahead, we maintain continuous competence."
Ensuring coverage for holidays and sickness
Ensure suitable cover for holidays and sickness to guarantee this ratio during the working day. Training shall be made available to any members of the workforce expressing an interest, provided that there is a need for additional first aiders, in line with the guidance above.
Explain how you ensure coverage:
"Having trained first aiders is only useful if they're actually present. If all our first aiders happen to be on holiday the same week, or one is sick when the other is on leave, we could have no coverage. That's why we plan carefully."
"We have [number] trained first aiders for [number] employees. This gives us redundancy—if one or even two are absent, we still have coverage. When first aiders book annual leave, we check that at least [number] will still be on site."
Describe your specific arrangements:
"During normal operations, we aim to have at least [number] first aiders present. Our first aiders are spread across different shifts/departments/locations [adapt to your situation] so that coverage doesn't depend on any single person."
"If we know in advance that coverage will be tight—maybe during a busy holiday period when several people are off—we might adjust schedules or ask a first aider to change their leave dates. We don't leave coverage to chance."
Explain how staff can become first aiders:
"If you're interested in becoming a first aider, speak to [name/role]. We're always happy to train additional people—it increases our resilience and develops your skills. Training is provided during work time and at no cost to you."
"We particularly welcome interest from people who work different shifts or in different locations from our current first aiders. That helps us ensure coverage across all working patterns."
Displaying first aider information
Display names of first aid trained personnel or appointed persons in prominent positions throughout the premises and ensure all staff know where the first box is located.
Explain where and how this information is displayed:
"It's no use having trained first aiders if no one knows who they are. We display first aider information in prominent positions so that in an emergency, anyone can quickly identify who to call for help."
Show the displays:
"Here's one of our first aider displays. You can see the names and photos of our trained first aiders. This is posted [location—e.g., 'by the main entrance', 'in the staff room', 'next to each first aid box']."
"We have these displays in [list locations]. Wherever you are in the building, you should be able to find this information nearby."
Explain what the displays include:
"Each display shows: the first aider's name, their photo so you can recognise them, their usual work location or department, and how to contact them. Some displays also show where the nearest first aid box is located."
"When first aiders change—someone new is trained, or someone leaves—we update these displays promptly. Out-of-date information is worse than no information, so keeping displays current is part of managing our first aid arrangements."
Routine review of first aider numbers
Routinely review the amount of first aid trained personnel to ensure compliance with stated guidance and to always ensure during operating hours that there is a suitable first aid provision.
Explain your review process:
"First aid arrangements aren't set once and forgotten. We routinely review whether we have the right number of first aiders. This happens [frequency—e.g., 'quarterly', 'annually', 'whenever staffing levels change significantly']."
"Things change. The business grows or shrinks. People leave. New locations or shifts are added. Each of these changes might affect how many first aiders we need and where they need to be."
Describe what the review covers:
"During a review, we look at: current employee numbers, shift patterns and when people work, locations and how they're staffed, any changes in risk level, current first aider numbers and their availability, and any gaps that have emerged."
"If the review identifies that we need more first aiders—maybe because we've grown, or because several first aiders left in a short period—we arrange additional training promptly."
Explain who conducts the review:
"[Name/role] is responsible for this review. They track employee numbers, monitor first aider availability, and flag when additional training is needed. If you notice a gap in coverage—maybe there's never a first aider on your shift—let them know."
Succession planning when first aiders leave
Arrange training for new first aiders in the event a recognised first aider leaves the business.
Explain how you handle departures:
"When a trained first aider leaves the organisation—whether they resign, retire, or move to a different role—we need to replace that capacity. We don't wait until coverage becomes critical; we plan ahead."
"When we know a first aider is leaving, we identify who will be trained as a replacement. Ideally, the replacement is trained before the departing person leaves, so there's an overlap and no gap in coverage."
Describe your process:
"As part of our exit process, when someone hands in their notice, [name/role] checks whether they're a trained first aider. If they are, we immediately look at our coverage and identify whether a replacement needs to be trained."
"We might already have enough other first aiders to maintain coverage, in which case no immediate action is needed. But if losing this person would take us below our target numbers, we arrange training for a replacement."
Explain how replacement first aiders are selected:
"We consider several factors when selecting someone to train as a first aider: which shift or location needs coverage, who has expressed interest in the role, and who would be suitable based on their work pattern and temperament."
"Being a first aider requires a willingness to help in stressful situations. We don't force anyone into the role, but we do actively encourage interested staff to come forward."
Making training available to interested staff
Training shall be made available to any members of the workforce expressing an interest, provided that there is a need for additional first aiders, in line with the guidance above.
Explain how staff can express interest:
"If you're interested in becoming a first aider, we want to hear from you. First aid training is valuable—it gives you skills you can use at work and in your personal life. Many people find it rewarding to know they can help in an emergency."
"To express interest, speak to [name/role] or [alternative contact method]. We keep a list of people who'd like to be trained, and when we need additional first aiders, we draw from that list."
Explain how decisions are made:
"We balance interest against need. If we already have plenty of first aiders and good coverage, we might not train additional people immediately—but we'll keep you on the list for when an opportunity arises."
"We prioritise training for people who would fill a gap in coverage—perhaps someone who works a shift that currently has limited first aid cover, or someone in a location where we need more presence."
Be clear about what training involves:
"First aid training typically involves [duration] away from your normal duties. The company pays for the training and your time. You'll need to attend a refresher every three years to maintain your certification."
"Being a first aider means being willing to respond when something happens. It's not onerous—emergencies are rare—but when they occur, you'll be expected to help. Consider whether you're comfortable with that responsibility."
Step 4: Demonstrate or walk through
This is where you show your team exactly how your first aid training arrangements work in practice. Use real documents and displays to make it concrete.
Walking through the training matrix
Show your actual training matrix (or a representative example):
"Let me show you our training matrix. This is the document we use to track all first aid training in the organisation."
"Here you can see each first aider listed. [Point to entries] [Name] completed their First Aid at Work training on [date], so their certification expires on [date three years later]. [Name] did Emergency First Aid at Work on [date], expiring [date]."
"This column shows the type of training—some people have the full three-day First Aid at Work certificate, others have the one-day Emergency First Aid at Work. Both are valid, but the three-day course covers more scenarios in greater depth."
"This column shows the expiry date, and I've colour-coded it: green means valid for more than six months, amber means expiring within six months, red means expired or expiring within a month. This makes it easy to see at a glance who needs refresher training soon."
Demonstrate how the matrix triggers action:
"Let's say it's January and I'm reviewing the matrix. I can see that [Name]'s training expires in March—that's showing as amber. I need to book their refresher training now so it happens before March."
"I check available course dates with our training provider, find one that works with [Name]'s schedule, book it, and update the matrix to show the refresher is scheduled. Once they complete the training, I update it again with the new training date and new expiry date."
Showing the first aider displays
Walk to each display location and show what's posted:
"This is one of our first aider information displays. You can see it's positioned [describe location—e.g., 'right next to the first aid box' or 'on the main notice board where everyone passes']."
"The display shows: each first aider's name and photo, so you can recognise them. [Name] works in [area], so if you need help in that part of the building, find [them]. [Name] is usually on the [specific shift], so during [those hours], [they're] your first point of contact."
"At the bottom, there's a note showing where the nearest first aid box is and the emergency number to call."
Visit another display:
"Here's the same information displayed in [different location]. We have these in multiple places so you don't have to go far to find out who the first aiders are."
"Notice the date at the bottom—this shows when the display was last updated. We review and update these whenever there's a change in first aider personnel."
Demonstrating coverage planning
Show how you ensure coverage:
"Let me show you how we plan first aider coverage. This is our staff rota for next week. I've highlighted who our first aiders are."
"On Monday, we have [Name] and [Name] both working. Good coverage. Tuesday, [Name] is off but [Name] and [Name] are in. Still covered. Wednesday... let me check... yes, [Name] is on shift."
"If I saw a day where no first aiders were scheduled, I'd need to take action—maybe ask someone to swap shifts, or see if a first aider could adjust their day off. We don't leave it to chance."
"For holiday planning, we use a similar approach. Before approving annual leave for a first aider, we check that at least [number] other first aiders will be present during their absence."
Showing how refresher training is booked
Walk through the booking process:
"When the training matrix shows someone's certification is approaching expiry, here's what happens."
"First, I check with our training provider for available course dates. We use [provider name] and I contact them by [method]. They offer courses [frequency] and I try to book at least two months before the expiry date."
"Once I have a course date, I confirm it with the first aider and their manager. The first aider needs to be available on that date, and their manager needs to approve the time off for training."
"I book the place, update the training matrix to show 'refresher scheduled on [date]', and send a calendar invite to the first aider so they don't forget."
"After they complete the training, they bring back their new certificate. I take a copy for our records, update the training matrix with the new training date and expiry date, and we're done for another three years."
Demonstrating succession planning
Show how you handle a first aider leaving:
"Let's walk through what happens when a first aider leaves the organisation."
"Say [Name] hands in their notice. As part of our exit process, we check whether they hold any safety-critical roles—first aider, fire marshal, that sort of thing."
"We find that [Name] is one of our first aiders. Now I check: do we have enough other first aiders to maintain coverage without them? I look at the matrix... we have [number] first aiders, and losing [Name] will take us to [number]. Is that still enough for our workforce size?"
"If yes, we might be fine, but I'll still consider whether we should train someone else to rebuild our buffer. If no, I need to arrange training for a replacement before [Name] leaves if possible."
"I check our list of people who've expressed interest in becoming first aiders. [Name] in [department] said they'd be interested. I speak to them and their manager, confirm they're willing, and book them onto a training course."
"Ideally, the replacement is trained before the departing first aider leaves. That way there's an overlap—the new person can ask questions and the departing person can share any informal knowledge about how first aid works here."
How to express interest in becoming a first aider
Explain the process for interested staff:
"If you'd like to become a first aider, here's what to do."
"First, speak to [name/role] and let them know you're interested. They'll add you to our list of potential first aiders. There's no commitment at this stage—it just means we know you're willing to be considered."
"When we need to train additional first aiders, we look at that list. We consider where we need coverage, what shifts or locations need first aiders, and who from the list would be best placed to fill that gap."
"If you're selected for training, you'll be booked onto a course with our training provider. The training takes [duration] and is during work time—you won't lose pay and you won't use annual leave."
"After training, you'll be added to the first aider displays, the training matrix, and people will start coming to you when they need help. It's a responsibility, but most first aiders find it rewarding."
"Even if we don't need additional first aiders right now, stay on the list. Needs change, people leave, and an opportunity may come up in future."
Step 5: Common mistakes to avoid
Address the mistakes that undermine first aid training arrangements.
Mistake 1: Letting certifications expire without noticing.
First aid certificates are valid for three years. If no one is tracking expiry dates, certifications can lapse without anyone realising. Your "first aider" is no longer actually qualified.
Signs this is happening: The training matrix hasn't been updated in months. No one can say when first aiders last had refresher training. When you check certificates, some have expired. First aiders themselves aren't sure if their training is still current.
How to avoid it: Maintain the training matrix and review it monthly. Set up calendar reminders for expiry dates. Start arranging refresher training at least three months before expiry. Make one person responsible for monitoring and acting on training dates.
Mistake 2: Having exactly the minimum number of first aiders with no redundancy.
If guidance says you need three first aiders and you have exactly three, any absence leaves you below the required level. One person's holiday or sick day creates a compliance gap.
Signs this is happening: You have the exact number of first aiders that guidance requires, no more. When any first aider is absent, you're below the recommended ratio. Holiday approvals don't consider first aid coverage. You've had days with no first aider on site.
How to avoid it: Train more first aiders than the minimum required. Build in redundancy so that one or two absences don't create a problem. Consider your typical absence rate and ensure you can maintain coverage even on a bad day. Treat the guidance ratio as the floor, not the target.
Mistake 3: Not considering shift patterns when training first aiders.
You might have plenty of first aiders—but if they all work Monday to Friday and you operate at weekends, weekend workers have no coverage. Numbers alone don't ensure coverage.
Signs this is happening: First aider coverage is good during some shifts but non-existent during others. Weekend, evening, or night shifts regularly have no first aider present. All your first aiders happen to be in the same department or location. Some work areas never have a first aider nearby.
How to avoid it: Map first aiders against your shift patterns and locations. Identify gaps and target training at people who would fill those gaps. When recruiting new first aiders, prioritise under-covered shifts and locations. Review coverage whenever shift patterns change.
Mistake 4: Failing to display first aider information clearly.
Having trained first aiders doesn't help if no one knows who they are. In an emergency, people need to quickly identify who can help.
Signs this is happening: There are no displays showing who the first aiders are. Displays exist but are hidden away or hard to find. New staff don't know who the first aiders are. Displays are out of date with names of people who've left or are no longer trained.
How to avoid it: Post first aider information in prominent locations—near first aid boxes, on main notice boards, by entrances. Include photos so people can recognise first aiders by sight. Update displays promptly when first aiders change. Include the displays in induction tours so new staff know where to look.
Mistake 5: Not planning for first aiders leaving.
When a trained first aider leaves the organisation, their replacement should be arranged promptly. Waiting until after they've left creates a gap in coverage that might take weeks to fill.
Signs this is happening: A first aider left recently and hasn't been replaced. You're operating with fewer first aiders than you need because someone left. Replacement training was only arranged after the departure, leaving a gap. Exit processes don't check for safety-critical roles.
How to avoid it: Include first aider status in your exit process. When a first aider hands in notice, immediately assess the impact on coverage. Arrange replacement training before they leave if possible. Maintain a list of interested potential first aiders so you can act quickly.
Mistake 6: Using unqualified or unrecognised training providers.
First aid training must come from qualified providers. Training from unqualified sources may not meet the required standards, and certificates may not be recognised.
Signs this is happening: You can't verify the training provider's qualifications. Certificates don't look official or don't include expected information. Training was very short compared to standard course lengths. An inspector questions the validity of your first aid training.
How to avoid it: Use training providers who are HSE-approved or clearly meet required standards. Ask for evidence of their qualifications if you're unsure. Check that certificates include the expected information: name, training type, date, provider details. If in doubt, consult HSE guidance on selecting a first aid training provider.
Mistake 7: Not giving staff time to attend refresher training.
Refresher training requires time away from normal duties. If managers won't release first aiders to attend, training gets postponed repeatedly and eventually certifications expire.
Signs this is happening: Refresher training keeps being postponed because "it's too busy." First aiders say they've tried to book training but couldn't get the time approved. Certifications have expired because training was repeatedly delayed. Managers see training as a disruption rather than a necessity.
How to avoid it: Make clear that first aid training is a priority, not optional. Book refresher training well in advance and treat it as non-negotiable. Ensure managers understand that maintaining first aid cover is a legal requirement. If necessary, escalate to senior management when training is being blocked.
Mistake 8: Not maintaining a list of interested potential first aiders.
When you need to train a new first aider, you have to start from scratch finding someone willing and suitable. This delays getting coverage in place.
Signs this is happening: When a first aider leaves, you don't know who might replace them. You have to ask around the organisation to find someone interested. Training gets delayed while you search for a candidate. People who'd be interested never get the opportunity because no one asked them.
How to avoid it: Actively invite expressions of interest in becoming a first aider. Maintain a list of interested staff. When positions open up, contact people on the list. Periodically remind staff that they can express interest. Make sure the list is checked and updated regularly.
Mistake 9: Training everyone at the same time.
If all your first aiders were trained together, all their certifications expire together. This creates a crunch period where everyone needs refresher training simultaneously.
Signs this is happening: All your first aiders have the same training date. All certifications expire in the same month. You need to book multiple refresher courses at the same time. There's a risk of everyone's training lapsing simultaneously if admin doesn't happen perfectly.
How to avoid it: Stagger training dates so certifications expire at different times throughout the year. When training new first aiders, spread courses rather than training everyone at once. This smooths the administrative load and reduces risk of simultaneous expiry.
Mistake 10: First aiders not being given time during emergencies.
Someone is trained as a first aider, but when an emergency happens, they're told to "finish what you're doing first" or are too busy to respond. The training is wasted if they can't actually act.
Signs this is happening: First aiders say they've been unable to respond to incidents because of workload. Managers have questioned why first aiders left their station during an emergency. Other staff have dealt with incidents because the first aider was "too busy." First aiders feel conflicted between their duties and their role.
How to avoid it: Make clear that responding to first aid situations takes priority over normal duties. First aiders should never be questioned for responding to an emergency. Managers should support first aiders dropping everything when needed. If this is happening, address it immediately—it defeats the purpose of having trained first aiders.
Step 6: Key takeaways
End your video by reinforcing the core messages about your first aid training arrangements.
First aid training ensures that when someone is injured or unwell, there are qualified people who know how to help. Equipment is only useful if someone has the skills to use it—that's what training provides.
Your company ensures that first aid training comes from qualified providers who deliver training that meets required standards. This isn't about ticking a box—it's about ensuring our first aiders are genuinely competent.
We aim for a ratio of one trained first aider to every 20 employees, as guidance recommends for lower-risk environments. We actually train more than this minimum to ensure we always have coverage even when people are absent.
Coverage for holidays and sickness is built into our planning. We don't just count first aiders—we make sure trained people are actually present during working hours. Before approving leave for first aiders, we check that coverage will be maintained.
The training matrix tracks everyone who is trained, when they were trained, and when their certification expires. [Name/role] monitors this and arranges refresher training before certifications expire.
Refresher training happens every three years to keep first aiders' skills current. First aiders are given time off to attend training, and the company pays for all costs.
First aider names and photos are displayed in prominent locations throughout the premises: [list locations]. In an emergency, check these displays to find out who can help.
When trained first aiders leave the organisation, we arrange replacement training promptly. We don't wait until coverage becomes critical—we plan ahead.
If you're interested in becoming a first aider, speak to [name/role]. Training is provided at the company's expense during work time. It's a valuable skill that you can use at work and in your personal life.
Your trained first aiders are [list names]. Know who they are and where to find them. In an emergency, finding a first aider quickly can make a real difference.
First aiders respond to emergencies as a priority. If you're a first aider and something happens, you drop what you're doing and help. Managers support this—first aid always takes precedence.
The goal of all these arrangements is simple: to make sure that if something goes wrong, there's always a qualified person available who can help until professional medical assistance arrives.
Thank you for watching. If you have any questions about first aid training, or if you're interested in becoming a first aider yourself, speak to [name/role]. Your safety—and your ability to help others—matters to us.