First Aid Frequently Asked Questions

Provision of First Aiders

• Do I need a qualified first aider in my workplace?
• How many first aiders should be present in a workplace?
• If the designated occupational first aider is absent from the place of work, what must the employer do?
• How is a first aider contacted?
• How are the emergency services contacted?

First Aid Training

• How long is an occupational first aid training course?
• What is the retraining requirement?
• When do occupational first aiders need additional training?
• What is the maximum number of learners/trainees to an instructor?
• Who does the first aid assessment?

First Aid Certificates

• What type of a certificate does a first aider receive?
• What happens if a first aider’s certificate lapses?
• How long is certification valid for?
• Are occupational first aid certificates from other countries valid in Ireland?

First Aid Boxes

• What should be in a first aid box or travel kit?
• Is there some flexibility on the contents of boxes and kits?
• What first aid records and documentation need to be kept?
• Can a first aider give out painkillers/headache tablets?

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

• What is an AED?
• Are occupational first aiders trained in the use of AED?
• Are employers required to have an AED?

First Aid Room

• Do I have to have a first aid room at my workplace?
• What should be considered when planning and designing first aid rooms?

Recent and Pending Changes to Occupational First Aid (OFA)

• What were the main changes to OFA recently?
• What is going to change in the future?
• What do the changes mean for existing OFA instructors?
• What do the changes mean for those wishing to become instructors for the first time?
• What do the changes mean for learners?