What is needed?

Every adult in Scouting who is a Section Team member / leader or Group / 14-24 Lead Volunteer (or whose role includes regular contact with young people) must hold a First Aid qualification, the minimum level of which is the First Response course run by The Scout Association. You will not be deemed ‘compliant’ until you have completed both parts of the training. New members have 12 months to complete this essential training and it must be renewed every three years.

A higher level (known as a Full First Aid certificate) is required for some adventurous activities.
Further details can be found https://www.scouts.org.uk/por/9-activities/#9.7.1.9

How do I complete my training?

Within South Yorkshire, we recommend using the blended approach. We also offer face to face, full day and evening sessions.

The blended approach is made up of the following:

Module 10a

  • Firstly, the Independent e-learning.  You should be logged into My Learning – enrol and complete. This will take approximately 2.75 hours, which teaches you all the relevant information.  It includes videos, fact sheets and quizzes. On completion of the course, the First Response e-learning skill will be credited.
  • Then attending and participating in a facilitated session (Teams), approximately 2.75 hours.  This comprises different activities to consolidate the learning.
    See the events page here for dates

You need to complete the First Response independent learning first and then attend a facilitated Teams session to complete Module 10a

Module 10b

You will need to attend a short practical assessment session that covers the approach and assessment of a scenario and CPR to complete your First Response. This is a 15-20 minute practical session. You MUST have completed the First Aid Learning (10a) before completing this practical assessment.

Combined Teams session and Practical Assessment (10b)

This 3 hour, face to face, session includes both the theory covered in the facilitated Teams session and Practical Assessment (10b). You MUST have completed the First Response e-learning before participating in this session.

I have an existing qualification, does it count?

There are several external qualifications which cover similar content, which can be compared against the syllabus. You can check using this resource.

All first aid training must cover the below criteria. The level of detail and time spent on each subject will vary, depending on whether it is a First Response or Full First Aid course.

  • Principles of first aid and initial response (arriving and managing an incident)
  • Initial response to a first aid situation
  • Management of an unconscious casualty (child or adult)
  • CPR, including technique for children and an explanation of what AED is and how to use it
  • Choking
  • Shock
  • Bleeding
  • Fractures (ambulance imminent and non-imminent) and sprains
  • Head injuries
  • Spinal injuries
  • Dental incidents
  • Burns
  • Asthma
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Chest pain
  • Stroke
  • Seizures
  • Hypoglycaemia
  • Sepsis / Meningitis
  • Drowning
  • Heat related issues
  • Snake bite
  • Tick removal

My course didn’t cover all areas ……

Have you completed a 3-day First Aid at Work, 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work, 2-day Paediatric First Aid or Outdoor First Aid (or similar) course?  If so, you can complete the relevant conversion course to fill in the learning gaps by following the links below. In addition, if it wasn’t included on your course, you will need to demonstrate child CPR. Book on to a Practical Assessment to complete this. See the events page here for dates

First Response Conversion First Response Conversion for any course over 12 hours. (FAW, Paediatric FA, Outdoor FA) This First Aid module is designed to complete the additional topics required for the First Response. It will include some topics that you have already done.
First Response Conversion for 1 day courses First Response Conversion for Emergency First Aid at Work or Emergency Paediatric FA (1 day) course. This learning is designed to complete the additional topics required for the First Response, It will include some topics that you have already done.

By completing the relevant course above and demonstrating child CPR (if necessary), this will validate the First Response skill (as per the date on your first aid certificate).  Please let  Trevor Polson, Volunteering Development Team Leader, trevor.polson@syscouts.org.uk have a copy of your course certificate.

My profession means I have a First Aid qualification.

The Scouts recognises that some professions by the nature of the job will have a first aid element; for example, Nurses, Midwives, Police Officers, Medical Practitioners, Members of HM Armed Forces, Ambulance Care – Assistants/Paramedics/Technicians, etc. To exempt these professions from undergoing more first aid training, they are required to provide evidence of an up-to-date qualification which should meet the criteria for what is considered our minimum standard (as listed above). With regards to ‘evidence’, this can be a certificate or an official letter confirming the necessary areas have been met.

Any questions please contact the Volunteering Development Team Leader  trevor.polson@syscouts.org.uk