First aid training in schools as a whole is a very important topic. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require an adequate first aid response based on the school’s own needs assessment, including appropriate equipment, trained personnel and accessible procedures on site and during off site activities. Schools must ensure first aid cover is available whenever pupils, staff and visitors are on site or participating in school activities.
That is quite a responsibility, so if the teachers and school staff must all be trained by qualified first aid instructors, shouldn’t the students be also?
First aid education should not begin and end with staff training. Teaching children and young people how to respond in an emergency builds confidence, resilience and real world capability.
For Duke of Edinburgh participants in particular, first aid is not simply a classroom topic. It is a practical survival skill that may be called upon in remote or outdoor environments.
While many teachers are incredibly experienced educators, expedition first aid training should be delivered by qualified and experienced first aid instructors, (preferably by those that have been on expeditions themselves and are active Community First Responders… like our instructors).
Scenario based learning, casualty simulations and up to date protocols require specialist knowledge and frontline understanding. This means your students are learning from someone who regularly operates in real emergency environments and understands both the outdoor context and the safeguarding responsibilities that come with working with young people.
Read one of our other blog posts here that talks specifically about DofE Expedition first aid Training https://daceducation.co.uk/supporting-schools-with-dofe-expeditions/
What first aid training do schools in the UK need?
There’s no fixed number of trained first aiders required, that number comes from the schools own risk assessment, but many schools aim to have several staff trained in appropriate courses. Staff may be appointed to oversee different arrangements, such as sports fixtures, activity weeks, here and abroad or Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. These different situations may require a different first aid course in order to have the experience to respond effectively in a medical emergency.
We have listed below the most common first aid courses we often train for schools.
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) a practical one day course covering CPR, choking, unconscious casualties and common injuries.
First Aid at Work (FAW) a comprehensive three day training for designated first aiders, including asthma, anaphylaxis and head injuries.
Paediatric First Aid (EYFS) meets Ofsted and EYFS requirements, geared toward early years and primary settings.
- Duke of Edinburgh First Aid Training scenario based first aid for Bronze, Silver and Gold participants.
Student First Aid Sessions age appropriate training for young people to build confidence and lifesaving skills.
- 16 hour Outdoor First Aid two day qualification combines essential outdoor first aid theory with immersive, hands on learning
FAQs Schools Often Ask Us About First Aid Training
Q Do school first aiders need a certificate?
Yes. Staff who act as first aiders should have a valid certificate from a recognised provider, showing they’ve completed training appropriate to your school’s needs assessment.
Q What about first aid for children vs adults in schools?
While basic first aid skills are transferable, schools often choose combined adult and paediatric first aid training to ensure staff can confidently respond to incidents involving pupils of any age.
Q How often should first aid training be refreshed?
Certificates are usually valid for 3 years, but annual refreshers help staff stay confident and up to date with best practice.
Q Can students learn first aid too?
Absolutely! We offer learner friendly first aid training for students aged under 16 and regulated qualifications for those aged 16+, helping boost resilience and responsibility.
First aid training is an investment in school safety, confidence and compliance. Whether you’re preparing for an Ofsted inspection, equipping lunchtime supervisors with lifesaving skills or enhancing your Duke of Edinburgh programmes, ensure your school is doing first aid training right, practical life saving skills grounded in real experience.
