First Aid

Face-to-face first aid training is often done at local Scout meeting places. It contains both theory and practical parts, and can be delivered in one single six-hour session or three separate two-hour sessions.

In this delivery method, the theory part of the training (10A) is done in three separate two-hour online sessions, and the practical validation (10B) in a short (15-20min) face-to-face session, which covers the practical elements of the life support training. 

The online sessions are live video calls facilitated by a first aid trainer with theory explanations, knowledge checking exercises and discussions.   

Volunteers can only attend the practical validation once the theory part is completed. 

The Blended Model combines a 2.5 hour eLearning with a three-hour online session for the theory part of the training (10A). The practical validation (10B) is a short (15-20min) face-to-face session, which covers the practical elements of the life support training.  

The eLearning should be completed first. The online session is a live video call facilitated by a first aid trainer, with some more detailed knowledge checking exercises and discussions.   

Volunteers can only attend the practical validation once the theory part (both eLearning and online session) is completed. 

Note: members can access the blended model regardless of the County having signed up and will be linked up to an online session, practical validation will still need to be accessed locally once other elements are complete. 

The minimum first aid required for leaders, managers and supporters is First Response (6 hours), but higher levels of qualification are needed if leading certain kinds of activities in remote environments or delivering first aid training.

You do not need to be first aid trained before you become a leader. You'll develop a personal learning plan with your training adviser and this will identify when it is best for you to undertake first aid training. 

Any course that is set by a regulated provider, and covers the above criteria, recognition and length requirements can be considered as a suitable alternative to a First Response Certificate. If you have done a course which meets these requirements then you simply need to provide this as evidence to your Commissioner or Training Adviser. There is no list of equivalent qualifications for first response. 

Examples of regulated providers include: St John Ambulance, The British Red Cross, British Canoeing, Mountain Training, etc.

Where an external course does not cover an element of the syllabus the member should take the time to make themselves aware of the signs, symptoms and treatment of these conditions, or undertake additional training in order to cover them. It's often possible for participants to request additional topics to be covered during a First Aid course that they are attending or to speak with a local Scouts first aid trainer to cover the final elements.

Undertaking the HSE First Aid at work will provide some of the key skills required for doing first aid in Scouting, however it doesn’t cover the full range of topics members are required to have covered for Scouting first aid. For full details of what is required, view our First Response objectives, content and duration.

The First Response Certificate provided after completing this training is designed specifically for adults in The Scouts and Girlguiding, based on the situations and issues that occur within these organisations. It is not, therefore, externally recognised.