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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means

Equivalent courses to a First Response Certificate

Equivalent courses to a First Response Certificate

Any course that is set by a regulated body, and covers the Scouts First Response criteria, recognition and length requirements can be considered as a suitable alternative to a First Response Certificate.

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

If members have done a course which meets these requirements, they simply need to provide this as evidence to their Commissioner or Training Adviser. There is no list of equivalent qualifications for First Response. 

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.

Professions with first aid training

The Scouts recognises that some professions, by the nature of the job, will have a first aid element (e.g. Nurses, Midwives, Police Officers, Medical Practitioners, Members of HM Armed Forces, Ambulance Care – Assistants/Paramedics/Technicians, etc).

To exempt these professionals 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.

This evidence can be a certificate or an official letter confirming the necessary areas have been met.

First aid training at work

Undertaking the HSE First Aid at work will provide most of the key skills required for doing first aid at Scouts, however it doesn’t cover the full range of topics our volunteers are required to on our First Response course.

Volunteers with a HSE First Aid at work certificate can complement their training with the missing topics directly with a First Aid Trainer. 

Full First Aid certificate

To fulfil the Full First Aid certificate requirements in POR, volunteers must hold a first aid qualification provided by a regulated body certifying their attendance of a 16 hours first aid course.

Examples of regulated providers include: St John Ambulance, St Andrew's First Aid, the British Red Cross, British Canoeing, Mountain Training, etc.

Additional support

If you require additional support, please contact the Scouts Support Centre via live chat, or email your query to support@scouts.org.uk