Using external first aid learning

Where a member already holds a first aid qualification, this may be used towards crediting the First Response skill.

A First Response Trainer must review the details of the qualification to make sure it meets the First Response content requirements. They will then identify any ‘knowledge or skills gaps’ and make sure that they are met before confirming the First Response skill can be credited.

Note: The external certificate must meet the criteria outlined in 'First Aid requirements in Scouting' (FS120052), which also provides guidance on what qualifies as a 'Full First Aid Qualification'

Filling gaps in learning

If a member's qualification does not fully meet the First Response content (for example, a First Aid at Work certificate), a First Response Trainer must support the learner in completing any missing elements.

To support the identification of any gaps in learning, please refer to the Course Comparison sheet.

Depending on the gaps identified, a member may be able to use either the First Response conversion course or the First Response e-learning to support evidencing gaps in knowledge, including child-related illnesses.

The conversion course covers dental incidents, sepsis / meningitis, chest pain / heart attacks and strokes and should be used for those who have minimal gaps in learning such as those who have completed a First Aid at Work, Paediatric First Aid or Outdoor First Aid course.

If the learner has more gaps in their learning, for example after having completed an Emergency First Aid at Work course, they should complete the First Response e-learning instead.

They will need to enrol on either of these courses to be able to complete it. The courses can be found on My Learning by using the ‘Explore Learning’ tab and search for ‘First Response e-learning or First Response conversion course’

Completing the course will award a skill and Learning Assessors can see these skills on a volunteer’s record in the same way they can view any skills.

The learner may also need to demonstrate, or instruct another adult, in CPR face-to-face with a First Response trainer.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]

Additional course content evidence

A trainer of a regulated course can also use the 'Guidance for External First Aid Trainers and Checklist' and this can be accepted as additional evidence that the content gaps have been met on their course.

Professions with first aid learning

Members whose employment requires them to have first aid knowledge and skills, such as Nurses, Midwives, Police Officers, Medical Practitioners, Members of H.M. Armed Forces, and Ambulance Care (Assistants/Paramedics/Technicians), may meet or exceed the requirements of First Response.

If this is the case, to exempt these professionals from undertaking unnecessary learning, they can provide details of an up-to-date qualification which meets or exceeds the First Response content.

This could, for instance, be a certificate or an official letter confirming that the necessary areas have been met. A First Response trainer will need to verify that the requirements are fully met or will arrange for learning and validation of any missing elements.

Recognition of External Certification Time Scales

If an external first aid certification is valid for more than 3 years, it can be accepted. The First Response accreditation cannot extend beyond 3 years from the First Response Trainer approval. At renewal, the same certificate can be reviewed; the First Response Trainer must make sure any CPD (Continuous Professional Development) or update requirements of the award have been met.
If an external certificate expires in less than three years, the First Response accreditation shall only be valid up to the external certificate’s expiry date.

Prior Learning for Youth Members

When youth members transition to volunteer roles and have completed any level of the First Aid badge or Young Leaders Module K, this may be used towards crediting the First Response skill.

A First Response Trainer must review their prior learning to make sure it meets the First Response content requirements. They will then identify any ‘knowledge or skills gaps’ and make sure that they are met before confirming the First Response skill can be credited.

Note: If this learning was completed more than three years ago, it should not be considered for accreditation.