Podcast 6: How to set up a first aid training company with the FAIB

1. What qualifications do I need to become a first aid trainer?

Ian: We follow the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) guidance document GEIS3 explains the qualifications required to deliver first aid training. There are two main qualifications which the candidate needs to deliver first aid courses: 1) First Aid at Work (3 Day course) and 2) A formal teaching qualification such as the Level 3 Award in Education & Training which Train Aid both offer. If the candidate has achieved a teaching qualification such as a CertEd or a PGCE we will of course accept these and they will be able to deliver first aid courses. Before anyone joins the FAIB, I always speak to them over the phone through an initial assessment process to have a conversation with them to find out their first aid background. In particular, I discover what first aid training have they have delivered within the last 3 years and assess their current first aid knowledge. If it is an experienced trainer, we look at how many courses they have delivered within that period of time. Once the trainer has officially joined FAIB, they must run a minimum of 6 first aid courses per year. All of our trainers are monitored over time and are observed annually. 

2. How do I register with an awarding body such as the FAIB?

Ian: We get many enquiries that come through our website, however I prefer the personal touch and arrange a phone/zoom call with every new first aid trainer to gauge how experienced they are with teaching first aid and what are their aspirations. This initial welcome meeting usually lasts 1 hour and the feedback has been extremely positive. Once this has been achieved, we send out the initial paperwork such as the registration form and the administrative guidance document. We have over 450 first aid training centres nationwide and some based in Europe- making first aid training accessible to many different candidates. We do have a range of people from all types of background within our membership base such as doctors, paramedics and nurses who join FAIB looking to deliver first aid courses part time as well as their main profession.   

3. What certificates can I issue with the FAIB?

Ian: As a first aid trainer, you can issue a variety of certificates such as basic life support, paediatric first aid and First Aid at Work certificates.  At the FAIB, we do offer a combination course certificate where you can combine adult with paediatric-the benefit of this is that it reduces the contact hours required as there is duplication of subject area.  
In terms of publishing certificates, we have to follow the guidance of the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) guidance document GEIS3 which stipulates what has to be written on each certificate. The FAIB has a certificate template which contains a set amount of information such as: name of the person, the course title, contact hours, the regulations. It will also have the name and signature of the person who has registered with us along with an FAIB approval number which will always be present on the certificate. Certificates can be personalised with your company name and logo, director name and licence number to promote authenticity.  

4. What are the membership fees per year? 

Ian: My ambition is to make first aid training affordable for everyone. The more people we can train within first aid the better. As an organisation, we want to keep our prices down low and to help anyone who has aspirations to deliver first aid. The annual membership fee is £350 plus vat per year which is a competitive membership rate. If you are new to registering with the FAIB, there is an additional £100 registration fee-this includes the initial assessment phone call/zoom meeting and to check the new candidate’s paperwork. The only additional fee you will need to pay is £20 per year for additional trainer. 

What we ask for in return is a commitment to the FAIB for 5 years. We have a monitoring process where one of our inspectors will go and visit the training provider and observe a course. During the 5-year cycle, there is an inspection period which costs £300, where a member of the FAIB will go out and inspect the delivery of one of your courses and will write a feedback report. 

5. How do I begin as new First Aid trainer? (Insurance, where to buy equipment from etc)  

Ian: In regards to equipment, we have a relationship with providers such as Defib Warehouse where you can purchase equipment for your courses. Another popular first aid training brand is: Laerdal which is known for its first aid manikins. Another area of equipment is first aid handbooks. The FAIB can provide new trainers with bespoke first aid handbooks which can be personalised for no extra cost. First aid trainers with the FAIB can personalise their own first aid text book to include their company logo and colours. In terms of insurance, we do have some recommended companies which we can discuss with any new trainer when they join FAIB however we would recommend any new trainer to research the open markets 

6. How do I stay up to date with first aid requirements?

Ian: The FAIB are part of a working group called the First Aid Quality Partnership.  We have quarterly meetings alongside the UK Resuscitation Council to discuss the latest first aid procedures and protocols.  
As a general rule, these first aid legislations and regulations do not change very often. The FAIB will always be informed of the latest official changes first hand and will let our members and customers know of these updates.
We hold conferences each year, such as the upcoming one on 7th October 2024 in Stockport Next year we are planning two conferences, one North and one South as our training database has increased. We get excellent feedback from these conferences as it offers people the chance to ask questions whether it is to do with first aid administration or practical course elements. Within the conference there is an advisory panel of typically 6 first aid professionals such as paramedics who can offer the latest advice on standards.
 
7. How do I advertise myself as a trainer, marketing etc?

Ian: There are a number of ways in which first aid trainers can advertise themselves and build their profile. We firstly encourage a trainer to create a website and join social media platforms such as: Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to promote their services. Trainers are also known to email their services and rates of pay to schools, offices and GP’s. Others have visited locations and provided flyers of their course details.  

Through our initial assessment process with the FAIB we speak to the trainer personally to offer advice on how to build their first aid training business. We cannot market each trainer as individual people- however, we can post a link of their website onto the FAIB website along with their geographic area, that way if any company approaches the FAIB to request a trainer we can put them in contact with the customer. More recently, we have a FAIB Facebook page which trainers can join and keep aware of the latest vacancies. Lastly the, FAIB sends out emails to its members about courses which need to be delivered and the location/dates and members apply for this. 

8. What makes a good first aid trainer? 

Ian: I encourage first aid trainers to spend as much time as they can to focus on the practical elements so they are confident when delivering their courses and can demonstrate the correct technique. As an organisation, we do not encourage trainers to deliver power-point heavy courses as we want candidates on courses to practical the first aid skills as much as possible so they are confident when dealing with any emergencies which occur within the workplace or public. We do ask all first aid trainers to gain feedback forms from the learners on their courses so they can develop their skills further.