We have had a lot of enquiries in relation to delivery of the First Aid Response course and the current SARS NCOV2 (COVID‐19) Pandemic. Many First Aid Response (FAR) certificates are due for renewal at this time and there is a lot of worry in relation to current certificates expiring. Normally PHECC First Aid Response certificates must be renewed within the month that the certificate is due for renewal or the participant musty attend the full 3 day FAR course again.
However, we find ourselves in exceptional circumstances. The global pandemic of SARS NCOV2 (COVID‐19) has resulted in significant challenges and changes to us all.
We are now in a period that is unprecedented. People are at a high level of anxiety, worried about their jobs and their loved ones. First Aid training has been cancelled across the country and we are all in situations that could not be foreseen. As a result there has to be some flexibility in relation to Certificate expiry dates and this has been recognised by.
Please find below a message from in relation to FAR Renewals:
“With regards to recertification, PHECC acknowledge that if a Responders certification has lapsed, an RI/ATI may allow a short grace period.
The Education and Standards reference; “a grace period should be restricted to extenuating circumstances”.
PHECC accept that the current situation is “extenuating circumstances” and a Responder being unable to complete recertification, it is acceptable for the RI to continue to extend this period until such time that the situation is rescinded.
Such a significant departure from normal standards shall be limited to the duration of the current Covid-19 crisis.”
Please find information below from the Health & Safety Authority
“First Aid Re-certification
PHECC is responsible for the provision of First Aid Certification and has confirmed that that if a Responders certification has lapsed and they are unable to complete recertification, it is acceptable for the Registered Institutions to continue to extend this period until such time that the situation is rescinded.
This departure from normal standards shall be limited to the duration of the current COVID-19 crisis.
The First Aid Regulations require employers, based on a risk assessment, to have sufficient first aid equipment and trained first aiders in the workplace. They regulations do not specify the training standard, duration of training and retraining and recertification periods but the Authority will continue to recognise first aid responders existing certification during the Covid 19 pandemic. Those first aiders can continue to administer first aid in the workplace.”
If you have any learners whose FAR expiry dates are due to expire or have expired during the timeline of COVID-19 we are in a position to extend the learners grace period.
If you have any queries or questions in relation to the above please do not hesitate to contact us by phone, email or text.
We thank you all for your business throughout the years. Hopefully this crisis will not last too long and you, your staff and your loved ones will be safe throughout this time.
In the meantime.
Stay Safe,
- Wash your Hands
- Cover your mouth & nose when coughing & sneezing
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Clean & disinfect surfaces frequently.
Noeleen Boyle – Director NB Training Services
