BTPA First Aid Requirements

Full members must hold current First Aid training appropriate to professional practice.

New joiners

If you are joining BTPA for the first time, you will need to provide evidence that you hold a current First Aid certificate, or have equivalent training through your profession.

The minimum First Aid training required to join BTPA is a one-day, hands-on, certificated course that includes CPR and is valid for 3 years.

Renewing members

Full members of the BTPA must hold a valid First Aid certificate throughout their membership year. First Aid refresher training should be arranged before the current certificate expires.

Please forward any new First Aid certificates to the Membership Secretary as soon as you have completed a course. Your membership status may be affected if you do not, when requested, provide evidence that you hold a current First Aid certificate.

You should choose a First Aid training course that issues certificates valid for 3 years. If you undergo basic or enhanced life support training as part of another occupation, please supply evidence of completion of this training annually.

Renewing members may either attend a practical First Aid course every 3 years, or alternate between a practical course and an online course every 3 years. Online course certificates can only be submitted once every 6 years.

Suitable courses

Suitable courses are available from organisations such as the British Red Cross, St John Ambulance, colleges of further education, local councils, and private First Aid training providers.

BTPA also accepts current First Aid certificates gained through work, such as nursing, airline cabin crew training, First Aid at Work, or lifesaving qualifications.

You may, of course, undertake more than the minimum training, such as First Aid at Work.

Online First Aid

We understand that finding a First Aid course at a reasonable price, at a convenient date and time, and local to you, can be difficult. For this reason, BTPA will accept online First Aid training under the following conditions.

• It must meet BTPA requirements: certificated, covering CPR, and valid for 3 years.
• Your previous First Aid training must have been an in-person, practical workshop.
• After taking an online First Aid course, you must attend a hands-on First Aid course before your certificate expires.

BTPA will accept alternate hands-on and online course certificates, but not two online training certificates that follow on from each other.

You may claim “other CPD” hours for any First Aid training course you complete.

BTPA has negotiated a discount for an online First Aid course with ProTrainings. Full details, including the member discount code, are available in the Members’ Area under Member Offers.

Employers’ legal duties for First Aid

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.

These regulations apply to all workplaces, including those with fewer than five employees, and to the self-employed.

What is “adequate and appropriate” depends on the circumstances in the workplace. This includes whether trained first-aiders are needed, what should be included in a First Aid box, and whether a First Aid room is required.

Employers are required to carry out an assessment of First Aid needs, considering workplace hazards and risks, the size of the organisation, and other relevant factors.