First Aid Appointed Person Training
First Aid Training for Appointed Person
First Aid Appointed Person Training prepares a designated employee to take charge of workplace first aid arrangements in low‑risk environments. The training covers legal duties, managing first aid equipment, and knowing when and how to contact emergency services, as required under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
So, first aid for appointed person training is a short, non‑clinical awareness session (typically 20–60 minutes) that teaches a designated employee how to take charge of workplace first aid arrangements in low‑risk or small businesses where a fully trained First Aider is not legally required.
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What the training covers
The First Aid Appointed Person course includes:
- Legal duties under UK first aid regulations
- How to assess an incident and when to call 999
- Basic first aid awareness (not full first aid skills)
- Managing workplace first aid provision
- Accident reporting and RIDDOR awareness
- How to maintain first aid kits and facilities
If you’d like, we can include optional practical elements, but they’re not required but this prepares you team better.
Key Distinction — Appointed Person ≠ First Aider
An Appointed Person does not provide first aid treatment unless they have completed
additional training (such as Emergency First Aid at Work).
What the first aid appointed person role actually is?
An Appointed Person is not a first aider. Instead, they are responsible for:
- Looking after the first aid kit and equipment
- Keeping records of incidents and accidents
- Calling the emergency services when needed
- Managing first aid arrangements when a first aider is absent
This role exists because the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 allow low‑risk workplaces to have an appointed person instead of a trained first aider.
Who it’s for
- Low‑risk workplaces (offices, retail, admin environments)
- Small businesses with minimal hazards
- Organisations that need someone to oversee first aid compliance but don’t need a full first aider.
Usage Examples
- Office Management: Oversees first aid kits, checks stock and expiry dates, and maintains accident records.
- Small Retail / Hospitality: Acts as the main point of contact during an incident and ensures emergency services are called promptly.
- Low‑Risk Business Compliance: Enables small organisations (e.g., fewer than five employees) to meet their legal duty to have someone responsible for first aid arrangements.
| Aspect | Appointed Person | First Aider |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Role | Takes charge of first aid arrangements in low‑risk workplaces. | Provides first aid treatment as trained and certified. |
| Training Level | Short, non‑clinical awareness session (20–60 minutes). | Formal first aid qualification (EFAW or FAW), 1–3 days. |
| Primary Responsibilities | Manage kits, call emergency services, maintain records. | Assess casualties, provide first aid, manage emergencies. |
| Can They Give First Aid? | No — unless they have taken additional first aid training. | Yes — trained and certified to deliver first aid treatment. |
| Suitable For | Small or low‑risk businesses where a First Aider is not required. | Any workplace needing trained responders under risk assessment. |
| Regulatory Basis | Recognised under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. | Meets HSE requirements for trained first aid provision. |
✅ Checklist: Do You Need an Appointed Person?
Use this checklist during your first aid needs assessment. If you tick YES to most of these, you likely need an Appointed Person.
1. Workplace Risk Level
- ☐ Your workplace is low‑risk (e.g., office, small retail, admin).
- ☐ Your risk assessment shows no need for a trained First Aider.
2. Business Size
- ☐ You have a small team (typically fewer than 5–10 employees).
- ☐ Staff often work alone or in small numbers.
3. Legal Compliance
- ☐ You must meet the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
- ☐ You need someone formally responsible for first aid arrangements.
4. First Aid Provision
- ☐ You do not have a qualified First Aider on site at all times.
- ☐ You need someone to take charge when a First Aider is absent.
5. Equipment & Record Management
- ☐ Someone must be responsible for checking and restocking first aid kits.
- ☐ Accident and incident records need a designated person to maintain them.
6. Emergency Response
- ☐ You need a named person to call emergency services during incidents.
- ☐ Staff need clarity on who leads in an emergency until help arrives.
7. Organisational Structure
- ☐ You want a clear, documented point of contact for first aid matters.
- ☐ You need someone to coordinate first aid arrangements (e.g., kit locations, signage, procedures).
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