First aid courses are now back up and running with measures in place to ensure learning environments are Covid secure. However,  with the backlog creating a demand for courses that are often operating with reduced learner numbers, clients may be experiencing difficulty booking a course.

In response to this the HSE have updated their guidance regarding re-qualification extensions as follows:

FAW or EFAW certificates that expired after 16 March 2020 can remain valid until 31 October 2020 or 6 months from date of expiry, whichever is later. All requalification training for these certificates should be completed by 31 March 2021.

To qualify for the extension, employers must be able to demonstrate that:

• they have made every effort to arrange requalification training as soon as possible and can explain in detail why they have not been able to do so. For example, they must show evidence that staff with expired certificates are booked on to EFAW or FAW requalification courses,  if requested by an inspector
• they have adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities to give first aid to any employee who is injured or becomes ill at work
• the level of first aid cover provided remains appropriate for their particular work environment
• the level of first aid provision necessary in high risk settings is fully maintained, eg in construction, agriculture, engineering and chemicals

To read the full document on the HSE website: First aid during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic  click here.