First Aid Forward - UK’s largest first aid Conference and Exhibition
Tuesday, 29 January, 2008
This year’s conference covers various topics including the proposed changes from the HSE governing first aid training and provision. Other subjects include hygiene control and new products and C-spine.
The Conference is a full one day event at Manchester University on Saturday 15th March.
The HSE changes are important and we are all aware of them, but no one seems clear on the wide ranging impact these will hold. For example, there are changes in first aid provision; your FAW first aiders may no longer be required. Likewise, if you teach the one-day Appointed Persons course and you are not HSE approved, you will no longer be able to run these courses! - But don't worry, First Aid Forward will be presenting solutions to this problem.
First Aid Forward is part of the First Aid Café; UK’s largest online first aid community with over 13,000 members. The First Aid Café was yet again the first to notify the changes and receive questions regarding the subject on its active online Forum.
The First Aid Cafe sisters organisation and UK’s largest association; Association of First Aiders (AoFA), now with over 2,000 members will be also be speaking at the conference.
As previous delegates know, not only do we update you on current events, but we also go in-depth on first aid medical issues, for example we will be looking at c-spine injuries. This should give first aiders more confidence to respond in an emergency, and in turn save more lives.
Although most people think of St. John, Red Cross and St. Andrews for first aid, there are over 1200 HSE approved, independent training providers and a further estimated 3 to 5,000 teaching non-regulated courses.
This latter group are likely to be directly affected by the HSE changes and will need obtain various approvals if the wish to continue training.
So are these HSE changes good for first aid? Firstly, the HSE changes are only applicable to the workplace, having said that, other organisations tend to take the lead from the HSE e.g. first aid in schools, etc. Hopefully, the HSE changes will produce improvements in two main areas;
1) It will match more closely first aid provisions to the needs of employers, by introducing two recognised levels of first aider &
2) Should improve and standardise the one-day first aid course. Currently and surprisingly, anyone can teach the Appointed Persons courses irrespective of qualifications, experience or skill levels. These changes will hopefully address this position.
In addition to the Conference there are social networking events for delegates to meet and discuss issues with likeminded people.
Further Information
Conference tickets cost £75 + VAT (£70 for AoFA members) for the whole event, which includes lunch and entrance to the Exhibition.
Visitors wishing to attend the Exhibition only, can register for free tickets.
Tickets and further information on the event are available from :
www.firstaidcafe.co.uk/conference
or by phoning David Arnold on 01908 610093.
Manchester Conference Centre is part of Manchester University (UMIST) and located opposite the city’s Piccadilly Station.
Accommodation is available within the complex from just £52 per room.
For further information, visit UMIST’s web site at: www.conference.manchester.ac.uk
