Everything you need to know about First Responder Training

Imagine this: a fire breaks out in the office, someone is injured or a rapid evacuation is needed. Who will take charge? That's exactly whatFirst Responder Training Training is all about. This article tells you everything you need to know: from legal obligations to the difference with first aid and how to become a First Responder TrainingTrainer quickly and effectively.

What is First Responder Training and what does it stand for?

First Responder Training stands for Company First Aid. It is a legally required organization within companies that provides first aid in emergency situations such as fires, accidents or evacuations. First Responder Training'ers are employees who are specially trained to act appropriately in these types of situations until professional emergency services arrive

When is First Responder Training mandatory?

According to Article 15 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, every employer is obliged to organize occupational emergency services. At least one First Responder Training'er must be present during working hours. The concrete interpretation depends on the size of the company, the number of employees and the risks within the organization.

Is First Responder Training mandatory for self-employed individuals?

The answer is both yes, and no. If you are a ZZP'er without personnel, then you are only responsible for your own safety and are not legally obliged to organize First Responder Training . However, it can be wise, especially for high-risk activities.
If you do employ personnel (even though this goes against the literal meaning of Self-employed Without Personnel), you fall under the duty of care and according to Article 658 of the Civil Code measures must be taken to guarantee a safe working environment.

What are the duties of a First Responder Training'er?

The job of a First Responder Training'er (company emergency worker) is to respond quickly and appropriately to incidents in the workplace. Below we cover the 4 core tasks of a First Responder Training'er:

1. Providing first aid for accidents

A First Responder Training'er is trained to provide immediate first aid for injuries or medical emergencies. Examples include putting on a tourniquet, administering first aid for choking, and performing CPR with or without an AED.

2. Contain and fight fire (if safe)

First Responder Training'ers may fight an incipient fire, provided they can do so safely and without endangering themselves or others. This includes quickly alerting colleagues and emergency services. It is important that a First Responder Traininginer assesses the situation first, an incipient fire should not be passed over automatically without assessing whether intervention is possible and responsible.

3. Assist in evacuations

In emergencies such as fire or gas leaks, First Responder Training'ers ensure that employees and visitors can leave the premises safely and quickly. They know the escape routes, maintain an overview, escort people to the assembly point and check that no one has been left behind.

4. Alerting and communicating with professional emergency services

A First Responder Training'er engages appropriate outside help, such as the fire department or ambulance, as quickly as possible. In addition, he or she acts as a point of contact when emergency services arrive and provides crucial information about the situation, location of the incident and any victims.

What is the difference between First Responder Training and first aid?

Many people confuse First Responder Training with first aid, and that's not surprising. After all, both have to do with emergency response and safety. Yet they are two different things, each with its own purpose and content.

First Aid stands for First Aid for Accidents and focuses entirely on providing medical assistance to victims. Examples include bandaging wounds, treating burns or resuscitating someone in cardiac arrest. Those who obtain a first aid diploma learn extensively how to act in medical emergencies. Wherever you are, at home, on the street or at work. It's a lot deeper and broader than what you learn about medical procedures during a First Responder Training.

First Responder Training, or First Aid, is actually broader in scope. As a First Responder TrainingTrainer you not only learn how to administer first aid at accidents, but also how to act in case of fire, how to safely evacuate a building and how to communicate with the emergency services. A First Responder Training'er is basically the first link in the emergency response within a company, it is someone who can act in the first critical minutes until the professional emergency services arrive. Life-saving actions, such as CPR or the use of an AED, are covered in a First Responder Training.

In short, where First Aid focuses entirely on medical care, First Responder Training deals with the total picture of workplace safety. Both are important, but First Responder Training is required by law for employers, while first aid is not. Still, it can be very valuable as a company to also have first aid knowledge in house, especially in high-risk industries or in places where many people congregate.

How long does a First Responder Training take?

It depends on the provider, most First Responder Training take between 1 to 2 days on average. At Schok & Pomp on the other hand, you'll get a full 2-year First Responder Training within 2-4 hours of hands-on training.

You start with an e-learning developed by experienced medical professionals. At your own pace, you will master the most important theoretical knowledge, from life-saving to firefighting. With this solid foundation in your pocket, you then follow a practical training under the guidance of our expert trainers. They have extensive experience in life-saving action and will teach you not only the techniques, but also how to act calmly and effectively in real emergency situations. Only when you have mastered all components and can apply them with confidence, our trainers feel you are ready. Then you will receive your well-deserved First Responder Training.

How long is a First Responder Training valid?

The validity period of a First Responder Training is not established by law and varies among providers. With most training providers, a certificate is valid for one year. At Schok & Pomp , we made a conscious decision to make the First Responder Training valid for two years, and we don't do that lightly.

Our First Responder Training are structured according to the guidelines of Het Oranje Kruis, one of the most authoritative bodies in the field of assistance. Thanks to this structure and the quality of our teaching materials, the certificate is valid for two years. Upon completion of the training you will also have access to all theory for one year as a digital reference. And to make sure you stay sharp even in the second year, we offer an optional refresher webinar in which you can brush up on your knowledge in an accessible way.

Are 2-year First Responder Training legal?

Yes, they certainly are, the law does not prescribe a fixed term of validity for First Responder Training. It is up to the trainer to determine that term, as long as the First Responder Training'er is adequately trained and practiced. With our two-year structure, access to course materials and the refresher option in the gap year, we fully meet this requirement.

For most industries, a two-year validity is more than enough, especially when employers encourage their First Responder Training'ers to take a refresher course in the second year. And that's exactly where we come in.

What should I do if my First Responder Training has expired?

Has your First Responder Training expired? Don't panic, you don't have to start all over again, but it is important to act quickly. Legally, there is no exact expiration date, but you must always be demonstrably competent as a First Responder TrainingTrainer. And an expired certificate makes that difficult to substantiate, especially during an inspection or in an emergency.

At Schok en Pomp , even after your certificate expires, you can simply rejoin a refresher course, as long as your basic knowledge is still reasonably up to standard. Has it really been a long time or do you feel uncertain about your skills? Then we recommend that you take the complete First Responder Training again. You will then be completely up-to-date and receive a new certificate that is valid for two years.

What does a refresher course entail?

A refresher course is designed to keep your First Responder Training and skills current. Instead of a lot of theory, you focus mainly on practicing practical situations such as CPR, firefighting and evacuation. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you will learn how to act quickly and effectively, even under pressure. This will keep you sharp, confident and officially licensed as a First Responder Traininginer.

How many First Responder Training'ers are needed within a company?

There is no set number. The guideline is: enough First Responder Training'ers to act effectively at incidents. In larger organizations or locations with many visitors, it makes sense to have multiple First Responder Training'ers per location.

Conclusion

FirstFirst Responder Training Training is not only a legal requirement, but also a crucial part of a safe working environment. Whether you are an employer, employee or self-employed worker: well-organized First Responder Training really makes a difference in emergency situations.

With a First Responder Training, you learn to administer first aid, fight incipient fires, supervise an evacuation and communicate with emergency services. All skills you need to act quickly and effectively. At Schok en Pomp you follow an e-learning at your own pace, a practical training according to the guidelines of Het Oranje Kruis, with a certificate that is valid for two years and the possibility of interim refresher.

Want to make sure your organization complies with the law and is well prepared? Then do the Dutch Labor Inspectorate's self-inspection.