Low Port Centre

First Aid Training

Low Port Centre is a Health and Safety Executive recognised First Aid Teaching establishment and has been involved in tutoring First Aid since Low Port was opened in 1987. We have taught first aid to many different groups varying from youth groups and primary school children to adults from all walks of life.

Whilst the centre's main First Aid aim is to train West Lothian Council employees in 'First Aid at Work' and 'Emergency Aid (Appointed Person)' courses, many private individuals join our courses. Block bookings from companies, clubs or groups are also welcomed.

British Canoe Union (BCU) Aquatic First Aid courses for canoeists and kayakers and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Small Craft First Aid courses are also available. General First Aid Outdoor courses, usually of 12 hour duration are also on offer and are recognised by National Governing Bodies (NGB) e.g. Scottish Cycle Union and Snowsport Scotland.

Course Content

Course content is dictated by the Health and Safety Executive for First Aid at Work. The specialist course content and duration are decided upon by the NGBs.

The HSE First Aid at Work Syllabus states that First Aiders must be able to demonstrate that they are able to:

• act safely, promptly and effectively with emergencies at work
• use first-aid equipment, including the contents of a first aid box
• understand the duties of an employer and the legal framework
• maintain simple factual records on what they have done with regard to any treatment or management of an emergency
• recognise the importance of personal hygiene in first aid procedures

They must also be able to deal with a casualty who:

• requires Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
• is unconscious
• is bleeding
• is suffering from shock
• is suffering from and injury to bones, muscles or joints
• has been burned or scalded
• has an eye injury
• has been overcome by gas or fumes; or
• may have been poisoned or exposed to a harmful substance
  

And they must be able to:

• recognise major illnesses and take appropriate action
• manage transportation of a casualty, as required by the circumstances of the workplace
  

Emergency Aid and Outdoor style courses have a similar syllabus but the content may be adjusted as required by the overseeing organisation.

The level of qualification that you need can be decided on by risk assessing your work or activity. Advice on this can obtained from the Health and Safety Executive. Outdoor Activity National Governing Bodies should be contacted to check the level of First Aid qualification required for your level of interest or performance.

Low Port may be able to offer some advice on which courses are appropriate.

Course Delivery

The courses are delivered using a mixture of:

• lectures
• videos
• practical: Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation on manikins
• practical: recovery position on colleagues
• practical: bandaging of colleagues
• scenario based exercises indoors and outdoors

This being the case, full participation is required of all participants.

Assessment

All courses are assessed as required.

Course Dates and Duration

Please contact Low Port for dates and times.

HSE First Aid at Work, introductory 3 days or 18 hours
HSE First Aid at Work, refresher 2 days or 12 hours

N.b. it is not possible to participate in a refresher course until you have completed an introductory course

Emergency First Aid at Work 6 hours minimum

The duration of SCA, RYA and Outdoor First Aid varies with the course.