1st response training
Training for all volunteers to give first aid and manage emergency situations
1st response is Girlguiding's own first aid course
It'll train you to provide first aid to members in emergencies - in or outside of your unit meeting place. The course was created specifically for members of Girlguiding and The Scout Association.
What will I learn?
- Gain simple life-saving first aid skills that are relevant to your role.
- Develop the confidence and skills required to cope with emergency and first aid situations.
- Understand how to manage these emergencies.
See the full 1st response syllabus for details of everything the course covers.
What you need to do
To fully complete the 1st response training, you need to:
- Attend a local training session.
- Complete the e-learning.
Both parts of the training must be completed to be considered a Girlguiding first aider.
Training session
1st response sessions are organised and are run locally, so speak to your commissioner about booking onto a course or visit your county or countries and regions website.
There are 3 options available to complete 1st response:
- E-learning and a full, 6-hour day of in-person training.
- E-learning and 3 lots of 2-hour in-person training dates.
- E-learning and 3 lots of 2-hour sessions. Session 1 must be delivered in-person, sessions 2 and 3 are delivered as a webinar.
We encourage you to do all elements of 1st response within 3 months of each other.
Whilst it's preferable to complete the e-learning before you attend your training sessions, currently this can be completed before or after the training session. You can find the e-learning on our learning platform.
Your 1st response training will only be valid once all elements have been completed, including the e-learning.
The 'completed on' date in GO should be the date you attended the main 6-hour training session or the date you attended the third of the 3 lots of 2-hour sessions. Your 1st response training will expire 3 years from this date.
Who should take this course?
Everyone in a volunteer role with us is encouraged to complete 1st response training. It's especially useful for commissioners, leaders, young leaders, unit helpers and district, division or county helpers. Rangers can do the course as part of their personal development.
One person at every unit meeting must have a valid first aid qualification. Find out more about requirements for named first aiders in your unit.
Every leader in training must have first aid listed on their GO record in order for their leadership qualification to be signed off.
If you already have a first aid qualification, you might not need to attend our 1st response course. Find out what external first aid qualifications are accepted by Girlguiding as equivalent to 1st response.
For some outdoor activity qualifications you'll need to complete a 16-hour first aid course. See the individual pages for outdoor activities for more details.
How long will it take?
- E-learning: 10 to 15 minutes.
- Training session: 6 hours or 3 lots of 2-hour sessions.
Keeping your skills up to date
Your 1st response training is valid for 3 years. You'll need to redo the full 6-hour training course and e-learning in order to make sure your training is up to date to keep all members safe. 6 months before your training expires, you'll be sent a reminder so you can redo the course.
After you've done the training
Your GO record will show you’ve done it.
How much will it cost?
The cost of the course will vary from area to area and might be free in some places. You can claim these costs back from your unit.
Speak to your unit leader, commissioner, training adviser or leadership qualification mentor for advice about paying for your course.
How do I apply?
If you're interested in attending a 1st response training, speak to your unit leader, commissioner, training coordinator or leadership qualification mentor, who'll be able to let you know what upcoming training events are planned in your area. Trainings might be listed on your county or region's website.