First aid training FAQs

The e-learning needs to be completed by all volunteers doing 1st response training.
If you have an external first aid qualification that’s accepted as an equivalent to 1st response, then you also need to do the e-learning.

If you don't do the e-learning, your 1st response training won't be valid. You can't be a first aider in Girlguiding until you've completed the e-learning. You can do the e-learning before or after your training session. We recommend doing it as close to your training session as you can.

Yes, sessions 2 and 3 of our 1st response 6-hour course can be delivered online. But each participant will need to attend session 1 in-person.

We recommend that you complete all training including the e-learning within 3 months of each other.

The 'completed on' date in GO should be the date you attended the main six-hour training session or the date you attended the third of the three two-hour sessions. Your 1st response training will expire three years from this date.

1st response training is locally organised so speak to your commissioner or county to find out when sessions are running and how you can attend.

Take a look at the 1st response e-learning module on our website.

Volunteers who are under 18, including young leaders, can't be the named first aider in the meeting place or at an event or activity.

We require a qualified first aider at all unit meetings. If this isn't possible please speak to your commissioner to see if first aid cover can be provided by another member in a one-off situation.

If it happens more often, your commissioner should arrange a 1st response course to make sure that more than one volunteer has up-to-date training.

The 1st response course is an attendance-based courses so it isn't possible to 'fail'. If you can't physically demonstrate aspects of the training such as CPR, then you'll be required to show that you can instruct others in how to perform these techniques.

Any adult over 18 with a valid 1st response or equivalent external first aid qualification can be the first aider at a residential event. A parent helper can be the first aider, for example.

The same content is delivered by Girlguiding certified trainers in 1st response courses throughout the UK to ensure consistency and high standards.

This course is a permit to carry out first aid duties within Guiding and Scouting. It isn't recognised or transferable outside of our charities.

First aiders in Girlguiding should revert to providing  rescue breaths, especially if the patient is a child, if it's safe, they're trained and that they're willing to do so. 

Guidance for trainers can be found on the 1st response training resources page. 

First aid qualifications, including 1st response and external awards, are entered on GO by the local commissioner as 'first aid'. They're shown as valid for 3 years from the qualification date.

When volunteers complete renew their external award, the commissioner will update the first aid qualification ‘qualified date’ on GO to the date this renewal was completed. This will then re-validate the qualification for a further 3 years.

We have a recommended minimum first aid kit. This first aid kit is designed to be used at regular unit meetings, and on day trips or activities away from the meeting place. Leaders should risk assess what they may need as this list is a minimum and could be added to. Please also note that outdoor activities will also have additional requirements.