First aid training

All Girlguiding activities need a first aider in attendance, so we encourage all our volunteers to complete first aid training.

A first aid qualification will allow you to respond in emergencies - as well as to bumps, cuts and bruises. 
 
For some adventurous activities, such as levels 2 and 3 of the walking scheme, you’ll need a higher‑level first aid qualification than the one used for normal unit activities. 

Becoming a first aider

There are 2 ways to become a Girlguiding first aider. You could do either: 

• 1st response training – Girlguiding and Scouting's own first aid course, OR
• A first aid course with another recognised provider. We call this external first aid and it includes higher‑level first aid courses. 

1st response was created specifically for members of Girlguiding and Scouts, and most of our first aiders take this route. It's delivered by Girlguiding trainers who are qualified in both training and first aid. If you have a 1st response qualification from The Scouts, you can also use it in guiding.

If you’ve already completed a first aid course with a recognised provider, or plan to take one, you may be able to use this to qualify as a Girlguiding first aider. This includes higher-level courses that may be required for adventurous activities.

Renewing your first aid training

If you’re already a first aider, you’ll need to renew your qualification before it expires. You can find your first aid valid-to date on GO. You can renew a 3-year qualification up to 6 months before it expires, and a 1-year qualification from 3 months before expiry.
 
You can use either of the routes listed above to do this – complete a 1st response course, or complete or renew an external first aid qualification. 
 
Please follow the relevant link above for more details of each route. 

If you want to deliver 1st response training

1st response: guidance for trainers covers all you need to know about becoming a 1st response trainer and delivering the course to members.