We provide fun, challenge and adventure to
over 400,000 girls and boys across the UK
over 400,000 girls and boys across the UK
POR Updates January 2019
A review of first aid provision within Scouting has been undertaken which has resulted in a task and finish group being established consisting of members with a variety of roles and backgrounds. This group have been working through a set of recommendations which are intended to improve the first aid provision within the Scouts. The first phase of outcomes from this work relates to the requirements for first aid in remote environments, and also the duration between members undertaking first aid training.
Updated Resources:
New Resources:
A transition till 31 December 2020 has been provided to ensure that members have time to adapt to the new requirements. Work is ongoing to review the existing content of the First Response course and associated materials.
(Published December 2016 replacing version December 2015)
If you are a trainer of first aid to members of the Scout Association we hope that you will be aware of the changes that need to be made from the UK and European Resuscitation Council by January 2017. Working with Girlguiding a guidance sheet about the changes has been created to be used in conjunction with the current First Response resources. To download a copy of the guidance sheet click here.
In addition to the changes in consultation with Girlguiding we have created some resources that that can help trainers deliver the First Response course with the changes.
First Response
First Response Information Slides
First Response Training Plan
First Response Refresher
First Response Refresher Information Slides
First Response Refresher Training Plan
Training Resources
Training Resources Quiz
Training Resource Multiple Choice Quiz
Arrival at an Incident Activity Cards
Condition Cards
Scenarios Cut Out Sheets
Scenarios Discussions
Resuscitation Council Update Information Sheet
Module 10 - First Response
Leaders, managers and supporters in Scouting must hold a current first aid qualification at the time of gaining their Wood Badge and at the appointment renewal. However, they are encouraged to keep their qualification up to date at all times. The minimum standard for this qualification is First Response, but higher levels of qualification are needed if delivering first aid training or leading certain kinds of adventurous activities. This provision will ensure a minimum standard of first aid knowledge and training across the Movement.
The below chart outlines everything you need to know about the differences between a First Response and Full First Aid Certificate.
Who needs this certificate
Length of course
How do I refresh my learning
Recognition of certificate
First Response courses can be run by any externally qualified First Aid trainer, or by adults in Scouting who hold a Full First Aid Certificate and The Scout Association’s Presenting and Facilitating modules.
Must be set by a reputable body such as St John Ambulance, The British Red Cross, British Canoeing, etc.
Criteria for course
All courses must cover the below criteria. The level of detail and time spent on each subject will vary, depending on whether it is a First Response or Full First Aid course.
Alternative courses
Any course that is set by a reputable body, and covers the above criteria, recognition and length requirements outlined above can be considered as a suitable alternative to a First Response Certificate.
Any course that is set by a reputable body, and covers the above criteria, recognition and length requirements outlined above can be considered as a suitable alternative to a Full First Aid Certificate.
In some cases, alternative courses do not cover all of the listed topics, particularly environmental conditions such as hypothermia and CPR for children – what should I do?
Adults should take the time to make themselves aware of the signs, symptoms and treatment of these conditions, or undertake additional training in order to cover them. it is often possible for participants to request additional topics to be covered during a First Aid course that they are attending.
Adults should undertake additional training in order to cover them. In the case of First Aid requirements for activity permits, the District Commissioner should be satisfied that the cause, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions are known.
The wearing of badges
There is no badge available for the completion of First Response for Adult and members of Scout Network.
Young people completing First Response would be able to wear Stage 4 of Emergency Aid Staged Activity Badge.
Explorer Scouts, members of the Scout Network and Adult Members of the Movement who hold a full First Aid certificate or equivalent may wear the badge relating to the award which they hold on their uniform.
Members who hold an equivalent full First Aid qualification for which there is no nationally awarded badge may wear The Scout Association’s badge designed for this purpose.
Only one badge may be worn.
Professions with First Aid experience
The Scout Association does recognise that some professions by the nature of the job will have a first aid element; for example Nurses, Midwives, Police Officers, Medical Practitioners, Members of HM Armed Forces, Ambulance Care – Assistants/Paramedics/Technicians, etc. to exempt these profession from undergoing more first aid training, they are required to provide evidence of an up-to-date qualification which should meet the criteria for what is considered our minimum standard (as listed above). With regards to ‘evidence’, this can be a certificate or an official letter confirming the necessary areas have been met.
Scouting for all
The Scout Association has a robust Equal Opportunities Policy, which outlines our commitment to ensuring that the Movement is open and accessible to all. Within this policy, we also have a commitment to make reasonable adjustments for members with disabilities to equally access Scouting.
This is applicable to The Adult Training Scheme. For any adult who may be physically unable to administer first aid eg. provide CPR, move someone into the recovery position, a suitable reasonable adjustment for an assessor would be that the learner demonstrates they are independently able to successfully instruct/ direct another adult (without the skills or knowledge) to physically provide the care on their behalf.
