Why First Aid Recertification Isn’t Optional

⛑ Why First Aid Recertification Isn’t Optional

First aid is a critical skill in every workplace — but over time, even trained staff forget key steps or lose confidence in responding to an emergency. That’s where recertification comes in.

First Aid Response (FAR) recertification ensures that:

• Your team stays confident and competent
• You remain legally compliant
• Your staff can respond quickly and correctly in an emergency

Unlike a once-off course, first aid training is a cycle — and letting it lapse can put your staff, your business, and your reputation at risk.

👉 Learn more about all our accredited training courses here.

📜 What the Law Requires in Ireland

Irish law is very clear on this. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, employers must provide appropriate first aid training to ensure workplace safety.

If your workplace is subject to Health and Safety Authority (HSA) inspections, not having up-to-date first aid responders could lead to enforcement notices or insurance issues.

FAR certification is valid for 2 years. If it expires, the staff member must complete the full 3-day course again — not just the 2-day recertification.

📄 You can read more in the HSA’s First Aid at Work Guidelines (external link).

📚 What’s Covered in a First Aid Recertification Course?

FAR recertification is a 2-day course (12 hours total) that updates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. It includes:

🟢 Core Modules:

• Adult and child CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
• Use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
• Management of:
  • Cardiac emergencies
  • Stroke
  • Seizures
  • Diabetes and hypoglycaemia
  • Asthma and allergic reactions
• Wound care and bleeding control
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Shock, burns, and temperature-related illness
• Scene assessment and patient care principles

🟢 Updates Based on Real-World Scenarios:

• New guidance from PHECC or HSA
• Case-based learning
• Practice with equipment used in your workplace

At PSTC, we ensure your team leaves ready to respond, not just recertified on paper.

🔗 Explore our First Aid training solutions

📅 When Should You Book Recertification?

We recommend booking recertification 4–6 weeks before expiry. Many employers make the mistake of leaving it too late, leading to expired certs and the need to redo the full course.

You should also consider early recertification if:

• Your team hasn’t used their first aid skills in over a year
• You’ve had a workplace incident or near miss
• You’ve updated your risk assessment or health and safety policy

TIP: PSTC offers a certificate-tracking service to remind you before staff expiry dates — so you’ll never fall behind again.

👷 Who Needs FAR Recertification?

FAR is the recognised standard for workplace first aid in Ireland and is required in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Construction sites
• Childcare services
• Healthcare and care homes
• Factories and logistics
• Retail and hospitality
• Office-based businesses

Employers should aim to have at least one FAR-certified staff member as per the Risk Assessment, this will clearly determine the risk so in turn the number of first aiders needed

💼 Why Recertify with PSTC?

At Philip & Son Training Consultants, we deliver PHECC-recognised FAR recertification through our ATI with a difference:

We’ve supported hundreds of Irish organisations in keeping their teams safe and audit-ready.

🔍 Want to combine courses? See our package deals here

📢 Don’t Let Certification Lapse — Book Today

Keeping your first aid certification current is more than just compliance — it’s about protecting lives.

📅 Click here to book your FAR Recertification Course
📞 Call us on 045 899858
📧 Email: courses@philip-son.com
🕒 Recertification is just 2 days — but it could save a life.