First aid training has wider safety benefits

Over half a million workers received first aid training in the period 2001-03, according to new research by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The total number of trainees over the period was estimated to be 504,668. Of these, more than 160,000 received training to gain a first aid certificate, nearly 50,000 went on refresher courses, and over 290,000 were trained to be an "appointed person" in their workplace.

Researchers also found that workers who have received first aid training were more likely to adopt safe working practices.

HSE survey of first aid training organisations (RR358) is available from HSE Books (www.hsebooks.com), price £20, or can be downloaded free from www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr358.pdf