The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) updated the First Aid at Work syllabuses to include AED (Automated External Defibrillator) awareness training. This was due to the changes to the resuscitation guidelines, which now include the AED in treating a casualty who is unresponsive and not breathing. Evidence has shown that the use of an AED on an individual who has suffered a heart attack has a more favourable outcome than if it was delayed until emergency services arrived.
Many workplaces now have an AED available to ensure that they are prepared for a first aid emergency. However, it is not compulsory to purchase an AED to comply with the Health and Safety (first aid) regulations 1981.
With these new changes in place by the HSE, all new first aid trainers are required to be trained in the awareness of the AED to create greater confidence when used. Those existing First Aiders can update their first aid skills when they requalify.
The Emergency First Aid at Work training teaches the awareness of the AED, keeping the workplace and appointed First Aider up to date and competent.