Making Your SkillBase First Aid Courses Disability Confident

As first aid trainers, you’re already in the business of saving lives and making a difference. But what if you could extend that impact even further by ensuring your courses are accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities? Here’s how you can make your SkillBase First Aid courses more Disability Confident while meeting the essential requirements laid out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK.

Understanding the HSE’s Physical Requirements

First, let’s talk about the essentials. The HSE requires that anyone trained as a first aider must be physically capable of performing key tasks. These tasks include CPR, using a defibrillator, and safely moving an injured person. This means that first aiders need a certain level of physical strength, mobility, and the ability to react quickly in emergencies.

But what does this mean for you as a trainer? It’s all about balancing these requirements with inclusivity, ensuring that while your trainees are physically prepared, they also feel welcomed and supported, no matter their abilities.

How to Make Your Courses More Inclusive

Accessible Course Materials
We provide all the course materials you’ll need for your training sessions. If you or any of your participants require these materials in an accessible format—such as large print, Braille, or a digital version compatible with screen readers—please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help ensure everyone can fully engage with the content.

Varied Teaching Methods
At SkillBase, we’re proud to say that varied teaching methods are already a core part of our training approach. We use a mix of visual aids, hands-on practice, and verbal instructions to cater to different learning styles, ensuring that every participant can benefit from our courses.

Flexible Assessments
One of the ways we keep our courses inclusive is by not requiring a written test for participants. However, you might consider additional ways to support learners, such as reading out multiple-choice quizzes rather than having them only available on-screen. This small adjustment can make a big difference for participants with reading difficulties or visual impairments.

Physical Accessibility: Ensuring Your Venue is Ready

The best course in the world won’t make an impact if participants can’t physically access it. Here’s how to make sure your training venues are up to scratch:

• Check for Accessibility: Ensure your venue has ramps, accessible restrooms, and adequate parking. Also, make sure there’s enough space in the training room for wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
• Adapted Equipment: Consider offering adapted first aid equipment, such as easy-to-use scissors or modified splints, which can make it easier for individuals with limited dexterity to participate.

Balancing Inclusivity with HSE Requirements

We understand the importance of meeting HSE guidelines, but it’s also crucial to ensure your courses are inclusive. Here’s how to navigate this balance:

• Pre-course Health Screening: Send out a simple health questionnaire before the course begins. This helps identify any specific needs and ensures that all participants are physically capable of meeting the requirements—or that you can make reasonable adjustments where possible.
• Alternative Roles: For those who might struggle with the physical demands of first aid, suggest alternative roles. They could help manage emergency supplies, assist with coordinating the first aid team, or even become the workplace first aid coordinator.

Supporting Employers and Participants

It’s important to guide both employers and participants through this process. Encourage open conversations about the physical demands of being a first aider, and be clear about what’s involved from the outset.

For employers, provide advice on how they can support their staff in becoming first aiders. This might include discussing alternative roles or exploring how reasonable adjustments could be made.

Promote Your Inclusive Approach

Don’t be shy about sharing your commitment to inclusivity! Use your website, social media, and course materials to let everyone know that your SkillBase First Aid courses are Disability Confident. Not only does this show your dedication to accessibility, but it also helps attract a broader range of participants—including those from businesses that are themselves Disability Confident.

Continuous Improvement

The journey doesn’t stop once the course is over. Gather feedback from all participants, especially those with disabilities, to learn what worked well and where you can improve. Use this feedback to continually enhance your course design and delivery.

A Final Thought

By making your SkillBase First Aid courses more Disability Confident, you’re not just meeting legal requirements—you’re creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and capable of learning life-saving skills. And in doing so, you’re making a difference in more lives than ever before.

So, let’s embrace the principles of Disability Confident, and together, we can make our first aid courses a truly inclusive experience for all. 🌟