Why First Aid and AED Refresher Courses Are Important

Written By Elwyn Davies

First aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) refresher courses are short training sessions that help individuals maintain their emergency response skills. They differ from full requalification courses, which are more comprehensive and typically required every three years.

Refresher courses are usually recommended annually and focus on practising essential skills and learning any updates to first aid procedures.

This article focuses on adult first aid and AED refresher courses in the United Kingdom, particularly within workplaces and public settings. It covers why regular refreshers are recommended, what they include, and how they contribute to safer environments.

Did you know?
Even qualified first aiders can lose confidence in basic life support (BLS) skills within six months without practice.

Why Regular Refreshers Matter

First aid skills can decline quickly without regular practice. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends that first aiders complete a refresher course every year, even though formal requalification is required only every three years. This advice reflects evidence that practical skills, especially cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED use, can deteriorate within months of initial training.

A 2023 update from the Resuscitation Council UK highlights that “like any skill, CPR performance can fade over time,” reinforcing the value of annual refreshers to maintain both competence and confidence [source: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/resuscounciluk_is-it-time-for-a-refresher-like-any-skill-activity-7303444278452637697-f5p0].

Regular refresher courses also ensure individuals stay informed about any updates to first aid protocols. For example, CPR techniques have evolved over the years, including changes in compression rates and the introduction of hands-only CPR guidance.

The Resuscitation Council UK’s quality standards for community CPR and AED training state that all instructors must stay up to date with current guidelines [source: https://www.resus.org.uk/library/quality-standards-cpr/quality-standards-cpr-and-aed-training-community]. Refresher courses extend this principle to first aiders, supporting consistency in emergency responses.

AED Familiarisation

Since 2016, the inclusion of AED training has been standard in workplace first aid courses. This change followed evidence that rapid defibrillation can significantly improve survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest. Refresher courses ensure individuals remain confident and competent in both CPR and AED use.

AEDs are designed to be simple to operate. However, studies and training bodies highlight that confidence in using the device can decline without regular practice. The quicker a defibrillator is used, the higher the chances of survival. The British Heart Foundation reports that using an AED within three to five minutes of collapse can raise survival rates from under 10% to between 50% and 70% [source: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/defibrillators].

Annual refresher courses reinforce the correct sequence of actions, including safe use of an AED. They also clarify when to apply electrode pads, how to follow voice prompts, and how to avoid common mistakes, such as delaying shocks or interrupting chest compressions.

Real-world observation:
Many public AED cabinets are visible, but people are hesitant to use them due to lack of hands-on experience. Regular refresher training helps overcome this hesitation.

Course Types & Timing

In the United Kingdom, there are two main types of first aid refresher training: annual refreshers and three-year requalification courses.

Annual Refresher Courses

Annual refresher courses are short sessions, typically lasting around three hours or half a day. The HSE recommends these to help qualified first aiders maintain their practical skills and confidence in handling emergencies [source: https://www.firstaidtraining.co.uk/the-importance-of-workplace-first-aid-training-refreshers/]. These courses focus on key topics, including:

  • Basic life support (BLS)

  • Use of an AED

  • Managing an unconscious casualty

  • Control of bleeding and shock

Annual refreshers are not a legal requirement but are considered best practice for workplaces aiming to follow HSE guidance.

Three-Year Requalification Courses

First Aid at Work (FAW) certificates expire after three years. To remain qualified, individuals must complete a requalification course before their certificate expires. This course usually lasts two days and involves more in-depth practical and theoretical assessments [source: https://www.reactfirst.co.uk/first-aid-tips/first-aid-at-work--guidance-on-requalification-and-refresher-courses/181.htm].

For Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW), a full one-day course is required every three years to renew certification.

Did you know?
HSE guidance permits first aid certificates to be extended by up to three months if requalification is delayed due to exceptional circumstances, such as illness or public emergencies.

Choosing the Right Course

Selecting the appropriate first aid and AED refresher course depends on the needs of the individual and the organisation. Several factors determine the best option.

Course Content

A good refresher course should cover the core emergency response skills:

  • CPR, including hands-only and rescue breaths

  • Safe and effective use of an AED

  • Managing unconscious casualties

  • Responding to choking, severe bleeding, and shock

Some courses may also include scenario-based practice to enhance confidence in realistic situations.

Accreditation and Approval

In the UK, first aid courses should follow recognised standards. Accredited training providers include:

  • Health and Safety Executive (HSE)-approved providers

  • First Aid Industry Body (FAIB) registered centres

  • St John Ambulance

  • British Red Cross

Employers should verify the accreditation status of training providers to ensure compliance with workplace regulations.

Delivery Options

Many organisations offer flexible delivery methods:

  • On-site training: Suitable for workplaces with several first aiders.

  • Public courses: Ideal for individuals or smaller organisations.

  • Blended learning: Combines online theory with in-person practical sessions.

Blended courses are increasingly popular for refresher training, reducing time away from the workplace.

Real-world observation: Blended learning is useful, but some employees find fully in-person sessions more effective for practising hands-on AED skills.

Workplace and Public Benefits

Regular first aid and AED refresher courses provide benefits beyond individual competence. They contribute to safer workplaces and more resilient public environments.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 to provide adequate first aid provision. While annual refreshers are not legally mandatory, the HSE strongly recommends them as good practice. Regular training demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare and can help reduce liability in the event of workplace incidents.

Improved Confidence and Response Time

Refresher courses help individuals feel more confident to act in emergencies. Fast and effective intervention can prevent worsening of injuries and, in cardiac arrests, dramatically increase survival chances. As refresher sessions include AED training, participants become familiar with local defibrillator locations and operation.

Community Safety Impact

Public settings such as gyms, schools, and community centres benefit when more individuals are trained. Trained members of the public are more likely to assist promptly during emergencies, helping bridge the gap until emergency medical services arrive.

Real-world observation:
In many workplaces, AED cabinets are visible but signage is faded or partially obstructed. Refresher training prompts organisations to inspect and maintain first aid equipment, improving overall emergency readiness.

Wrapping it Up

First aid and AED refresher courses play a crucial role in maintaining effective emergency response skills. While formal requalification is required every three years, annual refresher training is strongly recommended by the Health and Safety Executive to prevent skill fade. These short courses help individuals retain practical abilities, stay updated with current guidance, and remain confident to act in emergencies.

For workplaces, refresher training supports legal compliance, reduces response times, and improves employee safety. In public settings, it empowers individuals to respond quickly during life-threatening incidents, improving community resilience.

Employers and individuals can choose from various accredited courses, with options for in-person, on-site, or blended learning formats. Regular participation ensures that first aiders remain ready and competent, making workplaces and public spaces safer for everyone.

Sources

Elwyn Davies
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