First Aid Training – A Key Element of Workplace Safety
First aid is one of the most important elements of the workplace safety system. Sudden incidents—such as fainting, injuries, occupational accidents, or life-threatening conditions—can occur in any organization, regardless of the industry or the nature of the work performed. Employees’ ability to provide first aid often determines the health and even the life of the injured person.
For this reason, first aid training should not be treated merely as a formal obligation, but rather as a real investment in people’s safety and the continuity of business operations.
What Is First Aid Training?
First aid training is an educational process aimed at preparing participants to respond correctly and effectively in situations of sudden health or life-threatening emergencies until qualified emergency services arrive.
The training includes both theoretical knowledge and—most importantly—practical exercises that teach participants how to act quickly, calmly, and in accordance with applicable standards.
Legal Basis for First Aid Training
The obligation to provide first aid training for employees arises in particular from:
- the Labour Code (Article 209¹),
- occupational health and safety regulations.
Under these regulations, the employer is required to:
- provide first aid equipment,
- designate employees responsible for providing first aid,
- ensure appropriate training for these employees,
- organize a first aid system adapted to the type and scale of hazards present.
In practice, this means that first aid is an integral part of the OHS system, not an optional or additional measure.
Who Is First Aid Training Intended For?
First aid training should be addressed in particular to:
- employees designated to provide first aid,
- management staff and persons supervising employees,
- teams working in high-risk conditions,
- new employees as part of initial training,
- anyone who wants to improve their life-saving skills.
It should be emphasized that the first responder at the scene of an incident is most often a co-worker, not emergency services.
Scope of First Aid Training
The scope of training should be adapted to the specific nature of the organization and potential hazards. Most commonly, it includes:
1. Basics of First Aid
- legal aspects of providing first aid,
- safety of the rescuer and the injured person,
- assessment of the situation and the casualty’s condition,
- calling for help and cooperation with the emergency number 112.
2. Life-Threatening Conditions
- loss of consciousness,
- sudden cardiac arrest,
- heart attack and stroke,
- choking,
- seizures and shock.
3. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- CPR in adults,
- use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED),
- actions taken until the arrival of emergency medical services.
4. Injuries and Trauma
- bleeding and wounds,
- fractures, sprains, and dislocations,
- head and spinal injuries,
- thermal and chemical burns.
5. First Aid in Specific Situations
- electric shock,
- poisoning,
- workplace injuries,
- mass casualty incidents.
Employer Responsibility and First Aid
In the event of a workplace accident or sudden medical emergency, the following aspects are subject to analysis:
- the organization of the first aid system,
- availability of first aid kits and AEDs,
- the number and preparedness of designated first aiders,
- training documentation.
Deficiencies in these areas may result in legal liability for the employer.
First Aid Training – On-Site or Online?
First aid training can be delivered in various formats; however, the highest effectiveness is achieved through on-site training that allows for practical exercises using mannequins and rescue equipment.
Online training can serve as a valuable supplement to theoretical knowledge, but it cannot replace hands-on practice of life-saving skills.
Online First Aid Training – A Modern and Effective Learning Solution
An increasing number of organizations are choosing online first aid training. This solution combines high-quality content with organizational flexibility. Online training allows employees to acquire up-to-date first aid knowledge without the need to exclude them from work for an entire day.
Online first aid training:
- enables training of a large number of employees in a short time,
- allows learning at a convenient place and time,
- ensures a consistent standard of knowledge delivery,
- facilitates documentation of OHS compliance,
- is particularly effective as periodic or refresher training.
Modern online training programs are delivered in an engaging way—using video materials, real-life scenarios, simulations, and knowledge tests. As a result, participants not only learn procedures but also better retain correct response patterns in life-threatening situations.
In many organizations, online training serves as an excellent complement to practical exercises or as the first step in preparing employees for conscious and responsible emergency response.
Summary
First aid training is one of the most important elements in building a safety culture within an organization. Every minute of delay in providing assistance can be critical; therefore, employees’ knowledge and skills are invaluable.
Well-planned and regularly conducted first aid training:
- saves lives,
- reduces the consequences of accidents,
- increases employee awareness and responsibility,
- protects employers from legal consequences.
First aid is not theory—it is a skill that can make a crucial difference at a critical moment.
