Learning Hours and Employer Responsibility

Blended learning is an opportunity to offer flexibility for employers and individuals wanting to achieve a First Aid qualification. While blended learning offers flexibility, it will not suit every employer or individual and must not compromise the minimum overall learning hours as required by the HSE & Dept for Education.

Under Regulation 13 of the Management of Health & Safety Regulations 1999, employers are required to allow paid time for employees to complete First Aid training. Employees must not be expected to undertake the online learning element in their own time.

Blended Learning Assessment Requirements - Theory (Online Learning)

To deliver a FAIB-regulated First Aid course that incorporates blended learning, the Training Provider must use an online learning package that has been approved by FAIB to ensure all relevant non-practical learning outcomes are covered. All online learning packages must be re-approved by FAIB whenever updates to First Aid provisions are issued by the relevant medical bodies.

Training Providers must ensure that students are able to use the technology required to access and complete the online learning and that appropriate support is available throughout the course. A robust system must also be in place to confirm student identity and prevent fraud.

As part of the online learning, students must complete a secure built-in multiple choice assessment to demonstrate their knowledge. This assessment should record completion times to reflect the standards of classroom based written tests, in line with FAIB standards. The assessment may be completed throughout or at the end of the online learning. All results must be stored securely and made available to FAIB upon request.

Auditable evidence must be generated in the form of a certificate or other supporting documentation. This evidence must confirm that the student has successfully completed the online learning element and achieved all of the relevant FAIB learning outcomes relating to the non-practical elements required for the qualification.

Blended Learning Assessment Requirements - Practical (Face to Face)

First Aid practical assessments must be carried out in person as strongly recommended by the HSE. After the student has successfully completed the online theory element of the course, the face-to-face section is used to teach and then assess the remaining FAIB learning outcomes, which relate specifically to the practical skills required for the qualification.

There is flexibility in how much of the theoretical content can be delivered via online learning. The table below outlines the minimum classroom time required for each regulatory course.

Whether the minimum face to face contact hours are sufficient will depend on the specific needs and capabilities of the students attending.

It is the responsibility of the Training Provider, in consultation with the employer (client). However The Training Provider will make the final decision to determine the suitability of the blended learning approach and to identify the minimum number of face-to-face contact hours appropriate for each specific case.