The HSE has confirmed that first aiders unable to renew their qualifications because of the Coronavirus pandemic may be able to extend their current certificate for up to three months.

This is a positive step forward for those people concerned that they may be unable to provide relevant first aid cover due to expired qualifications given that all training courses have been suspended under the social distancing guidelines.

The HSE has said that first aid certificates expiring on or after 16th March will qualify for the extension if holders have been unable to access suitable requalification as long as it can be demonstrated that steps have been taken to source training. They have also provided additional guidance for employers and organisations including the ability to “share” first aid cover with other businesses if possible.

This move has been supported by the Department for Education which has added that this can also be applied to paediatric first aid certificates held by staff in early years provision.

The full detail can be accessed from this link to the HSE website and the situation is constantly under review.