5.4. Training material and institutions

A wealth of literature is available on programmes of training for first aid. The national Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies and various organizations in many countries have issued material which will cover much of the basic programme of training referred to above.¹ This material should be consulted in the design of actual training programmes, though it may need adaptation to the specific requirements of first aid at work (in contrast with first aid after traffic accidents, for instance). Safety associations, industrial or trade associations, health institutions, certain non-governmental organizations and the labour inspectorate (or their subsidiary bodies) may contribute to the design of the training programme to suit specific situations.

Training programmes should be approved by the competent authority or a technical body authorized to do so.

There is a need for approval from the institutions charged to carry out the training of first-aid personnel. In many cases, this may be the national Red Cross or Red Crescent Society or related institutions. In others, it may be various types of training institutions, or health or occupational health institutes. Sometimes, occupational health services run training courses for first-aiders or ensure refresher courses or specific training in relation to the occupational hazards in the enterprise. Approval to train first-aid personnel should be made dependent on the overall standing of the institution and on the availability of training staff experienced in the theoretical and practical aspects of first aid and in the general aspects of occupational safety and health.