Lot’s of individuals wonder why, if they just recently completed there first aid course, need to re-certify? Sometimes it’s every year, sometimes every 2 or even every 3 years. What’s the point? Why do we need to constantly re-certify our awards? This post will help answer the question of why we need to constantly renew our awards as they always expire.
Insurance
Many companies need to show there insurance providers that they limit injuries and have a duty of care to their employees. This is why some companies are required by insurance providers to show constant re-certification of awards.
Updated Standards
The governing body of first aid (typically provincial body’s) update standards and regulations every 4 or 5 years on average. When these updates are implemented it is best that individuals take a re-certification course in order to learn these new standards. The same can be said for CPR. CPR is governed by the provincial body’s and provided updates by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). Updates to CPR standards are usually every 4 to 5 years and hence the need for recertification.
Your Employment
Whether a lifeguard, or a nurse or a safety officer at your construction site your workplace will mandate that you re-certify your award. This one is almost a no brainer. You want your nurse, or the person administering first aid in workplace to have the latest knowledge and to get a refresher from time to time. This is why its required that some of this industry require a re-certification every year.
Is it such a bad idea to renew your first aid training? Insurance companies, your workplace and your coworkers don’t think its such a bad idea.