Important changes to our First Aid qualifications - March 2022
Here at Training Qualifications UK, we aim to keep you up to date with the latest news relating to our qualifications. This post will inform you of some significant changes within First Aid that will affect the qualification, assessment records and manuals of our First Aid qualifications.
The specification and electronic assessment records will be made available from Friday 1st April 2022. Physical assessment records and manuals will be made available to order from Friday 1st April 2022. Centres will be allowed to work through their stock of assessment records and manuals, however, we encourage a transition to the most current materials as soon as possible.
The changes have been made following a full review of the qualifications by the First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum. Consequently, we have amended areas within our manuals and assessment records to align with this update.
A comprehensive list of changes are as follows:
Specification Changes
First Aid at Work & Emergency First Aid at Work
Emergency First Aid at Work R/616/0431
The following changes have been made to the unit:
LO2 has been changed from “Be able to assess an incident” to “Be able to assess an emergency situation safely”.
AC 3.3 has been changed from “Justify when to place a casualty into the recovery position” to “Identify when to place a casualty into the recovery position”.
AC 3.5 has been moved to AC 3.6
NEW - AC 3.5 - “Demonstrate continual monitoring of breathing whilst the casualty is in the recovery position”.
AC 4.1 has been changed from “Identify when choking is: mild, severe” to “Identify when a casualty is choking”.
AC 5.1 has been changed from “Identify the severity of external bleeding” to “Identify whether external bleeding is life-threatening”.
AC 5.2 has been changed from “Demonstrate control of external bleeding” to “Demonstrate how to administer first aid to a casualty with external bleeding”.
AC 6.1 has been changed from “Recognise a casualty who is suffering from shock” to “Recognise when a casualty is suffering from shock”.
Nosebleeds have been added to AC 7.1.
Assessment requirements and/or guidance have been added to support Centres delivering this qualification.
First Aid at Work – Recognition and Management of Illness and Injury in the Workplace Y/616/0432
The following changes have been made to the unit:
AC 3.3 has been changed from “Demonstrate how to administer first aid for a suspected spinal injury” to “Demonstrate how to administer first aid for a casualty with a suspected spinal injury”.
AC 4.1 has been removed
AC 4.2 now becomes AC 4.1. Additionally, the term “flail chest” has been changed to “fractured ribs”.
AC 5.1 has been changed from “Identify the factors that affect the severity of burns and scalds” to “Identify how to recognise the severity of burns and scalds”.
AC 7.1 has been changed from “Identify the routes that poisons can take to enter the body” to “Identify how poisonous substances can enter the body”.
AC 7.2 has been changed from “Identify how to administer first aid to a casualty affected by sudden poisoning” to “Identify how to administer first aid to a casualty with suspected sudden poisoning”.
AC 7.3 has been removed.
AC 8.1 has been removed.
AC 8.2 and 8.3 are now AC 8.1 and 8.2, respectively.
NEW – AC 8.3 – “Demonstrate the use of a ‘training device’ adrenaline auto-injector”.
Assessment requirements and/or guidance have been added to support Centres delivering this qualification.
Paediatric First Aid & Emergency Paediatric First Aid
Emergency Paediatric First Aid K/615/2495
The following changes have been made to the unit:
AC 3.2 has been changed from “Demonstrate CPR using an infant and a child manikin” to “Demonstrate CPR using an infant manikin and a child manikin”.
AC 3.3 has been changed from “Justify when to place an infant or a child into the recovery position” to “Identify when to place an infant or a child into the recovery position”.
AC 4.1 has been changed from “Identify when choking is: Mild, Severe” to “Identify when an infant or a child is choking”.
AC 5.1 has been changed from “Identify the severity of external bleeding for an infant and a child” to “Identify whether external bleeding is life-threatening”.
Assessment requirements and/or guidance have been added to support Centres delivering this qualification.
Paediatric First Aid
Managing paediatric illness, injuries and emergenciesM/615/2496The following changes have been made to the unit:
“Diabetic emergency” has been changed to “Diabetic hypoglycaemic emergency” in AC 4.1 and 4.2
Assessment requirements and/or guidance have been added to support Centres delivering this qualification.
Manual Changes
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We have reworded the second paragraph and bullet points regarding a secondary survey. This now reads, “Use all your senses to look, listen and feel your way down the casualty’s body, without any unnecessary movement of the casualty. Ask yourself, bystanders and the casualty some simple questions to gather information, including:
Signs such as swelling, deformities or bleeding
Symptoms such as pain, the location of any pain, when the pain started, description of the pain and how the pain is affected by movement or breathing
Allergies the casualty may have
Past medical history
What the casualty has recently had to eat and drink
Any medication the casualty may have had
Event history leading to the illness or injury”.
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We have added a sentence to step 4 of the recovery position process, stating, “A heavily pregnant woman should always be placed on her left side”.
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We have added in a sentence that states both arterial and venous bleeding is a life-threatening emergency.
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We have added an additional bullet point concerning the treatment of seizures stating, “When the seizure has stopped, place them into the recovery position to maintain an open airway”.
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We have added additional information concerning the treatment of:
Grazes
Small Cuts
Bruises
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We have adjusted the application time regarding using an ice pack to treat a bruise from “10 minutes” to “20 minutes”. We have added further information regarding the treatment of small splinters. This states “Clean the area around the splinter with warm water and soap. Do not attempt to remove them with things like needles as this may push the splinter deeper and cause more damage. If possible, brush the splinter off with a blunt edge, your finger or use a pair of tweezers. Once the splinter is removed, lightly squeeze the wound to encourage a light bleed. This will remove any potential dirt”.
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We have adjusted paragraphs relating to eye injuries for both dust particles and chemicals.
For chemicals, we now state, “Put on protective gloves and flush the eye immediately with eyewash or clean running water for at least 20 minutes. Ensure contaminated water does not splash on either individual or the uninjured eye. Contact lenses should be removed if possible. Call 999/112 for emergency assistance. Chemically based eye injuries should be seen by an eye doctor”.
The general wording for dust particles has been adjusted to provide more clarity.
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We have added detail concerning the treatment of splinters stating, “Wash around the wound with water and soap”.
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We have updated the following regarding the acronym RICE:
Ice – We now state a maximum time of 20 minutes for the application of an ice pack or cold compress
Comfort – This was previously compression but has been updated to align with published information from St. Johns Ambulance.
NEW – We have added section 6.8/7.7, which discusses the purpose of an elevated and support sling, along with a step-by-step of how these are created.
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We have added additional information concerning the use of an auto-injector.
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We have adjusted the guidance concerning the treatment of asthma. The manual now advises that a casualty should take one puff from their own reliever inhaler every 30 to 60 seconds up to a maximum of ten puffs.
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We have added information concerning the treatment of febrile convulsions stating, “While the febrile convulsion is being experienced, ensure objects are cleared from around the area. Place pillows and soft padding around the child.
Avoid restraining the casualty and do not put anything in their mouth. Keep the casualty cool. Once the seizure has subsided, place them into the recovery position and call 999/112”.
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We have added information concerning the treatment of meningitis, stating, “While you wait for medical assistance, give the casualty plenty of water to replace lost fluids, along with monitoring their response levels”.
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We have added “throbbing headache” as an additional way to recognise heat stroke.
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We have added additional information concerning the treatment of chemical burns stating “Remove contaminated clothing. Brush dry chemicals off the skin. Running water can be used to wash chemicals from the burn area. Ensure appropriate protective clothing is used”.
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We have added further information concerning the treatment of corrosive and non-corrosive substances.
This states, “For both corrosive and non-corrosive substances the first aider should always ensure they are safe. Information about the poison should be provided when ringing 999/112 if possible. Always protect the casualty’s airway and monitor breathing. Should resuscitation be needed, ensure PPE and barrier devices are used.
Corrosive substances on the skin should be diluted and washed away using water.
Where a casualty has swallowed a corrosive substance, have them rinse their mouth with frequent sips of milk and water, if they are responsive”.
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We have updated a bullet point within the treatment of stings from “Keep the ice pack/cold compress in place for a minimum of ten minutes” to “Keep the ice pack/cold compress on for at least 20 minutes. Where the sting is in the mouth, have the casualty suck on an ice cube or sip cold water”.
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We have adjusted the intervals concerning repeated uses of an auto-injector to treat anaphylaxis from 5-15 minutes to 5 minutes, aligning with current guidance.
Additionally, an additional symptom of anaphylaxis being rapid on-set has been added.
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We have added additional information concerning the use of aspirin to treat a heart attack. In addition to making sure a casualty is not allergic, aspirin should not be provided to a casualty under the age of 16.
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We have added an additional bullet point concerning the treatment of seizures stating, “Once any jerky movements have subsided and it is established that the casualty is breathing, place them into the recovery position”.
Assessment Record Changes
Paediatric First Aid & Emergency Paediatric First Aid
Emergency Paediatric First Aid K/615/2495
Assessment Criteria 3.2
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Assessment Criteria 3.3
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
“Unresponsive and breathing normally” changed to “Unresponsive, uninjured, does not need CPR and is breathing normally” regarding when placing a child or infant in the recovery position.
Assessment Criteria 3.3
Added answer “Open and check breathing post-seizure”. This will be marked as a valid answer. This addition is based on indicative content from the FAAOF.
Assessment Criteria 4.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Assessment Criteria 5.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Assessment Criteria 7.1
Stings – added an answer to “give sips of cold water, if the sting is in the mouth”.
Bumps/Bruises – updated answer to reference maximum time for application of a cold compress to be 20 minutes
Paediatric First Aid – Managing paediatric illness, injuries and emergencies M/615/2496
Assessment criteria 1.2
The “c” in the acronym RICE has been changed to “comfort” from “compression” to align with St. Johns Ambulance.
Assessment Criteria 4.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Added a question concerning the recognition of an allergic reaction.
Assessment Criteria 4.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Assessment Criteria 5.1
Added a question concerning the recognition of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Assessment Criteria 7.2
The answer has been expanded to account for electrical and chemical burns treatment.
First Aid at Work & Emergency First Aid at Work
Emergency First Aid at Work R/616/0431
Learning outcome two has been updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Assessment Criteria 3.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Assessment Criteria 3.5 has been changed to 3.6
Additional answer added, “Be prepared to resuscitate”. This will be marked as a valid answer.
Assessment Criteria 4.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Assessment Criteria 5.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Assessment Criteria 6.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Assessment Criteria 7.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Bruise answer has been changed from “Reduce swelling with ice on the wound for 10 minutes and apply pressure. If no ice, then cold water” to “Reduce swelling by applying
something cold against the injury for at least 20 minutes. This can include an ice pack or something frozen wrapped in a towel”. This aligns with St. Johns Ambulance.
An additional row has been added to the answer table relating to the nosebleeds and the administration of first aid.
Assessment Criteria 7.2
Expanded the answer relating to the initial treatment of burns.
Assessment Criteria 3.4
Learners are now required to place a pregnant casualty in the recovery position correctly.
NEW – Assessment Criteria 3.5
Learners must now demonstrate continual monitoring of breathing whilst the casualty is in the recovery position. The learner must continually check for normal breathing?
Assessment Criteria 4.2
Learners are now required to encourage a casualty to cough when providing first aid for a casualty is choking.
Assessment Criteria 5.2
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
First Aid at Work Recognition and Management of Illness and Injury in the Workplace Y/616/0432
Assessment criteria 2.2
The “c” in the acronym RICE has been changed to “comfort” from “compression” to align with St. Johns Ambulance.
Assessment criteria 4.1 has now been removed.
Assessment criteria 4.2 now becomes Assessment criteria 4.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
“Flail Chest” changed to “Fractured Ribs” in the answer grid.
Assessment Criteria 5.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Assessment Criteria 5.2
Part c changed from “How long should you cool the affected area when you are faced with a chemical burn?” to “List how you would treat a chemical burn”.
Further detail added to the answer relating to treating a chemical burn. The answer now reads, “Cool the burn down for a minimum of 20 minutes. Ensure own safety as well as those nearby. Brush away dry chemicals. Irrigate with copious amounts of water (unless contra-indicated). Treat the face and eyes with priority.
Assessment Criteria 7.1
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Assessment Criteria 7.2
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
Added an additional question based on first aid of corrosive and non-corrosive substances.
Assessment Criteria 7.3 has been removed
Assessment Criteria 8.1 has been removed.
Assessment Criteria 8.2 and 8.3 become 8.1 and 8.2.
Assessment Criteria 1.2
A tick box has been added for confirmation that a head to toe survey was conducted on a casualty with a continually monitored or protected airway (e.g. a conscious casualty or a casualty placed in the recovery position).
Assessment Criteria 3.3
Assessment criteria updated as per FAAOF guidance.
NEW – Assessment Criteria 8.3
Demonstrate the use of a ‘training device’ adrenaline auto-injector
Did the learner...
...assess the situation?
...demonstrate how to use an adrenaline auto-injector (training device)?
...indicate how many times and how often an auto-injector can be used?
...demonstrate preparedness for the onset of shock?
...demonstrate preparedness to resuscitate?
A tick box has been added stating the learner has understood the procedure for using an adrenaline auto-injector.
The specification and electronic assessment records will be made available from Friday 1st April 2022. Physical assessment records and manuals will be made available to order from Friday 1st April 2022. Centres will be allowed to work through their stock of assessment records and manuals; however, we encourage a transition to the most current materials as soon as possible.
Before the Friday 1st April 2022, Centres can use the following links to access updated specifications:
These will be made accessible through your TQUK Management Suite dashboard from Friday 1st April 2022.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at qualifications@tquk.org.