In every Irish workplace, trained First Aid Responders play a vital role in safeguarding employees and visitors. However, initial training is only part of the equation. For skills to remain effective and for your organisation to stay compliant with Irish health and safety legislation, First Aid Responder (FAR) training must be refreshed regularly.
The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) mandates that all FAR certificates are valid for two years. To retain certification and legal compliance, employers must ensure their trained responders complete the FAR Refresher Course before expiry. This blog post outlines when and why to schedule refresher training and the risks of letting certification lapse.
Why First Aid Refresher Training Is So Important
First aid is a perishable skill. While initial training builds a solid foundation, responders who do not regularly practise their skills may struggle to respond quickly or correctly during a medical emergency. This can have serious consequences in critical moments, especially in high-risk work environments.
Refresher training ensures staff can confidently perform CPR, use an AED, manage injuries, and communicate effectively under pressure. It also updates responders on any changes to national protocols or guidelines and helps maintain the overall safety culture in your business.
Legal Obligations and Certification Requirements
Under Irish workplace health and safety law, employers must ensure that trained first aiders hold a valid and up-to-date certificate. PHECC requires FAR-trained staff to renew their qualification every two years by completing an approved First Aid Responder Refresher course.
Failing to renew certification within this timeframe invalidates the qualification. This puts your business at risk of non-compliance, which could result in fines, enforcement notices, or increased liability in the event of an incident.
Scheduling FAR refresher training ahead of the expiry date is essential for continuous compliance and uninterrupted emergency readiness.
What Is Involved in the First Aid Refresher Course
The FAR Refresher course is a two-day training programme designed to review and reinforce the knowledge and practical skills gained during the original FAR course. It covers:
- Recognising and responding to life-threatening conditions
- CPR and AED use
- Treatment of injuries and common medical emergencies
- Patient comfort and safety
- Updated national guidelines or procedural changes
The course concludes with a practical skills assessment and a written exam to ensure participants are fully prepared to act as competent First Aid Responders.
Who Should Attend a FAR Refresher Course
Any employee who completed the PHECC-accredited First Aid Responder course and is approaching the two-year expiry date of their certificate must attend the refresher training. It is suitable for all industries, including offices, warehouses, healthcare settings, retail outlets, hospitality venues, and more.
Participants must provide a valid in-date FAR certificate as a prerequisite. If the certificate has expired, the full three-day FAR course must be taken again.
Benefits of On-Site Refresher Training for Irish Employers
Handle with Care delivers all refresher training directly at client premises anywhere in Ireland. This flexible approach offers several advantages:
- Reduced downtime and disruption
- Training in a familiar environment
- Tailored instruction based on your workplace setting
- Cohesive team learning
- More efficient staff scheduling
On-site delivery allows you to refresh multiple staff certifications at once, helping maintain your compliance and improving emergency readiness across your entire team.
Don’t Let Certification Expire — Plan Ahead
It is the responsibility of the employer to track certification dates and schedule refresher training accordingly. Booking early ensures availability, especially during peak periods. Keeping an accurate record of each employee’s training status helps avoid gaps in compliance and keeps your safety standards high.
Setting internal reminders and scheduling refresher courses every 18–20 months gives you enough time to prepare and ensures no one falls out of certification.
Why Choose Handle with Care for First Aid Refresher Training
We specialise in delivering certified workplace first aid training, including FAR Refresher Courses, at your business premises. All training is conducted by qualified instructors with healthcare and emergency response backgrounds and follows the official PHECC standard.
We work exclusively with businesses and organisations — no public courses or individual bookings — allowing us to fully focus on corporate needs. From Dublin and surrounding counties to Cork, Limerick, Galway and beyond, we’re committed to raising safety standards through high-quality training.
Keep Your Team Trained and Your Business Compliant
First Aid Responder Refresher training is more than just a formality. It ensures your staff are ready to act, your legal obligations are met, and your business is protected.
Contact us today to schedule your two-day FAR refresher course, delivered at your premises anywhere in Ireland.
Book Your On-Site Refresher Course
Handle with Care offers PHECC-accredited First Aid Responder Refresher training for workplace teams. We provide group training at your premises nationwide.
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