First aid basics for school staff
Schools have a legal duty to have first aid arrangements in place. This course covers the basics every member of staff needs to know, including their role in first aid, how to use the primary survey and what to do after an incident.
Who it's for
All school staff
This course is intended as an overview of the first aid requirements for schools and staff, and to offer guidance about the first steps to take in response to an incident.
It isn’t a substitute for in-person first aid training, and completing it will not make the user a qualified first aider.
This course covers:
- What first aid is
- Legal requirements for schools and individuals
- The primary survey
- Recording and reporting first aid incidents
Note that this course focuses on the role of school staff in first aid. It does not cover specific medical incidents. For more support on responding to specific medical needs and allergies, see the sources linked below.
We want our training to be a positive experience for all learners. If you have any access needs (for example, a visual impairment or dyslexia), please let us know to see how we can help by contacting [email protected].
We'd love to hear your feedback
If you've completed this course, we'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Our feedback form takes about 3 to 5 minutes to complete.
Sources
- First aid in schools, early years and further education, Department for Education
- From DR ABC to DR C ABCE - What First Aiders Need to Know, First Class First Aid
- Frequently asked questions on first aid, Health and Safety Executive
- Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools, Department for Education
Course updates
We've updated this course to include the key takeaways document.
Additional resources
Training to meet your statutory requirements
First aid provision: requirements and giudance
Find out how to comply with requirements on first aid provision in schools and early years settings.
Supporting pupils with medical needs: asthma, diabetes and epilepsy
Help your school meet its statutory requirements and strengthen staff confidence.
Supporting pupils with medical needs
Use this 30-minute course to help all staff understand their responsibilities in supporting pupils with medical needs. This includes how to effectively use individual healthcare plans (IHPs) and provide social and emotional support to pupils.
Allergies and anaphylaxis for school staff
Learn how to support pupils with allergies as part of your new statutory duty (known as Benedict's Law) from September 2026.