The Role and Responsibilities of a First Aider

The role and responsibilities of a first aider

Completing your first aid training is a fantastic achievement. Whether you've qualified as a workplace First Aider or completed a Paediatric First Aid course, you now have the skills to help someone during a medical emergency.

But what does the role of a qualified First Aider actually involve?

In this guide, we'll explain the role and responsibilities of a First Aider, what you're expected to do, what you're not expected to do, and how to stay confident and compliant with current first aid guidance.

What is first aid and what is a first aider?

First aid is the immediate care given to someone who is injured, or becomes suddenly ill, until professional medical help arrives.

As a first aider you are not expected to be a doctor or nurse.

A first aider's role is to;

• Preserve life

• Prevent the condition from becoming worse

• Promote recovery

Your training

The treatment you give could be anything from reassurance and advice to performing CPR. That’s why it’s so important to remember your training and to work within your skill set.

If you've trained with us at Help! First Aid Training, you will have most likely attended one of these courses;

Emergency First Aid at Work – a one-day training course where you will have learned the skills and knowledge to equip you with being first on scene to an emergency situation.

First Aid at Work – a three-day course which covers a wide range of medical emergencies in greater depth.

Re-qualification First Aid at Work - a 2-day update for your First Aid at Work certificate.

Paediatric First Aid – a two-day course essential for anyone working with babies and children.

A First Aider’s role at a first aid scene

When you arrive at a first aid emergency, your training will guide you to:

• Ensure the area is safe.

• Check for a response.

• Call 999 immediately if required.

• Follow the instructions from the emergency call handler.

• Assess breathing.

• Begin appropriate treatment such as CPR if needed.

• Continue monitoring the casualty.

A first aider should never:

• Attempt treatment they haven't been trained to provide.

• Put themselves in danger.

• Move an injured casualty unnecessarily.

• Give food or drink to someone unless advised by a medical professional

• Administer medication unless trained and permitted to do so - the exception to this being an anaphylaxis auto injector or Epipen

A first aider must keep themself safe

• Wear gloves where available.

• Wash hands after treatment.

• Use face shields for rescue breaths if available.

• Avoid contact with bodily fluids.

• Dispose of contaminated waste correctly.

• Consider your own physical safety before entering an incident.

Remember the importance of reassurance

A calm, reassuring First Aider can significantly reduce anxiety. Explain what you're doing, speak clearly and whenever possible, stay with the casualty until help arrives.

Look after your own mental wellbeing

After a serious incident:

• report the incident

• complete all paperwork and records

• speak to your employer - don't be afraid to seek support if the incident has affected you emotionally

Many people don't realise that this is part of looking after yourself as a First Aider.

Does a first aider have any other responsibilities?

Being a first aider isn't just about responding to a first aid call. It's important that you;

1. Keep your training updated - You may have a team in your workplace, who check when training needs to be renewed.

   If not, you need to ensure that you renew your first aid certificate every three years.

   If you need a refresh of your skills, Help! First Aid Training runs First Aid at Work Annual Update courses. This course strongly recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (H.S.E.) and helps you to stay compliant and up-to-date with the latest legislation and first aid techniques.

2. Spot and report hazards – Keep your workplace safe by flagging risks to your manager or Health & Safety team.

3. Know your Equipment – be aware of where equipment such as first aid kits and defibrillators are kept.

4. Stay compliant – Always act within the limit of your skills and training and remember to document and report any treatment you give.

5. Know about Emergency Treatment - If your management team are able to share such information, it’s useful to know if anyone in your workplace suffers with an allergy, or any other condition that might require emergency treatment.

   You can read more about first aid treatment for allergies and anaphylaxis here in our blog.

Can you administer first aid without being qualified?

In the workplace, your employer is responsible for having enough qualified first aiders onsite at all times to handle any first aid emergency.

But outside of work – say you’re in the street and someone collapses – you don’t have to walk away just because you’re unqualified.

If you’re the only person around, you can give first aid within your own ability, as long as you:

• Call 999 immediately.

• Follow the instructions from the emergency operators.

Even the basics, like calling for help, placing someone in the recovery position, or offering reassurance to someone can make a huge difference.

What are the legal and ethical responsibilities of a First Aider?

A First Aider should provide the appropriate care to a casualty without bias, or discrimination.

Whilst we are not legal professionals, it is extremely rare for someone acting in good faith and within the limits of their training to face legal action for providing first aid.

It is important that you keep yourself safe and compliant, so make sure that you;

• Use only first aid techniques that you are trained in

• Always seek professional medical help whenever necessary.

• Document the care you have given accurately and thoroughly.

• Ensure your first aid certificate and training are up to date.

The SARAH Act 2015 (Social Action Responsibility and Heroism) provides extra protection for those administering first aid within England and Wales.

In addition to this, first aid in the workplace is covered by employer’s liability insurance.

The instructors at Help! First Aid Training have around 200 years of combined medical and first aid experience between them and they have never heard of a case of anyone being pursued legally for administering first aid.

The facts are there's a tiny risk, but the reward could be huge. The help you give could save someone's life.

Book Your Training Today

Want to learn more or book a course? We’d love to hear from you!

Whether you're looking to become a workplace First Aider, renew your certificate or learn Paediatric First Aid, Help First Aid Training delivers engaging, practical courses across County Durham, Darlington, Newcastle, Sunderland and the wider North East.

Contact our friendly team today to find the right course for you or your organisation.

We run regular open courses at our Shildon Business Centre in County Durham, and we can also deliver onsite training at your location.

Email: info@helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk

Call us: 01388 417303

Website: www.helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk

Last updated: July 2026. This article reflects current UK first aid guidance, including the latest Resuscitation Council UK recommendations where applicable.