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Changes Made To First Aid Qualification

During 2016/17 and 2017/2018 season a review was undertaken across all Medical Training provision, with changes now taking place.

Policy change to Medical recertification

The Context

During 2016/17 and 2017/2018 season a review was undertaken across all Medical Training provision. This included undertaking research into other National Governing Bodies and gaining advice from the FA Legal team. One critical outcome from the findings was the need for football specific training to be included into courses, with an emphasis on saving a life and limb in football.

This football specific aspect of medical training is not covered through generic First Aid Courses, which we currently accept for renewal. Therefore a new and revised list of equivalent courses and prior learning for occupational professionals has been created. This change impacts the range of non-FA First Aid Medical qualifications we accept as accredited prior learning when coaches undertake their FA Level 1 Introduction First Aid in Football (IFAiF) renewal after 3 years.

To support the recommendations, an impact analysis for the grassroots game was undertaken on the number of non-FA Medical certificates we currently accept for renewals across The FA Level 1 IFAiF. The average over the previous four seasons was 425 learners per season, which is approximately 1% of the overall volume of FA Level 1 IFAiF courses delivered by County FAs.

The Change

The change impacts candidates during their recertification after 3 years across both the FA Level 1 Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF) and the FA Level 2 Emergency Aid in Football (EFAiF).

All coaches must initially attend The FA courses as part of their FA coach training. Any exemptions apply on renewals only.

In addition all exemptions must be supported by evidence of completing the online FA modules for Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Concussion.

FA Level 1 – Introduction to First Aid in Football (IFAiF)

From 1 August 2018 the following courses will be accepted instead of The FA Level 1 IFAiF at the point of recertification Hampden National Sports First Aid course

  • World Rugby First Aid in Rugby Level 1 course
  • RFU Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union Level 1 course
  • Irish Rugby Union SAFE Level 1 course
  • Corobeus Sports Consultancy Emergency First Aid in Sport course
  • St Johns Basic Sports First Aid
  • The Red Cross First Aid for Sports Course
  • Fitness First Aid Level 3 award in First Aid for Sport (RQF)
  • ITC Level 3 Award in First Aid for Sport, Exercise and Fitness ITC Certificate for Sport Exercise and Fitness at SCQF Level 6

Allied Health Care Professionals

All Health Care professionals are required to initially attend The FA Level 1 IFAiF. At the point of recertification after 3 years, allied health care professionals must show evidence of their professional qualifications and relevant training, which must be one of:

  • Advanced Life Support
  • Advanced Trauma Life Support
  • Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support
  • Paediatric intermediate life support
  • Paediatric advanced life support

 FA Level 2 – Emergency First Aid in Football (EFAiF)

From 1 August 2018 the following courses will be accepted instead of The FA Level 2 EFAiF at the point of recertification.

  • Hampden National Sports First Aid course
  • World Rugby First Aid in Rugby Level 1 course
  • RFU Emergency First Aid in Rugby Union Level 1 course
  • Irish Rugby Union SAFE Level 1 course
  • Corobeus Sports Consultancy Emergency First Aid in Sport course

Allied Health Care Professionals

All Health Care professionals are required to initially attend The FA Level 1 IFAiF. At the point of recertification after 3 years, allied health care professionals must show evidence of their professional qualifications and relevant training, which must be one of:

  • Advanced Trauma Life Support
  • Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support

Other exempt professionals

In addition other professionals including Military Service Personnel, Firefighters, Police and Prison Officers will now need to have completed one of the Sports First Aid courses as listed above at the appropriate level and show evidence of completing the online FA modules for Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Concussion. These professions are no longer able to use training completed as part of their job.

What constitutes an Allied Health Care Profession?

  • Paramedics with IHCD paramedic course or Paramedic foundation degree or MSc in Paramedic Science, registered with the HCPC
  • Nurses registered with NMC currently working in an emergency environment (Emergency department)
  • Therapists with registration from BASRAT or SST
  • Physiotherapists registered with the HCPC
  • Doctors registered with the GMC

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