Every Unit should have a minimum of one Leader with a current 1st Response qualification and it is a requirement for a First Aider to be present at any Guiding activity.
Girlguiding's 1st Response training has had a revamp and when your qualification expires (after three years), you will need to complete the full six hour course again. This has been broken down into three modules: Life Support; Trauma and Injury; and Major Illnesses. There is also an e-learning element which you can access by clicking here.
You need to complete all three elements either face-to-face or module 2 and 3 online (4 hours) and module 1 (2 hours) face to face. If you're interested in attending a 1st Response training, speak to your unit leader, or local commissioner, who will be able to let you know what upcoming training events are planned in your area. Trainings may also be listed on your county's website. Before you attend these trainings, your GO record must show that you have completed the Girlguiding e-learning. All elements of your training must be completed within a 3-month period.
If you hold a valid full first aid qualification outside of Girlguiding, you may not need to attend a 1st Response course. Such courses are provided and accredited by organisations or governing bodies like St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, British Canoeing, the Football Association or the Health and Safety Executive. The course must take at least six hours to complete. If part of the 1st Response syllabus is not covered by this training, you will need to attend the relevant 1st Response session.
If you are a doctor, nurse or other health care professional, you will need to provide evidence to show that in the past year you have completed training such as BLS, ILS or ALS.
All recognised prior learning or external courses will need to be verified by the Region Team. Please complete the following:
- check the list of topics we need you to have covered, if you feel confident in them that's great!
- complete the short 1st Response eLearning course which takes around 15 minutes to complete; simply search within the learning platform or click this link
- To ensure that your qualification completely covers the First Response syllabus please can you complete and sign this form – any elements that are not covered, please add comments “not completed” on the statement. Please ensure you include any certificate(s) and other specified documents on the form.
Once you have completed this, please send in your certificate(s), accompanying documents and the signed form to
Click here to see the 1st Response syllabus.
Click here to go to the Region's Events Booking Site.
