Age, Accessibility, and Empowering Heroes: Guidance on Our First Aid and Wellbeing Courses

One question we sometimes receive is about the appropriate age for our training courses, specifically our First Aid and Fundamental Wellbeing (which includes Mental Health First Aid). It’s a really important question, and the answer involves balancing accessibility with suitability and safety.

Our First Aid and Fundamental Wellbeing courses are primarily designed with adult learners in mind. The content, pace, and teaching methodologies are generally geared towards an adult audience.

However, does that mean there’s a strict minimum age cut-off?

Not necessarily. We firmly believe that age alone should not be an absolute barrier to gaining these vital skills, wherever possible and appropriate. Empowering more people, regardless of age, to become confident “heroes on standby” is a core part of our mission.

The Critical Consideration: Course Content

While we strive for accessibility, the most crucial factor in deciding if a course is suitable for a younger individual (particularly those under 16) is the course content itself.

Our First Aid courses cover potentially serious situations and require a level of maturity to understand and respond effectively. Our Fundamental Wellbeing courses, similarly, delve into sensitive topics related to mental health, distress, and difficult conversations.

Before accepting a younger participant onto a course, it is essential to carefully consider whether the specific content is appropriate for their age and emotional maturity. Discussing the course outline and potential topics beforehand with the individual and their parent or guardian is strongly advised. We want to ensure the learning experience is positive, beneficial, and not overwhelming.

Our Approach and Recommendations:

1. Adult Focus: The courses are primarily designed for adults.
2. Assessment Standards: Any participant, regardless of age, must be able to meet the same assessment criteria to pass the course.
3. Under 16s: For learners under 16, while we aim to be accessible where suitable, we strongly recommend the presence of a responsible adult or chaperone during the training.
4. Content Suitability: This is paramount. A careful review and discussion of the course content must take place beforehand to ensure it is appropriate for the individual’s age and maturity.
5. Case-by-Case Basis: Ultimately, decisions about younger learners attending will be made on a careful, case-by-case basis, with suitability and safety as the top priorities.

Why Empowering Younger People Matters

Consider the example of a teenager who babysits. Most parents would feel much more comfortable knowing their 15-year-old caregiver had completed Paediatric First Aid training and knew how to handle common childhood emergencies. Equally, knowing how to have supportive conversations or recognise signs of distress (skills covered in Fundamental Wellbeing) could be invaluable in peer interactions or unexpected situations.

These skills aren’t just for designated “responders”; they are life skills that can benefit anyone, anywhere.

Finding the Right Balance

So, it’s a balance. It’s not about setting arbitrary age limits, but about ensuring the training is safe, suitable, and effective for every participant. With careful consideration and open communication, we can determine if a course is the right fit.

Our long-term goal remains to promote as many “heroes on standby” as possible, equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make a difference in emergencies, both physical and mental.

(Keep an eye out for some very exciting future developments we have planned regarding specific training programs for children in First Aid and mental health skills! More details coming soon!)