Progress Update on the Occupational First Aid and First Aid Response Transition Project

The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council and the Health and Safety Authority are continuing to progress the transition of OFA to FAR as the national standard for first aid in the workplace.

 

Key considerations discussed between the two regulators include:

• PHECC Recognised Institutions’ current and future capacity to support OFA instructors to become FAR instructors through the established process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
  
  This building capacity is taking shape over the past several months with increasing numbers of RIs being approved to deliver FAR instructor courses. The RPL process is detailed in the FAR Education and Standards. RIs seeking to provide the FAR Instructor course must demonstrate robust processes for this, which includes instructor assessment and exam.
  
  There has also been an appreciable increase amongst our RIs applying to deliver the FAR provider course.  See our webpage for up to date information on the RIs and FAR course delivery.
  
  
• Recognition of OFA as a minor award within National Framework of Qualifications
  
  Representatives of PHECC, HSA and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) recently met to examine the OFA to FAR changeover and the implications for learners in relation to the OFA 5N1207 minor award.   

The FAR Education and Training Standards incorporate the instruction of FAR students to complete the Ambulatory Care Report (ACR) as part of their provision of care.  First Aid Responders seeking to obtain ACRs for their organisation should be advised to contact PHECC with their request – Email info@phecc.ie.  PHECC Clinical Record Management Guidelines are under review with additional guidance to be shared with our stakeholders.    

Updates regarding the transition timeline and other related matters for OFA to FAR will be shared on the PHECC website and Facebook.  Queries should be sent to far@phecc.ie.