FAQ
Why is it important for companies to provide first aid training for their staff
According to the law, employers must ensure that adequate first aid readiness is in place within the company. Practically, this means that the company must be prepared to provide first aid to employees and others present at the workplace. Occupational health services assess the level of first aid readiness required for a company. This assessment depends on the type of work conducted and the working conditions of the company’s staff. Based on this assessment, occupational health services, in collaboration with the employer's representative, design how the company’s first aid readiness will be implemented in practice.
A company's first aid readiness consists of both first aid training for its staff and first aid equipment.
Read more: https://www.tyosuojelu.fi/tyoterveys-ja-tapaturmat/ensiapuvalmius
How does Kela relate to first aid training?
Any company with at least a statutory occupational health care agreement can apply for reimbursement from Kela for expenses incurred in maintaining workplace first aid readiness. Reimbursements can be granted for both the purchase of first aid equipment and staff first aid training as part of preventive occupational health care. The reimbursement amount can be up to 60% of the cost of the first aid course, including the course fee and any travel expenses for the instructor.
To be eligible for reimbursement, the following conditions must be met:
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An occupational health professional must have assessed the accident risk in a workplace assessment, and based on this assessment, determined the need for first aid training and equipment.
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Identified needs must be documented in the occupational health care action plan.
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The reimbursement ceiling set by Kela for other occupational health care expenses has not yet been reached.
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The first aid training must be conducted by a healthcare professional who has completed official first aid instructor training.
How do the Basic First Aid Course (16h) and the Red Cross EA1 Course differ?
In 2017, the Finnish Red Cross (SPR) transformed its first aid training operations into a profit-driven business. This means that their EA1 courses are part of their commercial offerings. It is important to note that both the Basic First Aid Course offered by Ensiapumestari and the SPR's EA1 course provide exactly the same qualification. For example, if a job posting requires a valid EA1 certification, a certificate obtained from Ensiapumestari’s Basic First Aid Course will also be acceptable.
EA1 and EA2 courses are specific to the Finnish Red Cross and are not "official standards" in the field.
How often should first aid training be conducted?
First aid training for company staff should be renewed at least every three years. This is a widely accepted standard in the field, which is also monitored by the Regional State Administrative Agency (AVI). Ensiapumestari’s courses are always valid for three years and are approved by Kela. You will also receive a certificate upon completion of the courses.
Why Choose Ensiapumestari?
Our instructor is the experienced nurse and advanced-level paramedic Aapo Liukko. With over eight years of diverse experience in healthcare, Aapo specializes in acute and emergency care. He has worked in emergency departments across multiple hospitals in Finland and in urgent care across two different wellbeing regions. His expertise is further enriched by international experience in London and Chicago. Aapo is currently completing his master's degree in Acute and Emergency Care Development and Management at Oulu University of Applied Sciences. Additionally, he has completed advanced training as a first aid instructor.
Aapo is known for his sense of humor, calm demeanor, and approachability. He personally leads all training sessions at Ensiapumestari. In our courses, participants have the opportunity to practice CPR, the recovery position, and the Heimlich maneuver. Additionally, Aapo shares real-life stories from the field of emergency care.
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