Who Needs First Response Training?
Under Scouting rules, completing First Response learning is mandatory for volunteers in the following roles:
- Section Team Leaders and Section Team Members (Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers)
- Group Lead Volunteers
- 14–24 Team Leaders
- Any volunteer reasonably expected to work directly with young people on a regular basis
Key Rules & Timelines:
- 12-Month Rule: Must be completed within 12 months of your appointment date.
- 3-Year Refresh: Certificates are valid for 3 years, after which a refresher course is required.
For detailed national policy context, see the official HQ First Response Guide.
Pick Your Learning Route
Everyone learns differently—choose the option that fits your schedule and learning style best:
- Full 1-Day Course (6 hours): Complete all theoretical and practical learning together in a single face-to-face day. Ideal if you are new to first aid or prefer group learning.
- Blended Learning (~3 hrs online + ~3 hrs face-to-face): Complete the Scout e-learning at home, then join a practical session with a trainer to consolidate skills. Great for flexible, self-paced study.
- Blended Online + Practical: Complete e-learning and join a national online seminar, followed by a short local practical session. (Note: Join a national seminar via Scouts First Response delivery methods and book a local practical session with our trainers).
- Outdoor First Aid (16-Hour Course): Essential for leaders running remote activities (30+ minutes away from immediate help). Fully credits your First Response while qualifying you for outdoor adventure permits. (And yes, holders can wear the adult First Aider badge on their uniform sleeve!)
- External or Professional Qualifications: Existing workplace, paediatric, military, or healthcare first aid qualifications can count. You’ll just need a quick validation check or practical demonstration (such as adult and child CPR) with our County First Aid Team.
- Young Leader Module K: Young Leaders completing Module K cover the First Response syllabus, which transfers to adult roles and remains valid for 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a medical professional, paramedic, or police officer. Do I still need to do the full course?
No. We recognise your existing qualifications and experience! To avoid unnecessary training, you can convert your qualification by showing your up-to-date certificate/credentials to a County First Aid Trainer. They’ll double-check that Scout-specific elements (like youth CPR or meningitis awareness) are covered.
I have a First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work certificate. Does that count?
Yes, but work courses rarely cover child CPR or Scouting-specific illnesses. You don’t need to re-sit the whole course—simply complete the quick First Response Conversion e-learning on My Learning and do a brief practical CPR demo with one of our trainers.
Who pays for the training? Most local Scout Groups or Districts cover or reimburse any course fees for their active volunteers.
What happens if my First Response qualification expires?
If your 3 years run out, you will no longer be considered compliant for your role under POR and cannot act as a lead volunteer for youth activities until your training is updated. We recommend booking a refresher course 2–3 months before your expiry date.
What if I have a physical disability or injury that prevents me doing CPR on the floor?
Reasonable adjustments can easily be made! For example, you can perform CPR on a table or instruct another adult step-by-step through the process. Speak with your course trainer beforehand to arrange what works best for you.
