Go in depth into the different methods of First Aid to help those at all ages no matter what the injury.
The Girlguiding 16 Hour First Response (VTQ) is a comprehensive two-day first aid qualification designed to give learners the knowledge, confidence and practical ability to respond effectively to a wide range of accidents, illnesses and medical emergencies. It is particularly suitable for Girlguiding and Scouting members, volunteers, families and individuals who require extensive first aid training but do not need to complete the HSE First Aid at Work qualification.
The qualification includes 16 guided learning hours and a total qualification time of approximately 18 hours. Training is delivered over two days and combines instructor-led theory with practical demonstrations, learner participation and formal practical and theoretical assessments.
Throughout the course, learners are taught how to assess an incident safely, carry out primary and secondary surveys, obtain consent, minimise the risk of infection and summon appropriate emergency assistance. The programme also develops an understanding of the responsibilities of a first aider and the importance of maintaining personal safety while providing care.
A significant part of the qualification focuses on life-threatening emergencies. Learners practise adult, child and infant CPR, the correct use of an automated external defibrillator, recovery positions and the management of conscious and unconscious choking. The course also covers heart attacks, angina, strokes, seizures and the recognition and treatment of a casualty who is unresponsive.
Learners also develop practical skills in managing external bleeding, including the use of tourniquets and haemostatic dressings, and in recognising and treating different forms of shock, including hypovolaemic shock and anaphylaxis. Minor injuries such as cuts, grazes, bruises, splinters, burns and scalds are also addressed.
The course includes detailed guidance on the assessment and treatment of head, spinal, eye and dental injuries, as well as fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, crush injuries and chest injuries. Learners are also introduced to safe helmet removal and the management of conditions such as concussion, cerebral compression, skull fractures, penetrating chest injuries and flail chest.
In addition, the qualification explores a broad range of medical conditions and environmental emergencies, including asthma, diabetes, meningitis, sepsis, heat stroke, hypothermia, poisoning, electrocution, bites, stings and tick removal. This broad syllabus helps learners prepare for the types of incidents that may arise during Girlguiding, Scouting, outdoor, community and family activities.
Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the differences in first aid treatment for adults, children and infants. This includes age-appropriate CPR, choking procedures, recovery positions and casualty care, helping learners respond confidently and appropriately when supporting people of different ages.
There are no specific formal entry requirements, although learners should ideally have literacy and numeracy skills at Level 2 or an equivalent standard. The qualification is suitable for learners aged 14 and over and may support progression to further training, including First Aid at Work, Immediate Life Support or First Responder on Scene qualifications.
The qualification is CPD Certified and is designed to reflect relevant HSE requirements and current UK and European Resuscitation Council guidance. Successful learners receive a ProTrainings certificate and a certified CPD statement, together with access to supporting resources through the ProTrainings learner portal.
The content of this and all our courses has been independently certified as conforming to universally accepted Continuous Professional Development (CPD) guidelines and come with a Certified CPD Statement as well as a ProTrainings Certificate and for online courses an Evidence Based Learning statement.
