§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of front-line firefighters do not hold a current first aid qualification; and what plans the Government have to increase the number who do hold such a qualification. [125002]
§ Mr. Mike O'Brien[holding answer 8 June 2000]Information about the number of firefighters with first aid qualifications is not held by the Home Office and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
The Home Office issued advice to Fire Authorities in 1993 recommending that all firefighters be trained to either 'Trained First Aider' or 'Emergency First Aider' standards. Also, there is an expectation that all firefighters are competent in casualty handling and first aid by virtue of their role.
Fire Authorities are required to comply with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.