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First Aid Training for Rugby

The RFU joined forces with STA, the lifesaving and first aid specialists in the sports and leisure sectors, in 2005 to develop the RFU Sports First Aid course for rugby coaches and volunteers.

Following demand STA have now introduced a greater element of pitch side and rugby specific training to the course, which adds a large value to the RFU Emergency First Aid for Sport course over others pitched to volunteers within the game. To avoid the course becoming overly lengthy as a result, these rugby specific training scenarios and some useful background information have been developed as a pre-course module which is accessible online.

The RFU Emergency First Aid for Sport course comprises the STA Level 2 Award for Emergency First Aid for Sport that is on the National Qualification Framework (NQF). This contains two units comprising the HSE Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification with an extra rugby sports related injuries unit which prepare volunteers, coaches and officials for their work pitch-side. The course emphasises the RFU requirements regarding injury reporting, the management of concussion, spinal injuries and functional testing to determine the ability to “return to play”.

This course will not only provide attendees with the reassurance of a quality training product and accredited tutors, but also provides volunteers, coaches and officials with a nationally recognised unitised qualification that is transferable to the workplace, other sports or other qualifications (i.e. coaching).

The RFU Emergency First Aid for Sport course compromises of a recommended 4 hours distance learning through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and 6 hours contact with a tutor.

Candidates will learn how to deal with a range of First Aid situations that occur within rugby. By the end of the course candidates will:

• Understand the role of the First Aider.
• Know how to assess an emergency situation and act appropriately.
• Provide First Aid for an unresponsive casualty.
• Recognise the requirement for and administer Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation.
• Recognise and administer first aid to a person who is choking.
• Recognise and administer first aid to a casualty who is wounded and bleeding.
• Recognise and manage a casualty who is suffering from shock.
• Know how to provide First Aid for minor injuries.
• Recognise and administer First Aid to a casualty who is suffering from sports related concussion.
• Recognise and administer First Aid to a casualty who is suffering from sports related wounds and bleeding.
• Recognise and administer First Aid to a casualty who is suffering from bone injuries.
• Recognise and administer First Aid to a casualty who is suffering from sports related head and spinal injuries.
• Recognise and administer First Aid to a casualty who is suffering from a sports related supporting tissue injury.

The course includes continuous assessment of practical skills and a worksheet test of theoretical knowledge. The qualification is valid for three years and is easily revalidated.

  Download the Course Data Sheet

  Download the Sports Concussion Assessment Tool - Version 2

How to Book:

1. Clubs, schools, colleges or individuals can book onto an RFU Emergency First Aid for Sport course by going to: www.trainsta.co.uk or by clicking the button at the bottom of this page.
2. Once candidates have registered and paid they will be issued via email an access code for the pre-course learning module.
3. This module MUST be completed and a certificate printed off before their practical course takes place. Candidates will not be able to pass the course without this certificate being examined by the course tutor.
4. If the candidate successfully completes the pre-course learning and the practical training then a certificate will be automatically issued in the following few weeks.

Cost : Registration fees of £65.00 per person includes training manual, certificate, tutor, first aid training kit and access to online programme.

Refund process: In the instance of a course cancellation, refunds will be made less £20.00 administration fee.  This covers the cost of candidates receiving the access code to complete the online unit.  However, if a course is cancelled, the online unit certifiicate can be used to attend another RFU Course at a different venue.

Please note a credit/debit card is required to book onto a course.

Tutor:Student ratio : Maximum permitted 1:12, minimum of 1:10 permitted.  

 Got any questions? Email: rugbyonline@sta.co.uk,  health@rfu.com or visit www.community-rugby.com