Requirements for a first aid standby volunteer

What is required of a first aid standby volunteer?

• Red Cross membership
• At least 18 years of age (from the age of 16, one may participate as a trainee)
• Good physical, mental and social condition
• Active participation in first aid group training sessions
• Basic first aid course (FA1)
• Basic course for first aid standby volunteers
• Knowledge of and compliance with the first aid standby service quality guidelines
• Organisational knowledge (the Red Cross basic course is recommended)
• Radio/communication skills (training recommended)
• Basic fire extinguishing skills (recommended)
• Psychological support skills (training recommended)
• Annual competence verification
• Duty of confidentiality

Role and responsibility

The most important role of a first aid standby volunteer is to provide first aid and advise on health-related matters. The home care and follow-up care instructions given are important for the client's recovery. The standby volunteer must also take note of situations or locations that may cause accidents or injuries and report these to the event organiser.

The standby volunteer is responsible for their actions to the standby duty supervisor, the local branch's liaison person, and through them to their branch's board and the organisation. A commitment to a standby duty assignment is binding. In the event of an obstacle, the standby volunteer must immediately notify the standby duty supervisor or liaison person.

The first aid standby volunteer must behave appropriately and in a manner befitting the situation. They must ensure the cleanliness and tidiness of both themselves and the standby station. The standby volunteer must be able to direct people to the locations of the public toilets, information points, healthcare professionals and the nearest health centre. They must be familiar with the Red Cross's forms of activity and, in particular, their own local branch's operations. In this way, they can inform those interested in the activities and encourage them to get involved in Red Cross work.

Trainee

A person aged at least 16 who has completed at least the FA1 course and demonstrated sufficient knowledge and skills may participate in first aid standby services as a trainee. They may wear the standby vest with the organisation's emblem and must have a name badge on their lapel.