Internal First Aid School Management Model

From Theory to Practice: Why First Aid Became the Starting Point

Teaching practical skills is one of the main challenges for HSE professionals. Vera Konshina, Head of HSE at Yandex Market, shares her experience in creating an internal First Aid School. The presentation details the transition from formal briefings to real skill practice, where first aid became the perfect testing ground for implementing new training approaches.

The speaker explains why first aid was chosen as the starting project. It is not only a vital skill but also an effective tool for taking employees out of their comfort zone. Practical sessions, including tactile contact and stress simulation, increase loyalty to subsequent safety training and promote team building.

The Instructor's Life Cycle: From Candidate to Senior Curator

A key element of a successful school is well-trained instructors. Using a multi-stage training system as an example, the speaker shows how a pool of internal trainers is formed. The process begins with a basic course (minimum 20 hours of face-to-face training), after which candidates undergo specialized training (40 hours) and soft skills workshops.

Special attention is paid to the practical application of teaching skills. Future trainers go from assistant to methodologist, study reference materials, and learn to answer difficult questions from the audience. The culmination of the training is a situational exam where candidates face provocative behavior from "listeners," helping them overcome psychological barriers and learn to manage any audience.

Training Matrix: Adapting to Business Needs

A one-size-fits-all approach to training is often ineffective. The presentation details the process of creating a training matrix that takes into account the specific work of different employee groups. Four main formats were developed:

• Online course: basic theory available to all employees.
• Practical course without situational tasks: practicing basic skills (CPR, bandaging) for line staff.
• Practical course with situational tasks: in-depth training with real-life scenario modeling for managers and responsible persons.
• Refresh training: regular skill updates to maintain readiness for emergencies.

This approach allows for the optimization of time and resources, ensuring the necessary level of preparation for each target audience.

Process Organization: From Communication to Branding

The success of an internal school largely depends on organizational details. The speaker discusses the importance of proper communication with participants. Using messengers for preliminary introductions, collecting requests, and sending reminders significantly increases attendance and audience engagement.

Creating an internal brand for the school plays an equally important role. Developing a logo, special uniforms for instructors, and high-quality handouts builds trust in the project and elevates the status of internal trainers within the company.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to overcome employee resistance when implementing practical training?
• What stages are involved in training internal first aid instructors?
• How to develop a training matrix tailored to the specifics of different departments?
• How to organize effective communication with training participants?
• How to evaluate the economic efficiency of creating an internal first aid school?