"HSE strongly supports the formation of the Association of First Aiders and wishes it every success. In the past it has always been difficult to communicate with some 1500 approved training organisations. Although we are taking steps to improve this, through the appointment of a network of regional coordinators, there is no doubt that the AoFA has the potential to be an important representative body through which we can communicate and consult with the first aid community. A particularly important aspect of the AoFA is that it will include first aiders as well as training organisations, providing a unique means of communication with the people in the front line."

Dr Richard Elliott
HSE Corporate Medical Unit