Whether you’re a full-time medic or a voluntary first aider, it’s important to understand the risks you face.

There’s no doubt – you’re a godsend in our eyes. But have you thought about what could happen if the first aid you provide goes wrong?

Someone claims your first aid worsened an injury. A passer-by trips over your kit and breaks a bone. And those are just the tame ones…

Often first on the scene in an emergency, you’re usually the one applying the pressure. But if you’re hit with a claim, the pressure will be all on you. And you can’t just dress the wound.

First aid insurance is a real lifesaver (just like you), providing access to legal representation and paying any compensation due. It’s the ultimate back up to have in your first aid kit.

Who needs first aid insurance?

All self-employed first aid professionals should have insurance.

From simple first aiders who volunteer at events, to more advanced medical professionals who provide first aid day in, day out. As long as you’ve got a recognised qualification, you can get first aiders insurance that’s tailored to your needs.

If you’re a nominated first aider at your place of work or any other organisation, it’s a good idea to ask them if they have the right insurance to cover you. If not, it’d be sensible to take out your own.

It’s also worth noting that if you only deliver first aid training, you’ll need a different kind of insurance to those out in the field.

Why do first aiders need insurance?

Reacting quickly. Making split-second decisions. Giving hands-on, sometimes lifesaving, treatment. All part and parcel of the job.

But acting in the moment means there’s more room for error. Even though you’ve acted in good faith, you could be held accountable if something goes awry.

No matter how experienced you are, there’s always a chance someone could claim your first aid caused an injury or worsened their problem. Even if you’re found not to be in the wrong, a court case could leave a huge hole in your finances. Medmal claims can cost you tens, if not hundreds, of thousands.

That’s where your insurance comes to the rescue. It’ll pay for all your legal expenses and any compensation pay outs, regardless of whether you’re at fault.

What does first aider insurance cover?

Medical malpractice (aka treatment liability insurance) – this is the most important type of insurance for first aiders.

Say you give someone CPR when they didn’t need it. It causes damage to their lungs, or they break a rib. Or you don’t call for an ambulance when you should have.

Malpractice insurance covers your legal expenses and compensation pay outs if somebody claims you’ve been negligent in your work.

Public liability insurance covers you for accidents and mishaps that aren’t directly related to your work. Breaking someone’s phone whilst giving them first aid for example. You’ll be covered for legal expenses and any compensation due.

If you have any staff, even just one person, it’s a legal requirement to have employers’ liability insurance. It’ll cover you if an employee claims they’ve been injured or become unwell because of working for you.

There are a few other insurances you might want to consider…

First aid equipment can be costly. And you certainly can’t do your job without it. If anything gets lost, stolen or damaged, portable equipment insurance will pay for you to replace it, like for like.

How much does first aid insurance cost?

That all depends on the amount of risk you’re faced with. Do you work solo or have a few employees? What kind of events do you work at?

When it comes to first aid insurance, it’s important to imagine the worst-case scenario and make sure you’re covered for it. If you’re providing emergency first aid, a worst-case scenario could be catastrophic…

The cost of a serious medical malpractice claim could roll into hundreds of thousands of pounds. And could tarnish your reputation too. So really, it’s a no brainer. Whatever the cost, first aid provider insurance is worth every penny.