Our First Three-Day First Aid at Work - FAW Course at Our New Bletchley Venue

Last week we delivered our very first three-day First Aid at Work course using the training centre above Whaddon Way Church in Bletchley.  While this was the first time running this course at the venue, delivering First Aid at Work training itself is very familiar territory.  These are courses we have been running for well over twenty years, across workplaces, training centres, and community venues.

This particular course came about because two separate companies both needed First Aid at Work training for their teams.  Neither quite had the numbers on their own to make an on site course viable, so we coordinated both organisations and brought the groups together at our Bletchley venue.

It proved to be a great solution for everyone involved.

A Few Teething Problems Along the Way

Would it really be a first run in a new venue without a few teething issues?

In the days leading up to the course there was quite a lot happening behind the scenes.

Qualsafe (our awarding organisation) updated their PowerPoint presentations the weekend before the course began.  The latest course manuals were republished on the morning of day one.  National resuscitation guidance was updated at the end of 2025.  And on top of that, the venue installed a brand new (and highly technical) large display-screen TV just before the course started.

None of these changes caused any issues with learning outcomes or assessment, but they did mean a bit of quick adapting.  Thankfully, adapting to change is something that comes naturally when you have been delivering regulated training for as long as we have.

How Did the FAW Course Go?

In short, it went exceptionally well.

Learners travelled to us from Milton Keynes, Olney, Northamptonshire, and Cambridge.  From the very first morning, the group were engaged, supportive of one another, and keen to get involved in the practical elements of the course.

Most attendees worked in office based roles, but several also had responsibility for areas where forklift trucks and warehouse activity were part of everyday operations.  Because of that, we tailored scenarios and discussions to reflect both lower risk office environments and higher risk industrial settings.

That flexibility is a key part of how we deliver training.  First aid only works when it feels relevant to real working life.

Building Real Confidence, Not Just Certificates

Every learner successfully completed the full Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work (RQF), delivered over three full days.

Feedback was extremely positive across the board.  No learner rated their confidence or preparedness as anything less than “very good”.  For us, that matters far more than simply issuing certificates.  Confidence to act is the difference between knowing first aid and actually using it when someone needs help.

Teaching the Latest Evidence Based Practice

We ensured that the course reflected the very latest resuscitation and first aid guidance available.

That included current Resuscitation Council (UK) recommendations and training in EURneffy, the newest needle free adrenaline treatment for anaphylaxis.  This was particularly well received by learners working in environments where severe allergic reactions are a known risk.

Keeping training current is something we take seriously, even when guidance and resources evolve at pace.

A Venue That Worked Extremely Well

Whaddon Way Church proved to be an excellent training venue.

The new large screen TV allowed us to make full use of high quality learning resources.  That said, some of the most effective learning still came away from the screen.  Realistic scenarios, practical problem solving, and the occasional blob of fake blood remain some of the most powerful teaching tools we have.

Learners were particularly complimentary about the free private parking, clean facilities, and convenient location close to local shops.  The DTMK mugs also went down well, especially when paired with tea, coffee, fruit infusions, and biscuits throughout the three days.

Looking Ahead

Running this course confirmed that Whaddon Way Church is a strong base for our future training.  We are already planning additional First Aid at Work courses throughout 2026, alongside refresher training and shorter emergency first aid options.

We had a genuinely great time delivering this FAW course and are very much looking forward to welcoming the next group.  We also look forward to seeing this group again for their annual refresher training next year.

Book Your First Aid Training With Us

If you are looking for First Aid at Work training / FAW Course in Milton Keynes, or need help coordinating training for smaller teams, we would love to help.

🌐 https://training.dtmk.co.uk

📧 enquiries@dtmk.co.uk

📞 01908 112111