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Chamber and committees

Regulation of Private First Aid Companies

  • Submitted by: Katy Clark, West Scotland, Scottish Labour.
  • Date lodged: Thursday, 20 April 2023
  • Motion reference: S6M-08446
  • Current status: Achieved cross-party support

That the Parliament acknowledges the publication of all three volumes of the Manchester Arena Inquiry, detailing the Chairman’s findings and recommendations; notes the finding that many of the first aiders working for private contractor Emergency Training UK on the night did not have appropriate qualifications; further notes the recommendation that the Care Quality Commission, which governs first aid companies in England and Wales, should be enabled to effectively regulate all event healthcare services; understands that an equivalent regulatory body does not exist in Scotland to carry out audits and inspections; further understands that private first aid companies are regularly employed to provide medical cover at events across Scotland, including sporting events, live music events and nightclubs; considers that the Scottish Qualifications Authority is not equipped to accredit private first aid companies as it has no remit to carry out regular inspections or audits; believes that unlicensed first aiders providing controlled drugs or treatment to members of the public is dangerous, unacceptable and to the detriment of public health; notes the view that the Scottish Government should take on board the points raised in the Manchester Arena Inquiry about the need for effective regulation to ensure first responders are trained to provide a swift and safe response, and further notes the calls for the Scottish Government to develop its own structures to effectively regulate all first aid providers in Scotland, including in the West Scotland region.


Supported by: Stuart McMillan, Carol Mochan, Paul Sweeney, Mercedes Villalba