The Dog First Aid Co. COVID-19 Safe Training Statement

In regard to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are adhering strictly to the advice of Public Health England and the Health & Safety Executive. This means we are constantly monitoring government guidelines and will be tailoring our courses to follow a strict Covid-19 protocol. Because our courses are accredited, regulated and taught by professionals, we are permitted to continue teaching during stricter covid measures provided we adhere to a Covid-19 secure protocol.

We will have conducted a Covid-19 risk assessment to determine the maximum safe capacity, where social distancing can be adhered to, to determine the number of places available on each of our courses. These may vary depending on the layout and use of each building, albeit with some common themes such as one-way systems which will be signposted, specific entrance/exit for different users of the building, hand washing regimes, sanitising stations and cleaning regimes for the buildings and equipment in use.

We are implementing the following measures to keep delegates safe:

• If a delegate has any Covid-19 related symptoms (e.g. a new persistent cough, high temperature, loss or change to sense of smell or taste) they must not attend training. We will provide a free transfer to a future course.
• We will be implementing social distancing measures between everyone during each course and request the same of delegates during breaks. To do this we have reduced class sizes dependent on the size of the room.
• There will be hand sanitisation available and regular hand-washing protocols in place.
• We operate a 1:1 delegate to manikin ratio for CPR practice and will maintain rigorous manikin cleaning protocols between delegates.  Due to the risk of Covid-19, delegates will temporarily not demonstrate rescue breaths duirng their CPR assessment.
• Individual training aids will be provided for bandaging practicals. Delegates will be required to wear gloves when handling training aids which will be provided.
• We have altered our training strategies to ensure that trainers and delegates do not touch and remain socially distanced during practical sessions.
• Delegates must wear a disposable face mask or face covering throughout the duration of the course, including people who have a medical exemption. Anyone unable to wear a face covering will need to postpone their course to a later date when the rules are relaxed. The trainer will wear a face covering if moving around the room to observe training.
• Relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided to all delegates as well as individually packed refreshments and frequent touchpoints will be cleaned and sanitised throughout the course.
• All delegates will be requested to register their presence in the buildings using the NHS Covid-19 Contact Tracing App – we recommend that all delegates download this app before they attend the course.

Although the protocol we have adapted is in line with Government and Public Health England guidelines and extraordinary measures have been put into place to keep our staff and delegates safe, we cannot remove every element of potential risk. As you voluntarily seek services provided by The Dog First Aid Co. you will be required to complete a Covid-19 liability waiver.

There is some reliance on common-sense adaption of requirements and guidelines, recognising that we are training adults, people need to cooperate with the guidance but also self-manage – such as if someone comes to stand too close, then they should ask them to step back or they themselves should move away.

Covid-19 guidance is changing daily, and our protocol may vary to reflect guidance at the time of your course. If your course cannot go ahead due to Covid-19, the course will be rescheduled to a later and safer date or an online alternative may be offered. Courses will remain non-refundable. Our Covid-19 risk assessment and policy are available upon request.

If you require any further guidance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours Sincerely,

Amy Fletcher RVN CertVNECC

Company Director