Think of security guards and the image conjured up is of burly men and women guarding the entrance to an event, checking out a suspect or protecting a VIP. But security guards do so much more, and their first and foremost responsibility is to keep people safe.

Security guards are on the frontline at a vast range of venues whether it is providing door supervision for a concert, protecting buildings or supplying close protection to a high profile but potentially vulnerable client.

They are the eyes and ears on the ground, often the first to see a problem and the first to react.

One vital aspect of their work is knowing what to do if there is a medical emergency and their knowledge and swift reactions could just be the difference between life and death.

All security guards working in the UK must have first aid training and in October 2024, the Health and Safety Executive made it a requirement for this training to include two essential skills – how to respond to life-threatening bleeding and how to open a person’s airways.

But this is by no means the limit of their medical knowledge. Security guards must also learn a range of first aid techniques which are needed in their mixed and varied security settings including how to do CPR, how to deal with choking, how to care for a wound or stop bleeding and how to use bandages efficiently.

The first step for anyone who wants to become a security guard is for them to undergo first aid training, such as through an Emergency First Aid at Work course. This one day session can be followed up with a Level 3 first aid qualification which is essential for anyone wanting to go into close protection.

Practical advice given includes how to apply tourniquets and haemostatic dressings as well as how to carry out CPR and how to keep airways open.

Security guards in the UK also have to be licensed to work across the range of services and have to obtain an SIA licence. To get this licence, they have to undergo training in a range of areas including conflict resolution, health and safety and, vitally, a more detailed understanding of first aid.

At Zed Security, all our security guards are SIA licensed and have a broad knowledge of first aid. And in the four decades since our company started, we have protected hundreds of thousands of people at events ranging from concerts to election counts, red carpet premieres and exhibitions. Our job is to protect you, your guests and your premises and it is a responsibility we take incredibly seriously. Safety comes first every time.

For more information on our roles and about our established business, call us on 01206 481681.