I have had conflicting opinions. The BHS website says if you fail the 1st aid bit of the ptt exam you should produce a certificate before they give you the qualifications. Does this mean on the day you have to have done it already or do you have a chance to do the first aid if you fail that bit after the exam and they pass you retrospectively????

Hi , confused!
In the PTT , you are asked questions on 1st aid and accident procedure , though you do not actually have to have a first aid certificate for the exam.
If you fail the exam only on the first aid section , you will be given the opportunity to go away and take an approved , certificated , 1st aid course. When the BHS sees the proof of this , they should then offer you the PTT certificate without a resit.

You do , however , need to have a HSE 1st aid certificate if you wish to join the register of instructors when you have passed - and I would advise anyone working with horses to train in 1st aid anyway.
Hope this helps.

Jonathan.

thanks. How did you find out where the HSE courses were?

Ask your local colleges if they do the HSE First Aid at Work course, as two colleges in my area do. I did a four day course, 9am-4.30pm each day, which should have cost £100, but if you are eligible for a dicount (like me ) it may only cost you £60.

Please be aware that now there is an alternative First Aid qualification to the HSE First Aid at Work Certificate. The BHS has devised a one-day equine- -specific first aid course aimed primarily at BHS instructors who wish to remain on the Register but suitable for anyone who works with horses. Instructors can choose whether they take the one day course or the HSE course - both qualifications will be accepted for entry onto the Register. The courses have been running since January and have been very well received.
The HSE, First Aid at Work qualification is still essential for persons who employ five or more persons on their yard.
For more information on the one day courses (ESFAC - Equine Specific First Aid Courses) contact Lisa Dixon at the BHS. There are over 80 courses planned around the UK.