DE · Expiry & renewal tracking
Send first aiders to refresher training on time
German employers must ensure that first aiders take refresher training, as a rule every two years, at a body authorised by the accident insurance institution, and ask to see proof (Section 26(3) DGUV Vorschrift 1). The refresher covers at least 9 teaching units (DGUV Principle 304-001).
In Germany the employer designates the employees who take on first-aid duties; their number, training and equipment must be appropriate to the number of employees and any special hazards (Section 10(2) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, ArbSchG). The accident prevention regulation DGUV Vorschrift 1 (Principles of Prevention) sets the minimum number: one first aider for 2 to 20 insured persons present, and above that 5% in administrative and retail businesses and 10% in other businesses (Section 26(1)).
The employer may only use as first aiders people trained by a body authorised by the accident insurance institution, or people with paramedic or ambulance training or completed training in a healthcare profession (Section 26(2)). The employer ensures that first aiders receive refresher training (Fortbildung), as a rule every two years, also at an authorised body, and asks to see proof of it (Section 26(3)).
According to DGUV Principle 304-001, the refresher course covers at least 9 teaching units of 45 minutes each. Every participant receives a certificate of attendance, which may only be issued if the instructor is satisfied that the participant has the required knowledge and skills (Annex 2, No. 4.5 DGUV Vorschrift 1; Section 2.4.5 DGUV Principle 304-001).
At a glance
| Refresher training | As a rule every 2 years, at an authorised body (Section 26(3) DGUV Vorschrift 1) |
|---|---|
| Length | At least 9 teaching units of 45 minutes (DGUV Principle 304-001) |
| Proof | Certificate of attendance; the employer asks to see proof (Section 26(3)) |
| Minimum number | 2 to 20 present: 1 first aider; above that 5% (administration, retail) or 10% (other businesses) (Section 26(1)) |
| Who counts as a first aider | People trained at an authorised body, or with paramedic, ambulance or healthcare-profession training (Section 26(2)) |
The number under Section 26(1) No. 2 may be varied in agreement with the accident insurance institution. People with paramedic or ambulance training, or an equivalent healthcare qualification, count as refreshed if they regularly attend comparable training or regularly give first aid in their work (Section 26(3)).
Who is responsible?
The employer (Unternehmer) provides first aiders and arranges their training and refresher training (Section 26 DGUV Vorschrift 1); under Section 10(2) ArbSchG the employer designates them after hearing the works or staff council. Insured persons must have themselves trained as first aiders and, as a rule, refreshed every two years unless personal reasons prevent it (Section 28(1)). The employer may not pass the costs of measures under the regulation on to insured persons (Section 2(5)).
If the deadline passes
It is an administrative offence under Section 209(1) No. 1 of the Social Code Book VII to breach, intentionally or negligently, among others Section 26(1) sentence 1 (minimum number of first aiders) or Section 26(2) sentence 1 (only trained people as first aiders) (Section 32 DGUV Vorschrift 1). The refresher duty in Section 26(3) is not listed separately in Section 32.
Extra training for special hazards
If the type of business, for example work with hazardous substances, means that accidents may call for measures beyond the general first-aider course, the employer arranges the necessary additional training and refreshers (Section 26(4) DGUV Vorschrift 1). DGUV Principle 304-001 classes such measures, for example handling antidotes, as further training rather than part of the standard course.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each first aider and enter the date the refresher falls due as the expiry date: as a rule two years after the date on the last certificate of attendance.
- Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the date and on the day itself. If course places are scarce and you need more lead time, add a second record with an earlier date.
- The first aider can upload the new certificate through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the safety officer; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How often do first aiders in Germany need refresher training?
- As a rule every two years, at a body authorised by the accident insurance institution (Section 26(3) DGUV Vorschrift 1).
- How long is the refresher course?
- At least 9 teaching units of 45 minutes each, the same as the initial course (DGUV Principle 304-001).
- How many first aiders does a business need?
- One for 2 to 20 insured persons present; above 20, 5% in administrative and retail businesses and 10% in other businesses (Section 26(1) DGUV Vorschrift 1). This can be varied in agreement with the accident insurance institution.
- Do nurses or paramedics need the refresher?
- They count as refreshed if they regularly attend comparable training or regularly give first aid in their work (Section 26(3) DGUV Vorschrift 1).
Sources
- DGUV Vorschrift 1 „Grundsätze der Prävention“ (Sections 2, 26, 28, 32, Annex 2)
- DGUV Grundsatz 304-001 – authorisation of first-aid training bodies (April 2022)
- Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) Section 10 – first aid and other emergency measures
Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
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