I'm a volunteer and member of the British Red Cross, so have been fortunate to get regular training and practice in First Aid. I hold a current First Aid at Work certificate, but i think my Public First Aid has lapsed as i haven't been able to go much lately. I have held at various points a certificate in using a defibrillator, but that only lasts 6 months so that's lapsed!
Strictly speaking, a FAAW cert only allows you to work on employees, not members of the public (ie clients), but i don't think anyone's goin to argue if you stopped them from dying!
You also need to have a first aid kit and accident book (you probably already know that, just thought i'd mention). There are also some things which MUST NOT be included in a fa kit such as paracetamol - nothing stopping you putting these somewhere else though.
I think (biased though i am!
) if you get a lot of elderly clients, ones with health problems, a lot of clients and if you are not near the middle of a town, it is a very good plan to join someone like the Red Cross who will train you for free (yes free, that's what made me join to start with!) if you give up a little time to help at events. The practice is the thing that is really important - anything you don't practice you forget.
Not to sound like a cheerleader or anything!
If i remember correctly it may be a legal requirement for you to at least have a First Aid Appointed Persons cert if you are a "workplace" If you are a "high risk" work place (prob not!) or if you have 5+ employees you need FAAW wihich lasts for 3 years. Think that's correct, but correct me if i'm wrong.
Hope this helps!