Are you organizing a First Aid at Work (BHV) training and looking for the right course book? In this post, we highlight the best English BHV course book available in the Netherlands.
BHV Course Book – English Edition
A well-trained emergency response officer can make all the difference in the first critical minutes of an incident—whether it’s cardiac arrest, fire, or a workplace injury. While calling professional help is essential, your quick action on the scene can save lives. Do you know what to do?
Why is BHV important?
BHV (Company Emergency Response) is required by Dutch law and helps prevent injury and damage through first aid, fire response, and evacuation. BHV officers are trained employees who act immediately in emergencies—assessing the situation, helping victims, and guiding evacuations when needed. Their quick response can significantly reduce the severity of incidents and boost workplace safety and confidence.
- Life-saving action: Fast response in life-threatening situations like CPR and AED use.
- Fire prevention & evacuation: Contain or report fires and guide others to safety.
- Preparedness: Trained staff know what to do under pressure.
- Legal compliance: Required under the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet).
- Cost reduction: Minimizes damage, health costs, and absenteeism.
Company Emergency Response Officer Responsibilities
Company Emergency Response Officers are in charge of prevention and intervention in case of incidents. They provide assistance and ensure the safety of all present on the company premises. Their tasks include:
- Life-saving First Aid and CPR including AED use
- Evacuating the building safely and efficiently
- Extinguishing starting fires using the correct equipment
- Communicating with and alerting external emergency services
- Supervising people at external assembly points
The basic Emergency Response training by ARBO Centrum prepares BHV officers with the elementary skills needed to manage various incidents that may occur in the workplace.
What’s in the BHV English Course Book?
The English BHV course book is a 65-page guide covering key emergency response topics for non-Dutch-speaking employees. It includes:
- Assessing the situation
- Judgement and seeking professional help
- Unconsciousness with normal breathing
- Life-threatening injuries or illness
- Wounds and bandages
- Bruises, sprains, and dislocations
- Bone fractures
- Hypothermia and overheating
- Poisoning
- Eye injuries and minor injuries
- Fire and prevention strategies
- Behavior during emergencies
- Responsibilities of a BHV officer
Scenario-Based Training: Learning by Doing
Unlike traditional presentations, BHV officers are trained using realistic, hands-on scenarios. Through practical exercises, participants learn to:
- Recognize and assess emergencies
- Apply proper procedures quickly
- Respond to company-specific risks with confidence
Scenario-based training ensures Emergency Response Officers are well-prepared for real-life situations, making them more effective when every second counts.
Who is this book for?
This BHV book is ideal for:
- International companies in the Netherlands
- Workplaces with multilingual teams
- Safety training providers offering English courses
It's practical, easy to follow, and aligned with Dutch emergency response regulations.
Order the BHV English Course Book
Benefits of the BHV English Course Book
- Fast and clear guidance: Learn essential emergency procedures in English.
- Tailored for international use: Perfect for non-Dutch speakers working in the Netherlands.
- Fully compliant: Follows Dutch BHV and workplace safety standards.
Make your workplace safer and more prepared. Visit our full collection of training books for more resources.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is BHV and who needs it?
BHV stands for "Bedrijfshulpverlening" or Company Emergency Response. It is a legal requirement in the Netherlands, and all employers must ensure that trained BHV officers are present in the workplace to provide first aid, fire response, and evacuation assistance.
2. Is this BHV book suitable for English-speaking staff?
Yes. This BHV course book is written in clear, accessible English and is perfect for international employees or companies offering safety training in English.
3. What does the BHV course book include?
It includes emergency assessment, CPR and AED use, handling injuries, fire response, evacuation, and the key duties of a BHV officer—all based on Dutch safety protocols.
4. Is this book enough to become a certified BHV officer?
The book is an excellent preparation tool, but certification typically requires participation in an official BHV training course that includes both theory and practical assessments.
5. Where can I order the BHV course book?
You can order directly via Arbowinkel.nl, the leading provider of workplace safety materials in the Netherlands.