Information for First Aid Qualified Staff

Information for First Aid Qualified Staff

Guidance for First Aid Qualified Staff

The following guidance is to assist First Aiders in the performance of their duties. 

What responsibilities do First Aiders?

  • Monthly check of first aid equipment.
  • Keeping records of all first aid treatment given.
  • Ensuring that their First Aid Certificates do not expire.

What items should a newly qualified First Aider hold?

  • First Aid Certificate – supplied by the training organisation.
  • First aid kit – supplied through the Health & Safety Co-ordinator
  • Accident and incident report forms Accident Report Form

Can a First Aider be held personally liable if treatment fails?

Not if the actions were taken in good faith, at work and to the best of the First Aider’s ability. Where genuine efforts are to no avail, the First Aider is not held liable for any adverse outcome.

Are First Aiders at risk from infections such as HIV when dealing with bleeding or when trying to resuscitate someone?
No, provided that all sensible precautions are taken. The Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) is passed on through the exchange of bodily fluids.
Disposable gloves should be available for use by First Aiders and blood spillages should be cleaned up promptly with a disinfectant such as diluted Dettol solution.
Polythene shields (resusciades) are available and are placed over the face of the patient to allow for resuscitation without physical contact. There are no known cases of a First Aider ever having been infected with HIV through attempted resuscitation. There are other viruses that are more contagious than HIV, such as Hepatitis B, so it is sensible to exercise caution when administering first aid.

How do we call for an ambulance?
If an ambulance is required ask for someone to call 999, then ask them to notify reception/security to arrange for the ambulance to be met and directed to where the casualty is.

Should First Aiders accompany ill or injured persons to hospital or home?
This depends on the circumstances. If the patient is transferred by ambulance to hospital then the First Aider does not accompany the patient. However, if the patient is transferred to hospital or taken home by taxi then the First Aider should arrange for someone to accompany them. Reception should be contacted to arrange for a Taxi.

Should the persons emergency contact be advised that first aid treatment has been provided?
Yes, except in the case of minor injury and with the casualty’s permission, through the Personnel Department for staff or Registry for students.

Can a First Aider give an aspirin to a member of staff with a headache?
No. With the exception of antidotes for some poisons used in the workplace (very rare) no medication of any king e.g. aspirins, paracetamol, sprays or creams may be administered or prescribed by First Aiders. These must be administered under medical supervision e.g. GP or hospital.

What First Aid Equipment & Facilities are provided?
A standard first aid box or portable first aid kit must be made available. The contents of the box or kit must be in accordance with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.
First Aiders should be able to ask for the immediate evacuation of a private office or meeting room for treatment or rest purposes, if necessary.

No medication of any kind e.g. aspirin, paracetamol, sprays or creams may be kept in first aid boxes, kits or rooms.

What equipment should be contained in a portable first aid kit?

First aid kits should be kept in an easily identifiable (green with a white cross) box or other container, there is no mandatory list of items, as a guide it should include:

  • One guidance card.
  • Twenty individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes) appropriate to the work environment ( e.g. detectable for food handlers).
  • Two sterile eye pads, with attachment.
  • Four individually wrapped triangular bandages.
  • Six safety pins.
  • Six medium sized individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings.
  • Two large sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings.
  • Two pairs of vinyl gloves.
  • Disposable apron.
  • Waste disposal bag.
  • Individual resusci face shield
  • Contents list.

No medication of any kind e.g. aspirin, paracetamol, sprays or creams may be kept in the first aid kit.

Should first aid equipment be discarded if it is beyond its expiry date?
Most first aid equipment (dressings, etc) will not deteriorate and can safely be used beyond its expiry date unless the seal has been broken. If the item is not sealed it should not be used and be re-ordered.

How are First Aid materials replaced?
First Aiders must replace used supplies immediately through the Health & Safety Co-ordinator ext.5176.

Who organises first aid training?
Training is organised through Personnel Department ext.5176.

Should first aid treatment be recorded?
Yes. Treatments must be undertaken strictly in accordance with the training provided. First Aiders must record details of all treatments in respect of injury or illness. Additionally, if treatment has been given as a result of an accident at work, the University’s accident reporting procedure must also be followed.
First aid treatment may only be provided by staff who are fully qualified First Aiders and hold a current First Aid Certificate.