Scope

  • Policy Statement
  • The Policy
  • First Aiders
  • First Aid Container
  • First Aid Information (Signs and Posters)
  • Record Keeping
  • Related Policies
  • Related Guidance
  • Training Statement

Policy Statement

This organisation recognises its responsibility to ensure that all reasonable precautions are taken to provide and maintain working conditions that are safe, healthy and compliant with all statutory requirements and codes of practice. This includes the provision of qualified first aider in the organisation, who are qualified to deal with minor injuries. To ensure that we have enough first aid provision this organisation undertakes a first-aid needs assessment as recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (http://www.hse.gov.uk/) and our first aid provision reflects this assessment.

The Policy

This organisation understands first aid to refer to:

  • The initial and appropriate management of illness or injury aims to preserve life or minimise the consequences of injury and illness until professional medical help can be obtained.
  • The treatment of minor injuries that do not require the attention of a medical practitioner or nurse.

First Aiders

This organisation ensures that a qualified first aider is available at all times that there are staff working. They should be contacted via the main office, where there is a list displayed with their names. In addition to qualified first aider, the organisation also supports a number of staff trained in basic life support to assist the qualified first aiders.

First Aid Container

All employees in this organisation should have access to a first aid box whilst at work. The principal first aid box is carried by the on-call first aider, who is responsible for checking its contents and ensuring that it is replenished when necessary. The box should contain the following:

  • HSE leaflet giving general guidance on first aid.
  • 20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes).
  • 2 sterile eye pads.
  • 4 individually wrapped triangular bandages (preferably sterile).
  • 6 safety pins.
  • 6 medium-sized (approximately 12 cm x 12 cm) individually wrapped sterile non-medicated wound dressings.
  • 2 large (approximately 18 cm x 18 cm) sterile individually wrapped non-medicated wound dressings.
  • 1 pair of disposable gloves.

In this organisation, tablets or medicines should never be kept in the first aid box, and items that are out of date should be replaced and disposed of immediately.

First Aid Information Signs and Posters)

First aid signs and posters are prominently displayed in the main office informing staff, visitors and service users what to do in the event of an emergency and from whom to obtain first aid assistance. This should include emergency contact telephone numbers. Similar information is included in all staff induction packs and should be carried by staff at all times.
All staff must familiarise themselves with the first-aid arrangements and with the names and locations of qualified first aiders or appointed persons and first aid boxes.

Record Keeping

In all situations where staff or service users are injured at work and requiring first aid, the accidents procedure should be followed and the appropriate accident forms should be filled in and witnessed. An incident record should also be made in the accidents book if required.

First Aiders must keep a record of all treatment that they provide by completing a first aid treatment record. This information helps to identify accident trends and can be used for reference in future First Aid needs assessment.
Injuries at work are also covered by RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 and may require a report to be made to the HSE (see Accident Reporting Policy).

Related Policies

Accidents, Incidents and Emergencies Reporting (RIDDOR)
Health and Safety
Record Keeping

Related Guidance

HSE First Aid at Work:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/index.htm

Training Statement

Any staff member who wishes to become a qualified first aider should contact their line manager or supervisor and register their interest. The organisation will support and sponsor training for qualified first aider and refresher courses in so far as the organisation requires a sufficient pool of qualified staff to cover shifts. A qualified first aider must hold a valid Certificate of Competence in Emergency First Aid at Work or basic life support, issued by an organisation whose training and qualifications are recognised by the HSE. Such certificates are valid for three years; refresher training and re-testing must take place before the qualification expires.

All staff, during induction, are made aware of the organisation’s policies and procedures, all of which are used for training updates. All policies and procedures are reviewed and amended where necessary, and staff are made aware of any changes. Observations are undertaken to check skills and competencies. Various methods of training are used, including one to one, online, workbook, group meetings, and individual supervisions. External courses are sourced as required.

Date Reviewed: May 2021
Person responsible for updating this policy: Carly Fortune
Next Review Date: May 2022