Workplace First Aid Training

First aid training is crucial for effectively handling medical emergencies in the workplace. Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, organisations and childcare providers are required to have adequate first aid resources, including trained staff. The level of resources needed varies based on workplace risks, determined through a first aid risk assessment. If this assessment identifies the need for trained first aiders, employers must ensure proper staff training.

This training is vital for saving lives in emergencies before the emergency services arrive. It equips individuals to confidently address severe situations, like bleeding or shock and minor issues like small burns or cuts. This not only aids in immediate care but also allows emergency services to focus on more critical cases. Furthermore, first aid knowledge is invaluable in everyday life, as emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere.

As an employer, the first aid training you provide to your employees should be tailored to your specific workplace needs, determined through a first aid needs assessment. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Work Environment and Industry: The type of workplace, such as a construction site, chemical plant or office, dictates the necessary first aid training due to differing hazards.
2. Number of Employees: Larger workplaces or those with employees spread out over various areas may require more first aiders.
3. Specific Risks: Workplaces with unique hazards like hazardous chemicals, heavy machinery or remote locations may need specialised first aid training.
4. Legal Compliance: Understanding and adhering to legal obligations is crucial.

Generally, there are different types of first aid training:

1. Emergency First Aid at Work training: This training covers first aid procedures for common injuries and illnesses.
2. First Aid at Work training: This comprehensive training is designed for workplaces with higher risks and covers a broader range of scenarios than Emergency First Aid at Work training.
3. Pediatric First Aid training: If you work with children or infants, this training is crucial. It focuses on first aid procedures specifically for children.
4. Specialised First Aid training: This might include deep diving first aid etc.
5. CPR and AED training: This training focuses on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
6. Workplace First Aid Training: This training is for anybody who is looking to learn or refresh their first aid skills. Anybody can take this type of training if they want an overview/introduction of first aid methods.

First aid training provides the skills to effectively handle various emergencies, with courses varying in content. General first aid courses cover:

Introduction to First Aid:

• Role of a First Aider: Understanding responsibilities in emergencies.
• First Aid Kit: Learning about kit contents and their uses.
• Incident Reporting: Basics of workplace accident documentation.

Basic First Aid Scenarios:

• Minor Injuries: Treating cuts, scrapes and bruises.
• Serious Conditions: Managing unconsciousness, seizures and other major emergencies.

Key First Aid Topics:

• Allergic Reactions: Managing severe allergies and anaphylaxis.
• Respiratory Emergencies: Treating asthma and choking.
• Circulatory Emergencies: Performing CPR, using defibrillators and responding to heart attacks and strokes.
• Other Emergencies: Handling bleeding, burns and shock.

Essential First Aid Skills:

• Emergency Management: Assessing situations and responding appropriately.
• Calling Emergency Services: When and how to seek professional help.
• Immediate Care: Providing support until medical professionals arrive.

First Aid at Work Training, Emergency First Aid at Work Training and Workplace First Aid Training are all types of first aid courses designed for the workplace, but they differ in scope and depth.

Workplace First Aid Training

This is a general workplace first aid course and can encompass both FAW and EFAW first aid content.

EFAW training:

• Suitable for employees in ‘low risk’ settings like offices, where accidents are uncommon.
• Topics include essential first aid training, covering all the common scenarios.
• Trains individuals to handle emergency medical situations confidently.
• Requalification is required every three years covering the same content.

FAW training:

• Encompasses EFAW content and additional training for specific injuries and illnesses.
• Allows for broader first aid application, not just emergencies, this could include recognising major illnesses such as heart attacks and epilepsy and administering first aid for specific injuries like head, spine and broken bones as well as eye injuries, poisoning and more.
• Requalification is required every three years.
• This training often takes more than a day to complete.

Under Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers are required to provide adequate first aid resources, facilities and staff for employee injuries or illnesses. The adequacy of these provisions varies based on workplace conditions. Basic first aid may suffice in low-risk environments with fewer employees, while industries like offshore oil and gas or diving have more specific needs. For basic first aid requirements, organisations should ensure:

1. A well-stocked first-aid kit. (Check Q4 in HSE’s First Aid at Work – Your Questions Answered for contents).

2. Designated person to coordinate with emergency services, maintain supplies and provide first aid information. This individual need not be trained in first aid nor expected to administer it.

3. Clear information for staff regarding available first aid resources.

The requirement for the number of first aiders or appointed first aid persons in your workplace is not strictly defined by specific numbers. It depends on the nature of your workplace and the roles of your employees. To determine the necessary number, your workplace should conduct a first aid risk assessment. Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, employers are legally obligated to ensure that adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities and trained personnel are available in the workplace.

For guidance on how many first aiders might be needed, you can refer to the recommendations provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The number of first aiders you need depends on your first aid needs risk assessment. Considerations include:

• The nature of the work.
• The size of the workforce.
• History of past accidents.
• Whether you have remote workers.
• Distance from medical help.

In low-risk settings like small offices, one person might oversee first aid basics. In a high-risk workplace with hazardous materials, like factories or construction sites, they will need trained first aiders. Workplaces with chemical risks may require specialised first aid training. An employer will also need to ensure there is a trained first aider on hand at all times.

A first aider and an appointed person overseeing first aid provisions have distinct roles and training requirements.

A first aider is required to undergo formal training, such as First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work, to provide medical assistance in case of illness or injury. In contrast, an appointed person, responsible for managing first aid provisions, doesn’t need a formal first aid qualification. They may possess basic first aid knowledge and are typically tasked with maintaining first aid equipment, calling emergency services and supporting a first aider during medical incidents.

You will need to evaluate the dangers in your workplace to determine the necessary first aid provisions. If you work in a low-risk setting, like your home, your regular home first-aid kit is usually sufficient. However, if you’re in a shared workspace, consider collaborating with others there for a shared first aid arrangement. Though legally you’re only responsible for yourself, having a written agreement for shared provisions is highly recommended by the Health and Safety Executive.