Ten things you need to know about First Aid
1. Who is a First Aider?
A first aider in the workplace is someone who has successfully completed an accredited first aid training course such as First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work. This will be the person who will administer first aid in an emergency and you should be aware of who this person is. If the workplace involves children then someone trained in Paediatric First Aid course should also be available.
2. First Aid Facilities
First aid facilities include First Aid kits which are ideally green with a white cross on, first aid rooms or areas, drinking water supplies and trained personnel.
3. First Aid is SIMPLE to learn.
The skills taught on a First Aid course are not rocket science, anyone of any age can learn something useful but it may save someone's life one day.
4. First Aid Training Requirements
First Aid certificates are valid for 3 years, however the European Resuscitation Council and the Health and Safety Executive recommend annual refresher training to prevent skills fade.
5. Important Information for Business Owners
Business owners have a duty to ensure all persons on their premises are as safe as reasonably practicable. The Health and Safety at Work regulations include the following requirements which must be met:
All employers -
Must provide first aid equipment and ensure everyone has access to it
Ensure access to first aid facilities
Have an adequate number of workers undertaken first aid training
6. You must have enough First Aiders to cover annual leave, sickness or maternity leave.
When choosing your staff to train as First Aiders it is important to ensure that you take into account both planned and unexpected absence from the work-site. Best to have too many rather than too few First Aiders. The people you choose must be able to respond to an emergency quickly and have the capability to learn, maintain and use their skills in a pressured situation.
7. DRS ABC
It is important to understand what DR ABC stands for:
D – Danger
R – Response
S – Shout for help
A – Airway
B – Breathing
C – CPR/ Circulation
8. First Aid in History
First aid has been around since as early as the 11th century when it was administered on the battlefield. Some of the skills we learn today are very similar to the ones used all those years ago, some are very different!
9. Fast Thinking is Key
The brain begins to suffer irreversible damage after only 3-4 minutes when there is a shortage of oxygen. First aid treatment can prevent this from happening.
10. First Aid Knowledge
The more training you have in first aid, the better chance you have of assisting a person in need in a larger number of situations. First aid is not constricted to an industry or type of person; everyone should learn first aid. You could save the life of your child, your colleague, your partner, or a stranger walking down the street.