It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that employees receive immediate help if they are taken ill or injured at work.
Employer Responsibilities:
- Assess First Aid Needs: Evaluate the specific needs based on the type of educational institution, the number of students and staff, and the history of accidents.
- First Aid Kit: Ensure that a suitably stocked first aid kit is available. The contents should be based on your assessment and may include items such as sterile plasters, eye pads, bandages, and disposable gloves.
- Appointed Person: Designate an individual to take charge of first aid arrangements, including maintaining the first aid kit and calling emergency services when necessary. This person does not need formal training.
- Information Dissemination: Inform all staff about the first aid arrangements in place.
Important Note:
- No Duty on Teachers or Lecturers: There is no obligation for teachers or lecturers to become first-aiders. The responsibility lies with the employer to ensure adequate first aid provision.
First Aid for Employees Who Drive for Work
Employer Responsibilities:
- Assess First Aid Needs: Consider the nature of the driving work, potential hazards, and the distance from emergency medical services.
- Vehicle First Aid Kit: Provide a first aid kit in each vehicle used for work purposes. The kit should be tailored to the specific needs identified in the risk assessment.
- Appointed Person: Assign someone to oversee the first aid arrangements for drivers, ensuring kits are maintained and accessible.
General First Aid Arrangements
Employer Responsibilities:
- Regular Checks: Regularly check and maintain first aid kits, replacing expired or used items promptly.
- Training and Refresher Courses: If the employer decides to have trained first aiders, they must ensure they receive appropriate training and regular refresher courses to keep their skills up to date.
- Mental Health Support: Consider the provision of first aid for mental health issues, ensuring support is available for employees experiencing mental health problems.
Use of Defibrillators
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the United Kingdom, and immediate access to a defibrillator can significantly increase survival rates. The British Heart Foundation emphasises the importance of having Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) readily available in public spaces, including educational establishments, to ensure rapid response in emergencies.
The rationale for ensuring that every educational establishment is equipped with a defibrillator can be split into the following three aspects:
- Growing Incidence of Cardiac Events: Cardiac events are increasingly affecting young people, including students and staff. AEDs can dramatically improve survival rates when used promptly.
- Higher Risk Environments: Schools and colleges are high-density environments where physical activities such as sports increase the risk of cardiac emergencies.
- Proven Effectiveness: Studies show that survival rates can double or triple with immediate access to a defibrillator. There is no obligation for teachers or lecturers to use an AED nor is any training required.
