First aid is the first help(initial assistance) given to a casualty using the locally available materials and generally accepted principles before handing over to a more responsible person.
First aiders are volunteers not a profession and their main aim are to:-
- Preserve Life
- Prevent worsening of the condition
- Promote Recovery
First Aiders are meant to act within their level of training in a manner that is Safe, Prompt and Effective.
ABC OF SAFETY
- Aider
- Bystander
- Casualty
ABC OF LIFE
- Airway
- Breathing
- Circulation
Responsibilities of a First Aider
- Aiders should attend training on a regular basis to refresh their first aid knowledge and skills and to confirm their competence to provide first aid. They should hold a valid certificate from a registered training organization.
- Ensure first aid training is current and records reflect qualifications
- Provide initial care of ill or injured staff, students and others by rendering first aid care in accordance with approved training, and where appropriate, referring the casualty for additional medical advice (e.g. ambulance/doctor)
- supervise the casualty until no further care or assistance is required, or until the person is handed over to appropriate medical care i.e. ambulance/medical personnel or the parent/carer
- Adhere to adequate and appropriate standard precautions for infection control e.g the use of Body Substance Isolators.
- Prevent and manage skin penetrating injuries in accordance with the Factories Act 1977.
- Ensure emergency medication (e.g. Ventolin/Inhaler, adrenalin auto injector) is stored appropriately and according to manufacturer’s instruction and kept “in date”.
- Ensure first aid kits are checked after each use and restocked as necessary so correct stock is always available and “in date”. A complete assessment of contents should be undertaken at regular intervals e.g. quarterly
- Respect the dignity of casualties and the confidential nature of information provided during the course of any first aid care. Disclosure of personal information without that person’s written consent is unethical
- Remain in the first aid role until:
Expiry of the first aid certification
The position is voluntarily relinquished
Services are no longer required
- Be aware of your responsibilities regarding emergency medication needs including purchase, appropriate storage and ‘use by’ dates
- Follow the process for contacting an ambulance in an emergency.
- Record first aid administered in a Casualty Report Sheet or first aid register (paper based or electronic if available).
- Assist in recording and reporting injury/illness in accordance with Health and Safety Incident Recording, Notification and Management as necessary.
- Use the appropriate PPE as provided or depending with the type of incident.
- Where need be, be part of the OSH Committee or regular give feedback to the committee.
