A first-aid worker provides immediate assistance to the injured while ensuring that those in distress and around the injured are safe. Sometimes the injury is minor, and the first aid worker can treat it without needing further help. The first aid worker should reassure the injured person while waiting for medical to arrive for more severe injuries.
In an emergency, a first aider must manage the incident and ensure the safety of the injured, bystanders, and themselves. They must assess the victim and find out the nature and cause of their injuries or illnesses. A first aider would arrange for further medical help or assistance to other emergency services.
They need to provide the appropriate first aid that they have been trained in. If possible, they should take notes and record the observations, monitoring vital signs, etc. They should then hand over the information once the medical help arrives.
What all can first aiders do?
First aid is providing immediate medical attention, which could save lives before more medical assistance arrives. This can include procedures such as placing an unconscious person in a recovery position to maintain the airway, perform CPR, use an automated external defibrillator, stop blood flow by pressure and elevation, and support a broken limb.
The overall priority of a first-aid worker should be to protect life. Other purposes of first aid include preventing the patient’s condition from deteriorating and promoting recovery.
First aid in the workplace
The Health and Safety Regulations (first aid) 1981 require employers to provide appropriate and adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and people to provide immediate assistance to their employees in the event of injury or illness on the job.
At the very least, a workplace must have a well-stocked first aid kit and a designated person in charge of first-aid arrangements.
First Aid Training Cooperative recommends that a designated person have a minimum first aid training level like emergency first aid qualification. This is a one-day course with a certificate valid for three years, although taking annual first aid courses as a refresher is suggested.
Accidents and mishaps can happen anytime. First aid should be available whenever there are people at work. These include driving or working off-site. It is recommended by the HSE that each vehicle should have a first aid kit.
Many workplaces do not meet the standard workplace description. These workers may work in more unusual circumstances, but the first aid regulations still apply.
It is up to the employer to assess the risk of first aid, indicating what the requirements are for their workplace. Risk assessment should also highlight first aid kit needs. The kit should include equipment, bandages, and other support to deal with potential injuries that can be expected in your workplace.
What is considered appropriate first aid on a construction site, school, or office will be very different. Therefore, first aid is required, and first aiders’ responsibilities vary accordingly.