Training Focus: First Aid at Work

As many of you will already know, here at Acorn Health and Safety we have considerable expertise in First Aid and provide a fantastic portfolio of First Aid training courses.

We are extremely passionate about First Aid and believe that no matter who you are and what you do, the ability to save somebody else’s life or help them in their time of need is pretty special.

 

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide ‘adequate and appropriate’ equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work. What is ‘adequate and appropriate’ will depend on the circumstances in the workplace, this includes to what level training is required for first-aiders.

During the Coronavirus outbreak, the HSE announced that if you hold a First Aid certificate that expires on or after 16 March 2020 and cannot access requalification training because of coronavirus, you may qualify for an extension. The final deadline for requalification for these qualifications is 30 September 2020. Also, First Aid guidance has changed slightly during the pandemic which we have reflected in our Training programme.

In short, the new guidance is to try to assist at a safe distance from the casualty as much as you can and minimise the time you share a breathing zone. If they are capable, tell them to do things for you, but treating the casualty properly should be your first concern. Remember the 3P model – preserve life, prevent worsening, promote recovery.

• When you call 999  – tell the call handler if the patient has any COVID-19 symptoms
• Before starting CPR, to minimise transmission risk, use a cloth or towel to cover the patient’s mouth and nose, while still permitting breathing to restart following successful resuscitation
• If available, use:
  • a fluid-repellent surgical mask
  • disposable gloves
  • eye protection
  • apron or other suitable covering
• Where possible, deliver CPR by chest compression’s, preferably with the use of a defibrillator if available

If giving first aid to someone, you should use the recommended equipment listed above if it is available. After delivering any first aid ensure you safely discard disposable items and clean reusable ones thoroughly. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser as soon as possible.

The employer should carry out a ‘First Aids Needs Assessment’ to determine what is appropriate for their individual business, taking into account;

• the workplace premises (single unit or spread out over a large area)
• the workforce i.e. how many
• the hazards and risk of injury occurring

All of our Fist Aid courses are consistent with The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and the most up-to-date Resuscitation Council (UK) guidelines. Whether you are seeking to satisfy the requirements of these guidelines, OFSTED, CQC, EYFS or are simply requiring training because it’s the right thing to or you want to be updated with the new Covid-19 training specifications, we can help.

You don’t have to take our word for it, take a look at our testimonials page where you will find great reviews, such as:

““We have had some great feedback from delegates in regards to the First Aid courses facilitated by Martin this week. A few colleagues have stopped me to say how he made everyone feel comfortable and was still able to deliver the course really well despite the changes with social distancing.”
PN, Bristol City Council, June 2020

“Fantastic! So useful and really important – everyone should do it! (First Aid)”
MRH, Bristol University, July 2019

“The general consensus is that the course was very good with excellent training props, particularly for catastrophic bleeds, blocked airway & use of defibrillators.  A very worthwhile & relevant course.”
SP, WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, Oct 2019

“I would like to say, I think this is the best first aid course I have ever done. I have been doing these courses for over 20 years, Matt is an excellent trainer he allows great participation and involves the whole class, he is good at going through stuff to help everyone understand. Thank you Matt!!”
LR, Nursery Manager, Sept 2019

Whatever your training needs, give us a call today 0117 958 2070 or e-mail us