What is emergency first aid at work?

Many people would not know what to do if someone required emergency attention in the workplace, such as choking, allergic reaction, burn or scald, heart attack, wounds and bleeding.

According to the Labour Force Survey, 441,000 working people sustained an injury at work in 2020/21 (Health and Safety Executive, 2022). Would you know what to do? Not all work environments have a first aid kit at hand or the correct contents.

In this blog, Dr Richard Dune will identify common misconceptions about emergency first aid in the workplace.

What is ‘emergency first aid at work’?

Emergency first aid at work is the first and immediate assistance given to any person suffering from a minor or serious illness or injury, with care provided to preserve life, prevent the condition from worsening, or promote recovery.

Emergency workplace first aid ensures that casualties receive the assistance they require in the critical minutes before emergency services arrive. Emergency first aid training guarantees that first responders have the information and skills necessary to give this assistance.

Who needs emergency first aid at work training?

Emergency first aid at work training is suitable for employees in most sectors, including:

Managers
Supervisors
Employees
Volunteer staff.

What is covered in emergency first aid at work courses?

All incidents are covered in emergency first aid at work courses, from minor injuries to life-threatening situations, including:

Roles and responsibilities of a first aider
Contents of a first aid kit
Primary and secondary survey
Emergency life-saving procedures
Blood loss and wound management
Minor injuries and trauma
Medical emergencies.

How is emergency first aid at work training delivered?

There are many different ways to deliver emergency first aid at work training, including:

E-learning (online courses)
Online webinars
Classroom learning
Video link learning
Online blended learning (combination of eLearning and classroom assessments).

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most training providers have adapted their emergency first aid at work training courses to ensure safety. Ofqual, who regulates first aid qualifications in England, recommended that training providers use blended learning, whereby learners complete their theory training online, then practical assessment via video link or recorded videos of learners completing the practical aspects, for example, primary survey or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

How is emergency first aid training accredited and certified?

Basic emergency first aid awareness courses are accredited by the CPD Certification Services (CPDUK). Ofqual approves emergency first aid at work course syllabi through awarding bodies, such as Training Qualifications UK (TQUK), NOCN and Qualsafe.

Emergency first aid at work certification must be renewed annually. In the third year, learners must attend the full-day course to meet the current regulatory requirements for first aid training.

Why is emergency first aid at work training important?

The importance of emergency first aid at work cannot be understated. Emergency first aid training courses teach learners to be more safety-conscious, which helps prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.

Employees becoming more aware of safe practices is the key to lowering risk and reducing occurrences.

Conclusion

Emergency first aid at work is essential for creating safer workplaces and equipping employees with the skills to handle unexpected emergencies effectively. By learning life-saving techniques and promoting safety awareness, individuals can respond confidently to incidents, reducing the risk of further harm and ensuring better outcomes. Investing in emergency first aid training demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety and well-being.

Take action to make your workplace safer with ComplyPlus™!

Equip your team with the skills and confidence to respond effectively in emergencies through our online emergency first aid courses. The Mandatory Training Group offers flexible training options to suit your organisation, ensuring compliance and fostering a culture of safety and preparedness. View our accreditation details on the CPD Certification Service website and discover why NHS trusts and healthcare providers rely on our expertise.

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Last updated on 09-12-24