FIRST AID AT WORK
Version / 6Name of responsible (ratifying) committee / Health and Safety Committee
Date ratified / 13 September 2017
Document Manager (job title) / Health & Safety Advisor
Date issued / 23 October 2017
Review date / 22 October 2020
Electronic location / Health & Safety Policies
Related Procedural Documents / -
Key Words (to aid with searching) / First Aid, Appointed person, Incident, medical emergency
Version Tracking
Version / Date Ratified / Brief Summary of Changes / Author6 / 13/09/2017 / No changes / J Michael
5 / 10/10/2014 / No changes / J Cattle
CONTENTS
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1.INTRODUCTION
2.PURPOSE
3.SCOPE
4.DEFINITIONS
5.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
6.PROCESS
Process for the management of persons presenting to reception/entrance areas other than ED in need of medical assistance
7.TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
8.REFERENCES AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION
9. EQUALITY IMPACT STATEMENT
10. MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH PROCEDURAL DOCUMENTS
EQUALITY IMPACT SCREENING TOOL
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1.INTRODUCTION
People at work can suffer injuries or fall ill. It doesn’t matter whether the injury or illness is caused by the work they do or not. What is important is that they receive immediate attention and that appropriate medical or emergency assistance is sought in serious cases. It can save lives and prevent minor injuries becoming major ones.
This same consideration should also be applied to those members of public who whilst visiting our site become injured, unwell or present themselves for medical assistance outside of ED.
The Trust recognises and accepts its duties and responsibilities as an employer to provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, a safe and healthy environment for its staff and those that are visitors to the premises. The overall responsibility for health and safety (and therefore first aid) rests with the Chief Executive. However, all employees are required to accept responsibility for the implementation of this policy. The Trust will ensure that reasonable resources will be made available so that the requirements of this policy can be effectively implemented.
2.PURPOSE
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable first aid to be given to employees if they are injured or become ill at work. These Regulations apply to all workplaces including those with five or fewer employees and to the self-employed.
What is adequate will depend on the circumstances in the workplace. This includes whether trained first aiders are needed, what should be included in a first aid box and if a first aid room is needed. Employers should carry out an assessment of first aid needs to determine this.
The purpose of this policy is to set out the measures required by the Trust to ensure compliance with the Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
3.SCOPE
The contents and requirements of this policy are applicable to the following groups;
- All paid employees of Portsmouth Hospitals Trust
- Individuals who are not direct employees but who undertake duties on any premises owned, leased or managed by the Trust. These may include:
- Bank or Agency Staff
- Volunteers
- Contractors and Suppliers working on Trust premises
‘In the event of an infection outbreak, flu pandemic or major incident, the Trust recognises that it may not be possible to adhere to all aspects of this document. In such circumstances, staff should take advice from their manager and all possible action must be taken to maintain ongoing patient and staff safety’
4.DEFINITIONS
First Aidis the immediate care given to an ill or injured person until more advanced care arrives or the person recovers, its aim is to Preserve Life, Promote recovery and Prevent further injury of the affected person/s.
It may cover:
- Cases where a person needs help from a medical practitioner or treatment from a nurse, where the purpose of First Aid is to preserve life and minimise injury until such help is obtained.
- Treatment of minor injuries which would otherwise receive no treatment, or which do not need treatment by a medical practitioner or nurse
A First Aideris someone who:
- Has attended a recognised training course on First Aid at Work, and/or
- Holds a current First Aid at Work certificate issued by a HSE approved first aid training provider
No one may be deemed a First Aider unless they have attended and passed a HSE approved First Aid at Work course however they may be designated as an Appointed Person.
An Appointed Person is someone who takes charge of an incident when someone is injured or becomes ill.
They are responsible for looking after any first aid equipment and restocking the first aid box.
Appointed persons must not give first aid unless trained to do so.
An appointed person should be available when anyone is at work in an area for which they are responsible. This could mean that managers have to nominate more than one appointed person. However, it may be possible for adjacent areas to arrange mutual cover by an appointed person.
It is recommended in the HSE guidance (L74) that they attend a training course that will teach them the basics:
- What to do in an emergency
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- First aid for the unconscious person
- First Aid for the wounded and bleeding
In many areas attendance on the trusts Basic Life Support (BLS) course would provide an appropriate level of knowledge for a person to be deemed as an appointed person, therefore, clinical staff can be classified as ‘appointed persons’ as they attend BLS training annually as a minimum.
Medical Emergencyis an injury or condition that if left untreated or without prompt assistance could lead to significant deterioration or death for example –
- Cardiac Arrest
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Hypoglycaemia
- Significant blood loss or trauma
- Stroke
- Acute abdominal pain
5.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief Executivehas overall responsibility for the effective implementation of this policy
Director of Workforce and Human Resourceshas delegated responsibility for the operational implementation of all Health and Safety related policies.
Executive Directors and Clinical Directors are responsible for ensuring that the requirements of this policy are effectively implemented in their areas of responsibility.
Clinical Service Centre Managers/Operational Managers and Line Managersare responsible for insuring that the First Aid Policy is implemented and Monitored within their areas of responsibility. In particular they must:
- Undertake suitable and sufficient risk assessments to ascertain the levelof first aid provision required. Paying particular attention to those areas that are outside of the direct clinical environment.
- Take into consideration members of the public that may be present, as part of their risk assessment process.
- Ensure that a competent person *¦ is available at all times to take charge of an incident where a person becomes ill or is injured whilst at work.
- Inform all employees of the nature and location of first aid facilities
- Display all first aid notices in prominent positions, ensuring that the location of equipment and details of designated first aiders or appointed persons are identified.
- Ensure that those with language differences or visual impairments are suitably informed of the arrangements for First Aid.
- Provide adequate facilities *§, such as a suitably stocked first aid Kit, for rendering First Aid to persons in the event of an injury or ill health.
- Ensure that where the assessment has identified the need to have a ‘First Aider’ that nominated staff are sent on an appropriate First Aid at Work Course, and that, suitable and sufficient time is given to allow First Aider’s to update and maintain their knowledge and skills
- Record any First Aid Treatment given Via the Adverse Event reporting system
*¦ Doctors and Registered Nurses are deemed as competent to deliver Emergency Aid. Outside of a direct clinical setting those deemed as ‘Appointed Persons’ should, as a minimum, attend the Trusts BLS course annually.
*§ A first aid room is not normally required unless there are special or unusual hazards and access to the hospital is difficult.
Employees must:
- Take reasonable care of their own Health and Safety and the Welfare of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions
- Be familiar with and comply with instructions and training given by the Trust
- Co-operate with their employer and line managers to achieve a safe and healthy workplace.
- Complete the AIR form in the event of an accident or incident occurring and if unable to do so arrange for a bona-fide colleague to complete on their behalf
6.PROCESS
Management of the Ill or injured Person
When a staff member or member of public becomes unwell or injured whilst at work / on our premises it is important they receive appropriate treatment or guidance. The following sections are by no means exhaustive but can be used a guide to determine an appropriate course of action.
Condition / Location / ActionCardiac Arrest / MainBuilding / 2222 CPR in accordance with PHT Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) policy
Grounds or out buildings / Request an ambulance via 2222 or 999 CPR in accordance with CPR policy
Off site work locations / 999 CPR in accordance with PHT CPR policy
Loss of Consciousness / MainBuilding / 2222 Stay with the person and provide first aid, as required, until help arrives
Grounds or out buildings / Request an ambulance via 2222 or 999 stay with the person and provide first aid, as required, until help required
Off site work locations / 999 stay with the person and provide first aid, as required, until help arrives
Medical emergency / MainBuilding / 2222 stay with the person and provide first aid, as required, until help arrives
Grounds or out buildings / Request an ambulance via 2222 or 999 stay with the person and provide first aid, as required, until help arrives
Off site work locations / 999 stay with the person and provide first aid, as required, until help arrives
Fall with suspected injury / unable to get up from floor unaided / MainBuilding / Where possible summon help from nearest clinical area
Bleep Duty Hospital Manager on 1118 via switchboard for co-ordination of retrieval from the floor and transportation to ED
Stay with the person and provide first aid, as required, until help arrives
Grounds or out buildings / Request an ambulance via 2222 or 999
stay with the person and provide first aid, as required, until help arrives
Off site work locations / 999
Stay with the person and provide first aid, as required, until help arrives
Road traffic incident resulting in injury / Grounds or out buildings / Request an ambulance via 2222 or 999
Bleep Duty Hospital Manager and security via switchboard for co-ordination of the incident until the arrival of the emergency services.
Stay with the person and provide first aid, as required, until help arrives
Minor injuries e.g
Cuts, grazes, sprains / On or off site / First aid treatment where available. Own GP. St Mary’s Minor injuries unit ED as appropriate
Staff – sudden onset of mild illness e.g –
Colds, migraines, headaches / On or off site / Can be advised by their line manager to return home to rest and recuperate as required and contact their own GP
Staff – illness with infection control implications e.g -Diarrhoea and vomiting, conjunctivitis, contact with infections disease / On or off site / Contact Occupational Health for advice 02392753346
Work related illness or injuries e.g. –
Musculoskeletal pain, stress, anxiety, depression, occupational skin disease, occupational asthma / On or off site / Contact Occupational Health for advice 02392753346
First Aid at Work Policy
Version: 6
Issue Date: 23 October 2017
Review Date: 22 October 2020 (unless requirements change) Page 1 of 12
Process for the management of persons presenting to reception/entrance areas other than ED in need of medical assistance
First Aid at Work Policy
Version: 6
Issue Date: 23 October 2017
Review Date: 22 October 2020 (unless requirements change) Page 1 of 12
7.TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
First Aiders
- In order to be a certified First Aider, individuals will need to attend and successfully pass a First Aid at Work course. These courses are usually delivered over four days and must be delivered by a HSE accredited Training Provider.*
- Certificates are valid for three years and must be renewed prior to their expiry date
- First aiders should update their Basic life Support (BLS) skills on an annual basis through attendance on a Trust BLS course.
Appointed Persons
- Does not need to have a HSE approved certificate
- Consideration should be given to aspects detailed in section 4 of this policy
- Must attend a PHT BLS course annually
Details of any training attended should be forwarded to the Learning and Development Department to enable individual training records to be updated.
* First aid at Work training is not currently available internally, subsequently suitable training will need to be sought via a local HSE approved training provider, such as St John’s Ambulance, British Red Cross, Hampshire Ambulance. Details of training requirements and local training providers can be obtained through the Health and Safety department.
8.REFERENCES AND ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION
Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974
Health and Safety (First Aid) regulations 1981
HSE Approved Code of Practice ‘First aid at work’ (ISBN 0 11885536 0)
HSE (INDG 214 guide to First Aid at Work).
Trust Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Policy
9. EQUALITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust is committed to ensuring that, as far as is reasonably practicable, the way we provide services to the public and the way we treat our staff reflects their individual needs and does not discriminate against individuals or groups on any grounds.
This policy has been assessed accordingly
Our valuesare the core of what Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust is and what we cherish. They are beliefs that manifest in the behaviours our employees display in the workplace.
Our Values were developed after listening to our staff. They bring the Trust closer to its vision to be the best hospital, providing the best care by the best people and ensure that our patients are at the centre of all we do.
We are committed to promoting a culture founded on these values which form the ‘heart’ of our Trust:
Respect and dignity
Quality of care
Working together
Efficiency
This policy should be read and implemented with the Trust Values in mind at all times
10. MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH PROCEDURAL DOCUMENTS
Compliance with this policy will need to form part of Divisional Health and Safety action plans.
Minimum requirement to be monitored / Lead / Tool / Frequency of Report of Compliance / Reporting arrangements / Lead(s) for acting on RecommendationsCompletion of First Aid Risk assessments / H&S Advisor / CSC H&S reports / Annual / Policy audit report to:
- H&S Committee
First Aid Arrangements / H&S Advisor / Spot checks, audits / Periodic / Policy audit report to:
- H&S Committee
Adverse events / H&S Advisor / Datix / Quarterly / Policy audit report to:
- H&S Committee
This policy will be monitored for effectiveness on an annual basis through;
- Annual Audit
- Periodic departmental spot checks to ascertain the level First Aid Provision
- Review of relevant training attendance such as First Aid at Work
- Monitoring will be undertaken by the Health and safety Department and the Health and safety Committee.
EQUALITY IMPACT SCREENING TOOL
To be completed and attached to any procedural document when submitted to the appropriate committee for consideration and approval for service and policy changes/amendments.
Stage 1 - ScreeningTitle of Procedural Document: First Aid at Work Policy
Date of Assessment / 13 September 2017 / Responsible Department / H&S
Name of person completing assessment / J Michael / Job Title / H&S advisor
Does the policy/function affect one group less or more favourably than another on the basis of :
Yes/No / Comments
- Age
- Disability
- Ethnic Origin (including gypsies and travellers)
- Gender reassignment
- Pregnancy or Maternity
- Race
- Sex
- Religion and Belief
- Sexual Orientation
If the answer to all of the above questions is NO, the EIA is complete. If YES, a full impact assessment is required: go on to stage 2, page 2
More Information can be found be following the link below#
Stage 2 – Full Impact Assessment
What is the impact / Level of Impact / Mitigating Actions
(what needs to be done to minimise / remove the impact) / Responsible Officer
Monitoring of Actions
The monitoring of actions to mitigate any impact will be undertaken at the appropriate level
Specialty Procedural Document: Specialty Governance Committee
Clinical Service Centre Procedural Document:Clinical Service Centre Governance Committee
Corporate Procedural Document:Relevant Corporate Committee
All actions will be further monitored as part of reporting schedule to the Equality and Diversity Committee
First Aid at Work Policy
Version: 6
Issue Date: 23 October 2017
Review Date: 22 October 2020 (unless requirements change) Page 1 of 12