Who is responsible for administering first aid

Asset Management Services will be responsible for auditing and refurbishing first aid kits. In a first aid emergency a first aid officer is expected to take charge and may direct others on the scene to assist with managing the emergency until Emergency Services or more qualified personnel take over. First aid officers undertake regular refresher training. First aid officers are protected by vicarious liability when acting in good faith and discharging their responsibilities in accordance with their training.

Vicarious liability means that employers are generally held responsible for the acts and omissions of their employees. The University appoints first aid officers to act on its behalf and discharge its responsibilities in relation to providing first aid.

It is clear that in most situations where first aid officers render first aid in the workplace or otherwise in the course of their duties, they will be doing so as employees of the University and vicarious liability will apply.

Permission to treat an injured person must always be obtained prior to treatment unless the person is unconscious. Arrow icon First Aid legal requirements. All organisations need to appoint someone to take charge of first aid arrangements in the workplace. Your needs assessment will determine if you need an appointed person or a first aider. An appointed person is someone who is nominated to take charge of first aid arrangements, such as looking after the first aid kit and calling an ambulance in an emergency.

A first aider is someone who is qualified to give first aid treatment in the event of an injury or illness. Moreover, these trained first aiders will be responsible for ensuring the first aid kits are maintained. When an organisation fails to comply with UK health and safety legislation, the consequences can be severe. The HSE has the power to investigate organisations which they suspect are not adhering to health and safety standards.

Following an investigation, if there is sufficient evidence that the employer has neglected first aid and health and safety, then the HSE can prosecute the organisation. Prosecution and fines will ultimately tarnish the reputation of an organisation and can affect the way people perceive the company in the future.

If an injury occurs in the workplace and your organisation does not have trained first aiders on site, the injured individual could become seriously hurt as a result. Therefore, by having qualified and trained first aiders in the workplace, you can reduce the effects which incidents can have on the wellbeing of those around you.

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For example, in some jurisdictions, distribution of over-the-counter medications is not recommended although an individual who can purchase using a vending machine may be permissible.

In other jurisdictions, distribution of over-the-counter medications may be permitted under specific circumstances including the appropriate training of first aid personnel. Employers are usually required to maintain written records of all injuries and treatment given in a first aid treatment record book or log.

Each event should be recorded and include:. Only employees trained in first aid should assist a victim. Never give first aid treatment for which you are not trained. As part of their emergency preparedness training, employees should know how to respond during an injury or illness situation. In terms of first aid, employees should know:.

While a first aid hazard assessment is not required in all jurisdictions, conducting one will ensure the workplace is prepared for all likely emergencies and the types of first aid treatment that may be needed.

It is essential to know the exact hazards in the workplace as being prepared will also help reduce the severity of any events. For example, if you work in an autobody repair shop, provisions should be made to have training and first aid supplies for:. Below is a sample worksheet. Customize it for your workplace needs. Alternatively, the information collected in other job safety analysis or hazard assessments may be used.