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Best Practice - First Aid

Examples of best practice for first aid arrangements

   Location and signing
First aider details
First aid box contents
First aider pack
Number of first aiders
First aid training

   Location and signing

Location - clearly visible locations, fixed at good height for retrieval

Location - if stored in rooms, these should be clearly marked. Protruding signs are useful if boxes are located in corridors.



   First aider details                                                              Back to top

First aider details - to include name, telephone number and room location

 



   First aid box contents                                                          Back to top

First aid box contents - includes HSE leaflet on first aid, contents renewal form, variety of bandages and plasters, wipes, gloves (non-latex) safety pins and resuscitation aid. Someone should be nominated to ensure boxes are kept fully stocked.



   First aider pack                                                                 Back to top

First aider personal pack - includes gloves, resuscitation aid, wipe and info cards



   Number of first aiders                                                       Back to top

Category of risk Number employed at any one location Number of first aiders
LOW Fewer than 50 At least 1 appointed person
LOW 50 - 100 At least 1 first aider
LOW More than 100 1 additional first aider for every extra 100 employed
MEDIUM Fewer than 20 At least 1 appointed person
MEDIUM 20 - 100 At least 1 first aider for every 50 employed
MEDIUM More than 100 1 additional first aider for every extra 100 employed
HIGH Fewer than 5 At least 1 appointed person
HIGH 5 -50 At least 1 first aider
HIGH More than 50 1 additional first aider for every 100 employed
HIGH Where additional hazards exist At least 1 first aider training is specific emergency action


   First aid training                                                             Back to top

Courses are organised by the Occupational Health Department. Two courses are available:

4 day first aid course
1 day emergency aid course

Those who have completed a 4 day course will be expected to attend a 2 day refresher course every 3 years to maintain qualification. Once you have completed the 4 day course you will automatically be contacted by Occupational Health to attend the refresher course.

Internal records should be kept of all first aiders and should be reviewed regularly as part of the annual safety plan.