Effectively managing first aid is vital within any job role, by not having the correct equipment you are risking the lives of your employees and even the public around you.
At an absolute minimum, all workplaces need to have a first aid box in place containing vital products such as bandages. Larger organisations will also require a first aider, which is where undertaking a first aid course will help.
Under the Health and Safety Regulations (First Aid) 1981, employers must provide adequate equipment to ensure that if an employee is injured at work they receive immediate attention. This law applies to everyone, including the self employed. Depending on the industry, some health and safety policies will be more in-depth (such as construction) and will definitely require an on-site first aider.
It can be difficult for an employer to decide on a designated first aider. After all, until the situation arises it's difficult to test who is best qualified to deal with an emergency. There are several different factors you need to consider before choosing a first aider for your organisation.
First of all, and perhaps most importantly, you need to ensure the designated first aider is able to cope with stressful situations. They may be required to act quickly whilst still remaining calm as any panic may mean that the injured party panics as well.
You will also need to ensure that the recommended person possess enough skill to absorb knowledge. Depending on the industry you work within, there may be injuries which need to be dealt with quickly before the emergency services arrive. A good first aider, should be able to retain the correct knowledge to deal with almost any situation.
Finally you should consider your potential first aiders job role. Do they work in a role whereby they can leave quickly if required? If not, then you will need to choose someone else for the role.
Lower risk workplace areas such as offices may not necessarily require a qualified first aider but as already discussed they will require a first aid box. Employers are not responsible, by law, to provide first aid to non-employees such as the public but it is recommended that this stakeholder is included within risk assessments with provisions made for them.
Employers are always hoping that no accidents will occur within the workplace but sadly, accidents do happen and by designating a first aider you can help to ensure you manage any incidents effectively.