The next step

First aid needs assessment

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Latest guidance on resuscitation

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First aid during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

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Fresh advice on first aid

Why the change?

The revision of information is only on the HSE’s website at this stage because advice is changing rapidly to keep pace with coronavirus and related issues (see The next step ). It focuses on the hygiene arrangements required for first aid treatment, how to ensure you have sufficient first aid personnel, and overcoming the difficulties you might encounter in getting first aider certification renewed.

First aid needs

The first task the HSE advises you to address is a review of your first aid needs assessment. This is sensible advice because it may resolve some of your difficulties with first aid provision with relatively little effort. Many are struggling to provide the same cover in the workplace because staff are thin on the ground, but this can play into your hands. If you have fewer staff and visitors on site, or you have cut out higher risk activities, you may not need so many first aiders, or may not require them to have such in-depth training. Tip.  As the HSE suggests, review your first aid needs assessment (see The next step ). Involve your first aiders in your review, e.g. by checking whether they have health vulnerabilities which put them more at risk.

Specific practices

The HSE’s web page contains information on the latest best practice for first aiders with regards to performing their role and minimising the risks of viral transmission. For example, it suggests that so far as possible they should keep at a safe distance from the casualty and ask them to self-help where appropriate, e.g. clean their own wound, apply a plaster.

Tip. Ensure that your first aiders are aware of the latest guidance on cardio pulmonary resuscitation including to avoid rescue breaths and to drape a cloth over the casualty’s mouth. If your first aid trainer has not provided this information, check out the advice from the Resuscitation Council UK (see The next step ). Tip. Make sure extra protective equipment and clothing are available for first aiders, i.e. a fluid-repellent surgical mask, disposable gloves, eye protection and an apron or other suitable covering.

Qualifications

There are revised and more generous extensions now available for those certified to First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First aid at Work (EFAW) standards. In recognition of the ongoing backlog with training providers FAW or EFAW certificates that expired after 16 March 2020 can remain valid until 31 October 2020 or six months from date of expiry, whichever is later. Tip. All requalification training should be completed by 31 March 2021. If you’re making use of this extension, you must be able to demonstrate that you’ve made every effort to comply, e.g. by having a course booked and that you’re still equipped to provide adequate first aid for staff.

Warning. Inspectors are more likely to accept an extended requalification timeframe in low risk environments such as shops and offices.

For a link to the HSE’s web page, an example first aid needs assessment and the latest guidance, visit https://www.tips-and-advice.co.uk, Download Zone, year 19, issue 03.