Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have compiled a list of all of the common questions that we get asked, if the question you have isn't answered here then please contact us and we will do our best to answer your question and then add it to our list below.
First Aid FAQ's
What is my employer required to do with first aid?
Your employer is expected to have:
- completed a first-aid needs assessment;
- ensured that there is either an appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements or, if necessary, there are appropriate numbers of suitably trained first-aiders;
- ensured their are adequate facilities and a suitable stocked first-aid box;
- provided you with information about the first-aid arrangements.
What about employees who travel regularly or work elsewhere, what should be done about first-aid provision for them?
Employers are responsible for meeting the first-aid needs of their employees working away from the main site. The assessment of first-aid needs should determine whether: those who travel long distances or are continuously mobile should carry a personal first-aid box; and employees should be issued with personal communicators/mobile phones.
Are first-aiders allowed to give tablets and medication to casualties?
First aid at work does not include giving tablets or medicines to treat illness. The only exception to this is where aspirin is used when giving first aid to a casualty with a suspected heart attack in accordance with currently accepted first-aid practice. It is recommended that tablets and medicines should not be kept in the first-aid box.
Some workers carry their own medication that has been prescribed by their doctor (eg an inhaler for asthma). If an individual needs to take their own prescribed medication, the first-aider's role is generally limited to helping them to do so and contacting the emergency services as appropriate.
Medicines legislation restricts the administration of injectable medicines. Unless self-administered, they may only be administered by or in accordance with the instructions of a doctor (eg by a nurse). However, in the case of adrenaline there is an exemption to this restriction, which means in an emergency a layperson is permitted to administer it by injection for the purpose of saving life.
Some workers carry their own medication that has been prescribed by their doctor (eg an inhaler for asthma). If an individual needs to take their own prescribed medication, the first-aider's role is generally limited to helping them to do so and contacting the emergency services as appropriate.
Medicines legislation restricts the administration of injectable medicines. Unless self-administered, they may only be administered by or in accordance with the instructions of a doctor (eg by a nurse). However, in the case of adrenaline there is an exemption to this restriction, which means in an emergency a layperson is permitted to administer it by injection for the purpose of saving life.
Lifesaving FAQ's
Can people begin training as lifeguards before they are 16?
Candidates must be 16 years of age or older prior to commencing a course of training.
Can a candidate wear goggles?
Yes, but only during training.
Is the NPLQ (National Pool Lifeguard Qualification) the required qualification for swimming pool supervision and rescue?
The NPLQ has been designed to meet the requirements set out in the HSE publication "Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools" (the leisure industry guidance for pool safety) but it would be the decision of the operator to decide to accept any qualification (through the risk assessment process) or any potential lifeguard. The NPLQ is regarded as the gold standard in terms of UK lifeguarding qualifications and is recognised internationally.
Did you know?
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to have adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to provide first aid to employees or visitors to the premises injured or taken ill at work. For more information visit:http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid
From October 2009 there will be major changes in the delivery of first aid at work. Below there is a brief summery with regards to these changes. For more information or for clarification of your existing qualification please contact us or the HSE -http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid
The HSE now give you the option to make the decisions with regards to how you choose your first aid training provider. This training provider is now more responsible for their regulation and monitoring. There options are as follows:
1. Regulated qualifications provider i.e. OFQUAL
2. Provider using Voluntary approval schemes.
3. Provider Operating independently
4. Voluntary Aid Societies (St Johns, Red Cross)
All the information regarding these changes can be found on the HSE First Aid website.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/approved-training.htm
From October 2009 there will be major changes in the delivery of first aid at work. Below there is a brief summery with regards to these changes. For more information or for clarification of your existing qualification please contact us or the HSE -http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid
The HSE now give you the option to make the decisions with regards to how you choose your first aid training provider. This training provider is now more responsible for their regulation and monitoring. There options are as follows:
1. Regulated qualifications provider i.e. OFQUAL
2. Provider using Voluntary approval schemes.
3. Provider Operating independently
4. Voluntary Aid Societies (St Johns, Red Cross)
All the information regarding these changes can be found on the HSE First Aid website.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/approved-training.htm
