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First Aid Policy

  • 1.   Purpose and Scope

    The purpose of this policy is to guide the provision of first aid to people suffering injury or illness. First aid services are an important element of work health and safety, facilitating first initial treatment for:

    • Injuries that may occur in the workplace (including fieldwork);
    • Acute personal sickness that may impact on staff members, consumers or others while at Spiral Freerun’s premises or the premises in which Spiral Freerun is contracted at.

    2. Definitions

    First aid is the immediate, initial attention to a person suffering an injury or illness. The aims of first aid are to prevent the occurrence of further dangerous incidents, preservation of life, stabilisation of the person’s condition, promotion of recovery and protection and comfort of the person. First aiders are any people providing first aid.

    3. Principles

    The aims of first aid are to preserve life, prevent harm and promote recovery. First Aid requirements are determined by NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. Spiral Freerun is committed to access to high quality first aid.

    4. Outcomes

    Any person (staff, Board members, consumers, volunteers, students, visitors on Spiral Freerun’s premises (or the premises in which Spiral Freerun is contracted at) must have reasonable access to first aid assistance should an injury or illness occur. First aid assistance is provided by trained first aiders, where possible.

    5. Functions and Delegations

    As with WHS Policy Mental Health Coordinating Council http://www.mhcc.org.au Psychological Injury Management Guide 2012

    6. Risk Management

    First aid risks are regularly assessed, identified and managed. Employees are educated in first aid awareness. Appropriately qualified staff are trained first aid personnel. Mechanisms are in place for monitoring compliance with first aid policies.

    7. Policy Implementation

    Spiral Freerun ensures effective implementation of first aid through:

    • Staff having access to policies and procedures relating to first aid.
    • Provision of tailored training to persons with specific tasks.
    • Record of first aid activities, including first aid training provided and undertaken, information provided to consumers and use of PPE.
    • Mechanisms for monitoring compliance with first aid.

    8. Policy Detail

    Spiral Freerun is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all staff, Board members, students, visitors and consumers.

    8.1 Assessing First Aid Requirements

    Workplace activities influence potential harmful consequences for staff, consumers and others. Each worksite is likely to have different first aid requirements. The Director will determine the number of designated First Aid Officers, the type of First Aid kit required and the organisation’s approach to first aid response. Staff are encouraged to disclose health information which may assist in prompt and appropriate first aid responses to foreseeable medical emergencies.

    8.2 Designated First Aid Officer

    Trained First Aid Officers include the following:

    • A person who holds a current first aid certificate issued after successful completion of an approved first aid course;
    • A person who holds a current occupational first aid certificate issued after successful completion of an approved occupational first aid course.
    • A level 3 or greater NSW ambulance officer.
    • A registered nurse or a medical practitioner.

    A person with one or more of the above qualifications is appointed by the organisation to be the designated First Aid Officer. A designated first aid officer will be appointed when there 3 or more employees and consumers at one site.

    8.3 First Aid Facilities

    First aid facilities are provided that are adequate for the immediate treatment of injuries and illnesses that may arise at the workplace. First aid kits supplied comprise items in accordance with NSW WorkCover guidelines. First aid kits are maintained by the designated First Aid Officer.

     8.4 First Aid Response

    While on duty all staff have a duty of care to themselves and others to provide first aid assistance to the level of their competence, and to call on expert assistance if necessary. The designated First Aid Officer is informed of the need for first aid and will respond immediately if available. Emergency medical care and/or an ambulance is to be called if required. Staff trained in first aid provide first aid assistance if there is no designated First Aid Officer present and emergency medical care and/or an ambulance has not yet arrived.

    8.5 Personal Protection

    First aiders are to assume that all blood and other body fluids are infectious and are aware of standard precautions in relation to managing blood and other body fluids, including wearing gloves when administering first aid. Cross infection is managed while providing first aid by wearing gloves and washing hands with soap and water:

    • Before and after contact with an ill or injured person.
    • After contact with blood or and/or other body fluids or contaminated items.
    • When protective gloves are removed.

    When soap and water are not available, first aiders will use an alcoholic based hand wash or equivalent. Spiral Freerun provides personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect first aiders and ill or injured persons from risks of exposure to harm from sharp objects and blood or other body fluids. PPE complies with relevant standards and includes:

    • Disposable PVC, latex, and/or heavy-duty gloves.
    • Eye protection, such as goggles and safety glasses.
    • Safety footwear.
    • Resuscitation masks.

    8.6 First Aid Records

    First aid records are integrated with the organisations incident and accident reporting system. See Work Health and Safety Policy for more detail. An Incident Report form is completed by the trained First Aid Officer and/or person providing first aid and includes:

    • Date and time
    • Contact Number, Address & Email.
    • Name of person receiving first aid
    • Description of symptoms
    • Treatment provided
    • Name of person providing first aid
    • Referral arrangements (e.g. ambulance, hospital, medical service)
    • Name of person completing Incident Report form.

    The original copy of the Accident Report form is retained securely in the CEO of spiral Freerun’s office. If a person is transferred to a medical facility, a copy of the Incident Report form is to accompany them. All persons receiving and providing first aid have access to relevant Accident Report forms arising from fa irst aid incident.

    9. References + Resources

    9.1 Internal

    • Work Health and Safety Policy
    • Accident Report Form

    9.2 External

    • Legislation
    • Work Health and Safety Act 2011
    • Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

    9.3 Resources

    • WorkCover NSW 2004, The Community Services Safety Pack: A Guide to Occupational Health & Safety. WorkCover NSW, Gosford.
    • WorkCover Authority of NSW website: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

    This policy is adapted from: