|
|
|
Schools This article is closely based on the following DfES, DfEE and statutory documents: "Guidance on First Aid in Schools" 1 "Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits" 2 "Teachernet: Emergency Planning" 3 "The Education (School Premises) Regulations 1996" "The Management of Health & Safety Regulations 1999" 5 First aid course booking form for your use
What is the minimum first aid provision I should have in place? = written first aid risk assessment 1 = an appointed person, at all times (whether on school premises or off-site visits) 1 = it would be unusual for a school to only train appointed persons and not a first aider 1 = suitably stocked first aid kit 1 = all minibuses must carry a first aid kit 2 = employees, temporary staff, helpers & visitors made aware (including staff with reading/language difficulties) of the available first aid provision 1 = a suitable room that can be used for medical / dental treatment when required and pupil care during school hours 4 = correct recording and reporting procedures 1 ^^Back to top^^ How do I assess first aid need? 3 = it is recommended that pupils and visitors are considered, as well as staff = additional cover may be required on split sites, split levels and depending on the size = location of the school (or off site trip) in relation to the emergency services = specific risks (permanent or temporary) eg tools, substances, maintenance work, building work, etc = specific health needs or disabilities or ages of pupils and staff = first aid needs should be reviewed at least yearly (or more frequently if there are changes) by the head teacher or governing body ^^Back to top^^ What do I need to consider to plan the number of first aid personnel needed? 3 = provision needs to be adequate at break and lunch times (good practice indicates lunchtime supervisors to have training) = provision must seamlessly cover planned leave and absences = provision is also required for all off-site activities = special consideration required for practical areas eg science, technology, home-ecomonics and PE departments = provision is also required for all out-of-school-hours activities eg parents evenings, lettings, sports and clubs = agreement with contractors (eg school meal provider) on joint provision for their employees = trainees have the same legal right to health and safety provision as employees = isolated areas need specific consideration eg playing fields, off-school activities = looking at the previous first aid usage helps identify injury types, times, locations or activities of higher risk, needing greater consideration = awareness of the difference in training (and therefore competence and role) of an appointed person and a first aider = schools will generally be classified as lower risk but some locations and activities classified as medium risk 1 ^^Back to top^^ Must I provide training for staff? 1 = teachers' condition of employment do not include giving first aid, although any member of staff may volunteer = all staff are expected to use their best endeavours (particularly in an emergency) to secure pupil welfare (just as a reasonable parent would) = employers must arrange adequate and appropriate training and guidance for staff providing first aid = enough staff must be trained to meet both the statutory requirements and assessed need, allowing for staff off-site or absence = different first aid procedures (and therefore training) will apply to, for example, different age groups, special health needs, etc = first aid training organisations can offer advice on training for school first aid personnel = first aid personnel should be chosen for their reliability, communication skills, aptitude and ability with new knowledge and skills = first aid personnel should also be chosen for their physical & emotional ability to cope and flexibility in leaving work to attend emergencies ^^Back to top^^ What are the differences in appointed person training and first aider? 3 = appointed person training typically takes 4 - 6 hours and is mainly practical in nature = first aider training takes 24 hours and is a blend of theory and practical = an appointed person is not a qualified first aider but may carry out the duties they are trained and therefore insured for = a first aider covers a wider range of first aid skills and knowledge and first aiders may use these skills, if competent = certificates are valid for only three years and refresher training and competence testing arranged at least 3 months before expiry = first aid skills decline with time and refresher training is likely to be required before the statutory minimum 5 ^^Back to top^^ = each site should have at least one fully stocked first aid kit = additional kits will be needed for split sites, split levels, distant playgrounds/sports fields, off-site activities and higher risk areas = all kits must be marked with a white cross on a green background = running water and hand washing facilities should be nearby = extra first aid supplies must be available for immediate refill of kits = kits should be routinely checked by a named individual to ensure they hold all the equipment they should 3 = these are the minimum contents, excluding school risk assessment:
NB: If mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, at least one litre of sterile water or sterile normal saline (0.9%) in sealed, disposable containers should be provided. When the seal has been broken, the container should not be reused. The container should not be used beyond its expiry date. "Health & Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981" ^^Back to top^^ External Internet Link/s Please note that First Aid Training has no control over the content or accuracy of the site/s listed. Please evaluate the information for yourself. How? Guidance on First Aid in Schools Health and Safety of Pupils on Educational Visits Teachernet: Emergency Planning The Management of Health & Safety Regulations 1999 Guidance on infection control in schools and nurseries Date this page was lasted edited: 03/10/2004
|
Please click on the underlined e-mail address here info@firstaidtraining.org.uk to e-mail me with UK first aid questions, comments, web site suggestions, enquiries or non-working hyperlinks.© 2004 First Aid Training
|
First
Aid Training subscribe
to the