{"id":26662,"date":"2024-11-28T14:13:27","date_gmt":"2024-11-28T14:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hurak.com\/blog\/?p=26662"},"modified":"2025-11-18T09:32:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T09:32:51","slug":"responsibilities-of-a-first-aider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hurak.com\/blog\/responsibilities-of-a-first-aider","title":{"rendered":"What are the Responsibilities of a First Aider"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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First aiders are common in most businesses, playing a key role as first responders in medical situations. They provide immediate, stabilising help when someone needs urgent care until professional medical assistance arrives. The role of a first aider can vary greatly depending on the person and workplace, which can make it confusing to understand the responsibilities if you\u2019re new to it.<\/p>

While the main goal of first aid is to save lives, there are many other duties involved. In emergencies, they must provide proper care to anyone who is sick or injured. They also need to keep their first aid training up-to-date and be aware of any risks or hazards specific to their workplace.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What is a First Aider?<\/strong><\/h2>

A first aider is trained to help sick or injured people until professional medical help arrives. They know basic skills like how to stop bleeding<\/a>,<\/span> help someone who is choking, or do CPR<\/a>.<\/span> First aiders are usually the first to respond in an emergency, keeping people safe and calm until more help comes.<\/p>

Anyone can be a first aider if they learn the right skills. I can be a first aider because I want to help others in emergencies and make my workplace or community safer.<\/p>

Qualified first aiders usually complete one of two main types of training:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)<\/h3>

This Level 3 course is for people designated as first aiders in lower-risk workplaces. The one-day training covers CPR, handling bleeding and wounds, managing choking incidents<\/a>,<\/span> treating minor injuries, and knowing what to do in emergencies. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate valid for three years.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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First Aid at Work (FAW)<\/h3>

This is a more detailed Level 3 course for first-aiders in higher-risk workplaces. It covers additional topics like helping someone having a seizure<\/a>,<\/span> heart attack, diabetic emergency, or severe allergic reaction<\/a>.<\/span> FAW training lasts three days, and the certification is valid for three years.
First aiders can also take specialist courses, like Paediatric First Aid<\/a><\/span>. Health and Safety regulations do not require a trained first aider in some small businesses. Instead, they may appoint a responsible person for first aid, though this person does not need formal training. They may choose to take a basic first aid course<\/a> <\/span>for appointed persons.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What are the Key Responsibilities of a First Aider<\/strong> <\/h2>

A first aider\u2019s main job is to help someone injured, sick, or having a medical emergency. The care provided depends on the severity of the situation and can range from simple tasks, like removing a splinter, to more complex emergency actions. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Assess the Situation<\/h3>

\"Assess<\/p>

Quickly evaluate the scene to ensure it is safe for you and the injured person. Look for any hazards and try to remove or minimise them before giving assistance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Provide Initial Care<\/h3>

\"Provide<\/p>

Offer appropriate first aid to stabilise the injured person and prevent further harm. This might include CPR, stopping bleeding, or helping with choking. Only perform techniques you are trained in to avoid causing more harm.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Call for Professional Help<\/h3>

\"Call<\/p>

Call emergency services or ask someone else to do so, especially in serious situations. It may be best to call NHS 111 for advice or refer the person to their GP for minor injuries.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Communicate Calmly<\/h3>

\"Communicate<\/p>

Stay calm and speak clearly with the injured person and anyone else. If the person is conscious, introduce yourself and explain your plan. Let bystanders know how they can assist, like calling an ambulance or keeping a respectful distance for the person\u2019s privacy.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Monitor the Injured Person<\/h3>

\"Monitor<\/p>

Keep an eye on their condition, checking breathing, pulse, and temperature. If they become unconscious, ensure their airway is open and start CPR if needed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Record the Incident<\/h3>

\"Record<\/p>

Document the incident details, such as date, time, location, and the treatment given. Accurate records may be needed for legal reasons and are useful for improving future first-aid practices. Always protect personal data when keeping these records.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Other Duties of a First Aider<\/strong><\/h2>

A first aider\u2019s duties go beyond giving immediate help. They also include:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Keeping First Aid Skills Updated<\/h3>

After completing Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)<\/a><\/span> or First Aid at Work (FAW) training<\/a>,<\/span> you receive a certificate valid for three years. You\u2019ll need to renew your training after that, but taking a half-day skills refresher course each year is helpful, either in person or online. Although you may not be responsible for keeping your training records, some workplaces assign this to a specific team or person in charge of learning, development, or health and safety.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Staying Aware of Workplace Risks<\/h3>

Knowing about potential risks and hazards in your workplace helps you better prepare to handle emergencies. If your previous training does not cover the hazards you encounter, you may want to ask for extra training. If your workplace has a first aid needs assessment, review it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Familiarising Yourself with First Aid Equipment<\/h3>

Know where to find first-aid kits and devices like AEDs (defibrillators). If you\u2019re not trained to use certain equipment, ask for training to ensure you\u2019re prepared.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Note:<\/strong> First aiders must stay within the scope of their training to avoid causing unintentional harm.
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Responsibilities of a Workplace First Aider<\/strong><\/h2>

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained people to assist employees who become ill or injured at work. The type and level of first aid provided should match the needs of the specific workplace.<\/p>

At a minimum, every workplace must have:<\/p>