In the workplace, accidents and illness can happen at any time. In such emergency situations, the presence of trained first aiders workers is essential.
But what is their role? What training do they have to undergo? And why is their presence a real pillar of prevention in the workplace? In this article, find out everything you need to know about first aiders in the UK: their role, training, responsibilities and the challenges facing employers.
A first aid worker is an employee trained in first aid who can intervene rapidly in the event of an accident, illness or medical emergency in the workplace.
The inclusion of first aid workers in company prevention plans is an essential step towards guaranteeing a safe and responsive working environment in case of an emergency. Their responsibilities go beyond responding to accidents, they’re also an essential part of the company’s broader approach to occupational risk prevention.
Assessing needs is a key step in ensuring employee safety and meeting legal requirements. In the United Kingdom, the the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires employers to identify the need for first aiders according to a number of criteria.
If the level of risk is too high, it is compulsory for the employer to provide a sufficient number of first-aiders and first-aid equipment.
A first aid worker plays an essential role in emergency management and risk prevention in the workplace. Their main task is to intervene quickly in case of an accident or illness in order to limit the consequences for workers' health.
These missions are various :
In some situations, the first few minutes are vital. An first aid worker is trained to provide appropriate first aid, monitor the victim's condition and note any changes so that the emergency services can be informed.
However, employees are acting within the framework of their training and cannot be held responsible for an unintentional error as long as they follow the procedures they have learned.
They are legally protected if they act in good faith and in the interests of the victim.
First aid training in the workplace is essential to guarantee employee safety and ensure a rapid response in the event of an emergency. In the UK, training is governed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which defines two main levels of training adapted to different working environments.
First Aid at Work (FAW) - This is a comprehensive course.
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Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) - Light training
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Some companies combine the two courses to suit the specific roles and needs of their employees. First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualifications are valid for 3 years. On average, First Aid at Work training costs between £173 and £359.
To ensure an effective response in the event of an emergency, it is advisable to undergo refresher training before the certification expires.
Refresher training enables you to maintain the reflexes and skills you have acquired, keep abreast of new developments in first aid techniques and practise realistic scenarios to improve the effectiveness of your response.
The presence of first aiders in companies is much more than a legal obligation : it is a guarantee of safety, responsiveness and collective responsibility. Whether it's a sudden illness, a workplace accident or a simple bleed, the speed and quality of care can make all the difference.
In the UK, training courses such as First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) enable first aiders' skills to be adapted to the real needs of the company, taking into account its size, sector of activity and level of risk.
First aid worker do more than just react to accidents. They also plays a preventive role, integrated into the company's prevention plans, and is called upon to point out potential dangers before they cause damage. This makes them a key player in the workplace safety culture.
Finally, the three-year validity of the certification underlines the importance of maintaining skills and ongoing training.