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KEY ASPECTS IN THE ARRANGEMENT OF FIRST AID WITHIN ORGANISATIONS
As noted by legislation, the key points to consider when arranging first aid within organisations are the following:
- Designation of personnel in charge of implementing First Aid measures at the workplace.
- Timely checks to ensure that the measures are working correctly.
- Organisation of necessary links with other external entities to ensure the speed and effectiveness of any actions taken.
- Adequate training, provision of materials and sufficient personnel in relation to the nature of the risks within each company.
FIRST AID CHAIN: Between the victim and the personalized care there are a number of links that must be informed, taught and trained to ensure the speed and effectiveness of emergency actions: witnesses, callers and First Aiders.
WITNESSES: Due to the importance of this role within the first aid process it is recommended that all personnel are informed (informative posters, informal chats, explanatory leaflets, etc (these are available through 1st Aid Spain).
The key message within this training is: PROTECT, CALL AND AID.
Team leaders and those working in high risk areas must receive specific training for one day. Such training should cover definition of alerts, their importance in first aid, methods of warning/calls, types of message and practical exercises at the company.
CALLERS: The call for help will fall on the person normally responsible for answering calls at the company. This person will be in charge of requesting help in a prompt and effective manner.
FIRST AIDERS: When deciding the appropriate number of first Aiders to nominate within the company, the following has to be considered: number of employees, organisational structure, type of work, inherent risks, work shifts, distance between the workplace and the emergency services. In general, one first Aider per 50 workers and shift.
First aid training should be broken down into three key elements:
Basic training: The first Aider must be capable of dealing with medical emergency situations, such as fainting, heart and respiratory failures, blockages in respiratory pipes, haemorrhages and shocks.
Additional training: As well as the basic training, the first Aiders should attend courses to enable them to deal with situations classed as medical emergencies: burns, contusions, fractures, sprains, injuries, and other general emergencies.
Specific training: On top of both the basic and additional training, and relevant to the risks inherent within the organisation, specific training is recommended. For instance, a first Aider working in a chemical company should receive training on how to deal with chemical burns and intoxication.
First Aiders within companies should receive training voluntarily and should also receive regular updates.
FIRST AID MATERIALS: There is a recommended contents list for First Aid kits at work (available through 1st Aid Spain).
This legislation is comparable to UK and Europe. See www.healthandsafety.co.uk