Why First Aid?
Apart from the obvious that we want to help people in their time of medical crisis or injury - whether this is a loved one, a colleague or even a stranger in the street - we can't just stand by and do nothing.
Despite this
- Only five per cent of adults in the UK would feel confident, knowledgeable and willing to help someone who is bleeding heavily, is unresponsive and breathing, or is unresponsive and not breathing (Cardiac Arrest).
- Almost nine in 10 Brits believe that learning CPR is important, yet less than half of UK adults (43 per cent) have never learnt this life-saving skill
- People feel least confident administering first aid to a child, with 8 out of 10 parents admitted they wouldn’t know basic first aid procedures to save their child’s life.
- less than a third of people know how to use a defibrillator.
But What About First Aid in the Workplace? Well, It’s the Law!
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide:
“adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to ensure their employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill at work.”
And this applies to every workplace — including businesses with fewer than five employees and the self-employed.
So, What Does This Mean for Your Business?
Every workplace is different, and therefore first aid requirements will vary.
A workplace involving machinery, chemicals, high voltages, vehicles or other significant hazards may be considered higher risk, whereas a typical office environment may be considered lower risk.
This is where a suitable first aid needs assessment comes in.
Employers, or the person responsible for health and safety, should assess the risks within the workplace and determine what first aid provision is appropriate.
This can include:
- 🩹 The type and number of first aid kits
- ❤️ Whether defibrillators (AEDs) are appropriate
- 🚑 Any specialist first aid equipment
- 👥 The number of first aiders required
- 🎓 The level of first aid training those first aiders need
Not Sure What Your Business Needs?
You don't have to work it out alone.
At HP First Aid Training, we can help you understand your workplace first aid requirements and provide high-quality, practical, fully accredited training tailored to your business.
Whether you need an entry-level first aider, more comprehensive workplace training, or additional specialist courses, we can help you find the right solution for your team.
Don’t leave your workplace first aid provision to chance.👉 Make sure your team has the skills, knowledge and confidence to respond when it matters most.
HP First Aid Training — Empower your team. Build confidence. Save lives.
