Introduction to First Aid for "Appointed Persons"

First aid in the workplace is something every company should take seriously. Having someone designated to take charge during an emergency can make all the difference.

That’s where an “appointed person” comes in. While they may not be trained to deliver medical aid, their role is still essential in managing the situation until help arrives.

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What is an Appointed Person in First Aid?

An appointed person is someone chosen to oversee first aid arrangements in a workplace. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the first aid kits are stocked and accessible 24/7 and to call for emergency help when needed. However, they are only required to administer first aid themselves if they have received training for it.

The difference between an appointed person and a trained first aider lies in the level of responsibility. A trained first aider has completed an official first aid course, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to offer medical assistance.

In contrast, an appointed person’s role is more about coordination and managing the situation when first aid is needed. They don’t necessarily need to have first aid training, though it’s helpful if they take a basic first aid at work course.

Legal Responsibilities of an Appointed Person

In the UK, health and safety regulations outline the importance of providing adequate first aid arrangements. The First Aid Regulations 1981 mandate employers to assess the first aid needs of their workplace. Depending on the size and nature of the work environment, having an appointed person might be enough, while in other cases, trained first aiders will be required.

An appointed person has a few key legal responsibilities:

Managing first aid equipment: They must ensure that first aid kits are maintained, stocked and accessible at all times.
Calling for emergency help: In case of an accident or emergency, they are responsible for contacting the necessary medical services and coordinating with them until help arrives.
Handling emergencies: If there’s an accident or illness, they will take charge until a first aider or medical professional arrives, though they won’t necessarily provide hands-on aid.

For workplaces that do require trained first-aiders, here is a list of first aid courses that first-aiders should go through:

AED Defibrillator Training – Covers the correct use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in emergencies, helping to restore heart function effectively.
First Aid at Work Course – A comprehensive three-day course that equips first-aiders to handle various workplace injuries and medical emergencies.
First Aid Risk Assessment Training – Teaches how to assess first aid needs in the workplace, ensuring compliance and readiness for any emergencies.
Mental Health First Aid Training – Focuses on identifying and supporting mental health challenges, equipping first-aiders to respond appropriately in mental health crises.

Even though appointed persons aren’t legally required to have first aid training, a basic understanding of first aid can be highly beneficial.

Essential First Aid Skills and Knowledge

Although an appointed person’s role doesn’t necessarily involve providing first aid, it’s still incredibly valuable for them to have some basic knowledge. Knowing how to act in the first few minutes of an emergency can save precious time before the professionals take over. Some core skills an appointed person should be familiar with include:

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): Knowing how to perform CPR could be life-saving in the event of a cardiac arrest.
Wound care: Understanding how to stop bleeding and cover wounds is crucial.
Burn treatment: Recognising the severity of burns and knowing the first steps to take.
Handling shock: Shock can accompany many injuries and can be life-threatening. Appointed persons should know how to identify and manage this.
Recognising common medical conditions: It can be handy to have an idea of how to handle fainting, seizures or diabetic emergencies.

First Aid Kit Management and Maintenance

One of the most essential responsibilities of an appointed person is to ensure the first aid kit is always ready for use. This means checking that it is well-stocked, items are within their expiration date and the kit is easily accessible to everyone in the workplace.

Here’s an essential checklist of items that should be in any standard first-aid kit:

Adhesive plasters (various sizes) are used to cover minor cuts and scrapes.
Sterile dressings for larger wounds.
Eye pads in case of eye injuries.
Sterile gloves to protect both the injured person and the responder.
Safety pins to secure bandages.
Scissors for cutting bandages or clothing.
Tweezers for removing small debris like splinters.
Alcohol-free cleansing wipes for cleaning wounds.
Burn dressings to cover and protect burns.
Resuscitation face shields for performing CPR.

Responding to Emergencies as an Appointed Person

When an emergency strikes and there’s no qualified first aider around, the appointed person steps up to manage the situation. While they may not perform first aid themselves, they play a vital role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

For minor incidents like cuts or fainting, an appointed person can help calm the situation. They should assess the condition, offer reassurance and call for a first aider or emergency services if needed. For more serious incidents like burns, heavy bleeding or someone going into shock, the appointed person’s job becomes more about managing the scene. Here’s how they should handle various situations:

Fainting: Encourage the person to lie down with their legs elevated. Keep them calm and monitor their condition. Call for help if they don’t recover quickly.
Cuts and wounds: Apply pressure to halt the bleeding, cover the wound with a sterile dressing and seek assistance from a first aider if necessary.
Burns: Run the burn under cool water for at least 10 minutes and cover it with a sterile dressing. Avoid applying creams or oils.
Shock: If someone shows signs of shock (such as rapid breathing, clammy skin or dizziness), help them lie down with their legs elevated. Keep them warm and reassure them until help arrives.

The Importance of Being Prepared

Appointed persons may not involve bandaging wounds or performing CPR, but they still play a crucial role in workplace safety. They ensure first aid supplies are in order, call for help when it’s needed and take charge in emergencies.

Having someone designated to manage first aid can mean the difference between life and death in serious situations. Being prepared isn’t just about having the right equipment; it’s also about knowing how to stay calm and act quickly when things go wrong. Effective first aid preparedness helps prevent minor injuries from escalating and can even save lives.