The Role of the First Aider
The Role of the First Aider
First aid is literally the ‘first’ ‘aid’ that a sick or injured person receives on the scene. Employers are required to provide adequate first aid cover in the workplace.
The aims of the first aider are to:
- Preserve life
- Prevent the situation from becoming worse
- Promote recovery
These are known as the 3 ‘P’s.
Upon arriving at the scene of an incident, the first aider should:
- Assess the situation – check for danger; find out what has happened; see how many casualties there are.
- Protect from danger – remove the danger or remove yourself and the casualties from danger. Remember to protect yourself before others.
- Get help – recruit the assistance of bystanders. Call 999/112 for help, or ask bystanders to call for you.
- Prioritise treatment – if there are multiple casualties, go to the most urgent first (often it is the ones making the least noise who are in most need). If there are multiple injuries, treat the most serious first – ensuring Airway, Breathing and Circulation are in order. Reassure the casualty and provide support and comfort.
- Minimise infection risks – wear personal protective equipment where necessary (potentially including gloves or face shield). Wash hands before and after giving treatment, use sterile dressings (make sure they haven’t passed their expiry dates) and clean water.
First Aider Responsibilities
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