Over the past few days MBO has had a number of enquiries about First Aid.
What do I do if I have to perform first aid?
My certificate is expiring can I still complete training?
Firstly, your responsibility to provide first aid provisions has not changed, however you may need to review your risk assessments to see if your requirements have changed. This could be due to having less staff on site or reduced functions of the business.
What do I do if I have to perform First Aid?
Try to assist at a safe distance from the casualty as much as you can and minimise the time you share a breathing zone.
If they are capable, tell them to do things for you, but treating the casualty properly should be your first concern. Remember the 3P model – preserve life, prevent worsening, promote recovery.
Preserve life: CPR
- Call 999 immediately – tell the call handler if the patient has any COVID-19 symptoms.
- Ask for help. If a portable defibrillator is available, ask for it.
- Before starting CPR, to minimise transmission risk, use a cloth or towel to cover the patient’s mouth and nose, while still permitting breathing to restart following successful resuscitation.
- If available, use:
- A fluid-repellent surgical mask.
- Disposable gloves.
- Eye protection.
- Apron or other suitable covering.
Only deliver CPR by chest compressions and use a defibrillator (if available) – do not do rescue breaths (for CPR in paediatric settings see specific guidance from the Resuscitation Council UK)
Prevent worsening, promote recovery: all other injuries or illnesses.
- If you suspect a serious illness or injury, call 999 immediately – tell the call handler if the patient has any COVID-19 symptoms.
- If giving first aid to someone, you should use the recommended equipment listed above if it is available.
- You should minimise the time you share a breathing zone with the casualty and direct them to do things for you where possible.
After delivering any first aid.
- Ensure you safely discard disposable items and clean reusable ones thoroughly.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser as soon as possible.
My certificate is expiring can I still complete training?
First aid certificate extensions
Offshore Medic and Offshore First Aid Certificates
From 31 October 2020 offshore medic (OM), or offshore first aid (OFA) certificates, must be current and in date. The temporary COVID-19 extension arrangements end.
First Aid at Work (FAW) and Emergency First aid at Work (EFAW) certificates requalification
MBO are continuing to deliver First Aid during the lockdown however, this is for essential workers only.
FAW or EFAW certificates that expired after 16 March 2020 can remain valid until 31 October 2020 or 6 months from date of expiry, whichever is later. All requalification training for these certificates should be completed by 31 March 2021.
To qualify for the extension, employers must be able to demonstrate that:
- They have made every effort to arrange requalification training as soon as possible and can explain in detail why they have not been able to do so. For example, they must show evidence that staff with expired certificates are booked on to EFAW or FAW requalification courses, if requested by an inspector.
- They have adequate and appropriate equipment and facilities to give first aid to any employee who is injured or becomes ill at work.
- The level of first aid cover provided remains appropriate for their particular work environment.
- The level of first aid provision necessary in high risk settings is fully maintained, eg in construction, agriculture, engineering and chemicals.
This guidance now applies to employers in England, Scotland and Wales.
Annual refresher training
If first aiders are unable to access annual refresher training face to face during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, HSE supports the use of online refresher training to keep their skills up to date.
HSE still strongly recommends that the practical elements of actual FAW, EFAW and requalification courses are delivered face to face, so that competency of the student can be properly assessed.
Information provided by
First aid during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – HSE news