FIRST AID POLICY

Approving Authority:	Pro Vice Chancellor (Administration)
Approval Date:	5 May 2006
Approved Document No:	2006/0007676
Review Date:	2009
Policy Adviser:	For advice on this policy, contact your Group HR Staff

Description of the Policy:

This document provides a statement of the University's commitment to providing timely and appropriate first aid care to staff, students and visitors attending the University.

Related Policies, Procedures & Forms:

Guidelines for First Aid Officers

Link to OFM Direction re ambulances

Health and Safety Policy

Reporting and Recording of Work-Caused Injury, Illness, and Occurrences Procedures

Incident/Injury Report Form

First Aid Treatment Record Booklet

Workers' Compensation Procedures

Rehabilitation Policy

Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995

First Aid Advisory Standard 2004

This document is available in Word format for downloading. Click here to download this document.

[Introduction] [Scope] [Application] [Delegated Authorities]

1.0 Introduction

First aid is the immediate care given to an ill or injured person until more advanced care arrives or the person recovers. In an emergency situation first aid aims to maintain life, prevent further harm/injury, ease pain and prevent deterioration of the person's condition until professional medical help can be obtained.

The provision and maintenance of first aid equipment, facilities and services for all employees is a requirement of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 and First Aid Advisory Standard 2004.

2.0 Scope

This policy applies to all staff, students, visitors and contractors at the University.

3.0 Application

The University is committed to providing timely and appropriate first aid care to staff, students, visitors and contractors while undertaking University related activities. A risk management approach will be used to assess first aid requirements.

3.1 General requirements for the University

The Office of Human Resource Management and Health Service within Academic Administration in consultation with Health and Safety Committees will periodically review the requirements on campuses for:

· health services staffed by medical practitioners and/or registered nurses;

· hours of availability of registered nurses from Health Service.

· numbers and location of First Aid Officers and First Aid Kits

· First Aid rest rooms

This process will include consultation with relevant staff and consultative bodies eg Director, Student Services, Campus and Element Health and Safety Committees, Senior Policy Adviser (Health and Safety), Student Representative Council and Student Guild.

3.2 Responsibilities of Schools and other Elements

Heads of Schools/Elements will ensure, as far as is practicable, that first aid facilities meet the potential needs of all persons within their area and are accessible throughout all working hours and working situations. Assistance may be provided from the Office of Human Resource Management in using a risk management approach to determine the School/Element requirements for first aid personnel and services. Specialist advice regarding specific risks (eg poisons) may be obtained from the Office of Technical Services. Evaluation of First Aid needs should be carried out in consultation with relevant management, current First Aid Officers, Workplace Health and Safety Officers and/or Representatives to:

· identify possible causes of work injury and work-caused illness;

· assess the risk of work injuries and work-caused illnesses occurring;

· evaluate and choose appropriate first aid facilities and services for the School/Element.

Teaching staff, particularly those working in laboratories or involved in field trips are encouraged to obtain First Aid qualifications.

3.2.1 Determining First Aid Requirements:

Determining first aid requirements at the workplace will involve making decisions on:

· how many first aid trained staff are required for each work area

· level of training required

· whether undergraduate or postgraduate students are required to have current first aid certificates

· how first aid will be provided outside of normal working hours

· which work areas will require first aid kits

· what kit contents are required

· whether special kits are required for off campus excursions

· whether antidotes for specific poisons are required

Guidelines for assessing first aid requirements are provided in Appendix 1

As a general guide there should be a minimum of one First Aid Officer per floor in low risk areas, and one First Aid Officer present at all times in higher risk areas. In determining the minimum number of First Aid Officers required for a given area, allowances should be made for times when trained First Aid Officers are absent or unavailable (eg work commitments, meal breaks, recreation leave and out of hours work). In some areas of shared location, agreement may need to be reached between the Elements concerned.

3.2.2 Developing an Accident Plan (see Appendix 3 for example)

Each area should develop an Accident Plan which specifies

· Response procedures for an injury or illness

· Allocation of specific tasks

· Consideration of emergency transport arrangements

· Listing and location of First Aid equipment and Officers

· Provision for debriefing or counseling if necessary

3.3 First Aid Officers

3.3.1 Role and Responsibilities

The role of first aid personnel is to undertake the initial treatment of people suffering injury and illness at work. To carry out this function a minimum requirement of a current Senior First Aid Certificate is required. A person possessing this qualification should:

· be able to undertake the initial treatment of injuries and illness occurring at the workplace;

· apply standard precautions for infection control;

· be able to record details of first aid given;

· maintain a first aid kit appropriate to the level of training undertaken and to the requirements for the particular workplace;

· ensure first aid skills are maintained at an acceptable level, including attending annual cardiopulmonary resuscitation refresher courses.

Additional responsibilities may also include:

· provision of advice to the Head of the School/Element about first aid facilities and services including first aid kits, rooms and procedures;

· maintenance of several first aid kits, a first aid room or other equipment.

First Aid Officers must be willing to have their name, location and telephone number displayed at the workplace and be available to be called upon for the provision of first aid. This includes staff members who have a requirement for First Aid qualifications as part of their position description.

3.3.2 Qualifications and training

A First Aid Officer must maintain a current Senior First Aid Certificate including cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A Senior First Aid Certificate is valid for three years, however annual refresher courses in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation are required. Details of First Aid training providers are available from the Office of Human Resource Management.

The cost of First Aid training will be met by the Office of Human Resource Management. Staff must be released to undertake this training in paid work hours, or be granted time off in lieu.

Certain work environments (eg laboratories, workshops, field trips) have greater risks of injury and illness due to the nature of the work being performed. In these instances additional first aid training in the treatment of injuries specific to a workplace may need to be provided. This may necessitate the First Aid Officer in a specific area undergoing training in an Occupational or Advanced First Aid. A person possessing this qualification will have broad first aid management skills including:

· emergency assessment and triage principles

· advanced resuscitation skills and use of oxygen apparatus

3.3.3 Immunisation

It is recommended that all First Aid Officers are immunised against Hepatitis B. The costs of immunisation will be met centrally through the Office of Human Resource Management. Immunisation can be administered through the University Health Service located at Nathan and Gold Coast campuses.

3.3.4 Allowances

Heads of Schools/Elements need to make their nominations of First Aid Officers in writing to the Office of Human Resource Management. These nominated general staff are entitled to an allowance (as varied from time to time through the relevant industrial instrument) while their Senior First Aid certificate is valid, and they carry out First Aid Officer responsibilities. Cost of the allowance will be met by the relevant Element. Staff who have first aid qualifications as part of the key accountabilities/ selection criteria in their position description are not eligible for this allowance.

It is the responsibility of the First Aid Officer to maintain qualifications including completion of an annual CPR refresher course in consultation with management and to inform the Office of Human Resource Management when qualifications are expiring and when they have been renewed.

3.4 First Aid Kits

3.4.1 Kit inspections

First Aid Officers are responsible for the inspection, maintenance and restocking of all the first aid kits in their nominated area.

This includes:

· recommending actions regarding use, contents, modifications and maintenance;

· ensuring a first aid kit is accessible whenever employees are at work;

· checking and replenishing contents;

· ensuring equipment and contents are within the "use by" dates.

3.4.2 Kit contents (see Appendix 2 for examples)

The School/Element must ensure the contents of the first aid kit are appropriate for the types of injuries and work-related illnesses likely to occur at the School's/Element's workplace.

Each first aid kit should contain:

· the name of the responsible First Aid Officer and extension number;

· First Aid Treatment Record Booklet for the recording of first aid treatment;

(obtainable from the Office of Human Resource Management)

· list of contents to facilitate replacement of items which are appropriate for the

needs of the School/Element;

· list of precautions and procedures for provision of first aid.

Lists of kit contents provided in Appendix 2 are suggestions. Each workplace will have its own requirements which can vary within a School/Element.

First Aid Kit replacement supplies can be purchased internally from the University store.

3.4.3 Specific Risks

Some areas of the University may have special hazards which may require specific treatments or antidotes to be available. Information should be obtained from Material Safety Data Sheets or the Health Service regarding procedures for specific antidotes or neutralising agents. Where such items are required, instructions for their use should be displayed at the point where they are kept.

The Element must also have in place strategies to manage accidental contamination. Advice and assistance may be obtained from the Office of Technical Services.

3.4.4 Funding for First Aid Kits

Cost of purchase and replenishment of First Aid Kits will be met centrally through the Office of Human Resource Management. Purchase and replenishment must be made through the University Store.

3.5 First Aid/Rest Rooms

The Office of Facilities Management is responsible for the provision of space for First Aid/Rest Rooms.

First Aid/Rest Rooms are managed by a First Aid Officer and may be used for injured/ill persons to stay until transport to home or medical care can be arranged, or while waiting for recovery from a minor and temporary condition.

First Aid/Rest Rooms must be identified by signage and have a list of current First Aid Officers and their contact details displayed, as well as arrangements for accessing the room.

3.5.1 Recommendations for First Aid/Rest Rooms

· Room must be managed by a First Aid Officer

· Access to the room should be controlled.

· Room should contain a locked First Aid Kit, a bed/couch, hot water and hand-washing facilities

· An appropriate bin must be provided for contaminated waste

· Arrangements for access and names & contact numbers of First Aid Officers must be posted on the door

· Room should be signed 'First Aid/Rest Room' and have the green cross sign on the door

· Ideally the floor should be washable

· A wheelchair is desirable

· Room should be close to toilets where possible

· A phone should be available nearby

· Room should be reasonably accessible to transport

3.6 Record Keeping and Confidentiality

3.6.1 Record Keeping

The First Aid Officer should record the treatment given in the First Aid Treatment Record Booklet, to be kept with the First Aid Kit for a period of twelve months before forwarding to the Office of Human Resource Management. For any significant first aid treatments, the Griffith University Incident/Injury Report Form should be completed by the injured person or person reporting the incident. (see Reporting and Recording of Work-Caused Injury, Illness, and Occurrences Procedures)

3.6.2 Confidentiality

Staff member health information including medical conditions, treatment provided and the results of tests is confidential. Disclosure of this personal health information can only be made with the person's written consent. Health professionals should not be approached without the person's written consent. The disclosure of health information without written consent is unethical and may be illegal in some instances.

3.7 Resources Outside the School/Element

Security Officers (Ext 7777)

Security Officers are trained in first aid and will assist in the coordination of Emergency Services on campus.

Ambulance

In an emergency situation, call an ambulance on 000 (remember to add an extra zero if using an internal phone). Ensure precise details are given of location eg postcode, campus, closest entrance, building number (ambulance call centres are often based interstate). Security must be notified immediately on Ext. 7777 to enable them to assist with escorting the ambulance to the casualty. Security may be contacted to call an ambulance in an emergency; however you must ensure precise location details and information about the casualty's condition are given.

Health Service

Nathan and Gold Coast Campuses have medical centres with clinical nurses and general practitioners in attendance during teaching and examination weeks, and for the majority of vacation weeks.

Queen Elizabeth II Hospital

The QEII Hospital, Kessels Road has a twenty-four hour Acute Primary Care Centre and Emergency Department.

Mater Hospital

The Mater Hospital, Vulture Street has a twenty-four hour Emergency Department.

Logan Hospital

The Logan Hospital (corner Armstrong and Loganlea Roads, Meadowbrook) has a twenty-four hour Emergency Department.

Gold Coast Hospital

The Gold Coast Hospital, Nerang Street, Southport has a 24 hour Accident and Emergency Department.

4.0 Delegated Authorities

· The Pro Vice Chancellor (Administration) is responsible for the oversight of strategic direction and policy related to health and safety within the University.

· Accountability for ensuring that health and safety management strategies are implemented at Element level rests with senior managers.

· Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Pro Vice Chancellors, Deans, Heads of School and Element Directors are responsible for provision of appropriate first aid response within their area of responsibility, including development of an Accident Plan.

Appendix 1

Guide to Assessing First Aid Requirements

The First-Aid Advisory Standard 2004 outlines the process to:

· identify hazards which may cause injury or illness

· assess the risk, type and extent of injuries and work caused illnesses which may occur

· decide on appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, services (including trained personnel)

· implement chosen measures and monitor effectiveness

In assessing the risk (likelihood and potential severity) of injury/illness, and consequent first aid requirements, several factors need to be considered:

Nature of the work carried out

Certain environments (eg laboratories and workshops) have greater risks of injury and illness so additional first aid facilities should be provided, particularly if these are specified in Material Safety Data Sheets. These facilities may need to include emergency showers and eyewash stations, or provision of poison antidotes. Personnel trained in Advanced or Occupational First Aid may be appropriate in these environments.

Size and layout of workplace:

· the nature of activities being performed in different areas;

· the distance an injured or ill person has to be transported to first aid and the ease with which this can be undertaken;

· the level of training of First Aid Officers available throughout the workplace.

Location of the Workplace:

Consider the distance of the workplace from ambulance, hospital and health services and the time taken to access these facilities.

Number and distribution of people at workplaces:

The risk of injury or illness in workplaces is proportional to the number of staff/students and activities involved. Where there are separate work areas, it may be appropriate to locate first aid facilities centrally and provide portable First Aid Kits in each work area. Where staff or students work away from their normal workplace, other factors must be considered including:

· whether staff or students work alone or in groups;

· staff or students access to telephone and emergency radio communications;

· the nature of the activity being performed.

In these situations, the School/Element should consider providing small and more portable First Aid Kits to the First Aid Officer. Staff and students should be informed about the contents of these kits, their location and access arrangements. Where work is conducted over more than one shift, first aid facilities should be available to cover these arrangements.

Specific Risks – see 3.4.3

A	Large	For areas where high risk activities are conducted, eg. laboratories, workshops, chemical stores, areas where large numbers of public gather
B	Medium	For areas with moderate risk activities and office environment of more than 30 people. Also for vehicles attending moderate to high risk areas, eg. OFM and Security vehicles
C	Small (Basic)	For office environment of less than 30 people
D	Car kit	For any vehicle other than vehicles attending moderate to high risk areas
E	Field trip kit	For excursions, field trips. Risk assessment should be carried out to decide on extra items for the kit(s). Also applicable for remote areas where access to medical treatment is difficult

Items	Current Code	Number of item/s in kit
Items	Current Code	A	B	C	D	E
First Aid booklet (or Instruction leaflet)	3837	1	1	1	-	1
Unmedicated wound dressings (assorted sizes)
Small		2	-	-	-	4
Medium	3960	2	2	2	-	8
Large		2	2	-	-	4
Crepe bandage (assorted sizes)