Identify two main purpose of first aid treatment.
Outline the factors to consider when making an assessment of first aid provision in a workplace.
Part (a)
Two main purposes of first-aid treatment are,
- Firstly, the preservation of life and/or the minimization of the consequences of injury until medical help is obtained and,
- Secondly, the treatment of minor injuries that would not receive or do not need medical attention.
Part (b)
Required factors such as:
- The size of the organisation;
- The distribution and composition of the workforce including the special needs of workers such as trainees, young workers and the disabled;
- The types of hazard and level of risk present;
- The past history of accidents and their type, location and consequences;
- The proximity of the workplace to emergency medical services;
- The special needs of travelling, remote or lone workers such as the provision of personal first aid kits or mobile phones;
- The possibility of shared provision on multi-occupancy sites;
- The need to train the first aid personnel in special procedures;
- The ability to provide continued cover over different shifts and for sickness, leave and other absence.