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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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First Aid at Work Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a structured approach to first aid provision at {{org_field_name}}, ensuring that all employees, service users, and visitors receive prompt, safe, and effective first aid treatment in the event of an injury, illness, or medical emergency.

This policy also ensures compliance with CIW regulations, The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016​, and the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. A proper first aid system not only protects the well-being of individuals within our care but also ensures that our care home operates in line with legal requirements and best practices in health and safety.

Our objectives under this policy include:

• Ensuring that all first aid needs are adequately met in compliance with the law.
• Reducing risks and response times during medical emergencies.
• Ensuring that all staff are trained and competent in first aid procedures.
• Maintaining an efficient first aid system, including staff training, equipment maintenance, and proper documentation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, including permanent, temporary, and agency staff, who are responsible for the care and safety of service users.
• All service users, ensuring that they receive appropriate first aid care tailored to their individual needs.
• All visitors, including relatives, contractors, and external professionals, who may require first aid intervention while on the premises.

This policy covers all first aid-related activities, including:

• Immediate response to minor and major injuries.
• Management of medical emergencies (e.g., cardiac arrests, choking incidents, or falls).
• Provision and maintenance of first aid kits and equipment.
• First aid training requirements for staff.
• Recording, reporting, and reviewing all first aid incidents.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy is operated in accordance with the legislation and statutory requirements applicable to care home services in Wales, including:

• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.
• The Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, as amended, including:
  • Regulation 12 – requirements to provide the service in accordance with policies and procedures;
  • Regulation 21 – standards of care and support;
  • Regulation 34 – staffing requirements;
  • Regulation 36 – supporting and developing staff;
  • Regulation 56 – hygiene and infection control;
  • Regulation 57 – health and safety;
  • Regulation 59 and Schedule 2 – records;
  • Regulation 60 and Schedule 3 – notifications; and
  • Regulations 77 to 79 – oversight of incidents, records and policies by the Responsible Individual.
• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
• The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, as amended.
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).
• The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
• Current statutory guidance issued by the Welsh Ministers for service providers and Responsible Individuals under the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016.
• Current Care Inspectorate Wales requirements relating to notifications and regulatory compliance.
• Current Public Health Wales infection prevention and control guidance applicable to care home services.

The service provider will ensure that first-aid arrangements form part of the service’s wider health and safety arrangements and are appropriate to the nature of the service, the needs of the individuals using the service, the number and deployment of staff, identified workplace hazards and the circumstances in which care and support is provided.

Where a requirement within legislation, statutory guidance or regulatory guidance changes, this policy and associated procedures will be reviewed and amended accordingly.

4. First Aid Arrangements

4.1 First-Aid Needs Assessment and Appointment of First Aiders

{{org_field_name}} will maintain first-aid arrangements which are adequate and appropriate for the circumstances of the service.

The service will assess its first-aid needs, taking account of relevant factors including:

• the nature of the work undertaken within the care home;
• workplace hazards and the risk of injury or illness;
• the number of staff working at any one time;
• staffing patterns, including night shifts, weekends and bank holidays;
• foreseeable absences of trained first aiders, including annual leave, sickness and training;
• the size, layout and location of the premises;
• the needs associated with lone, remote or mobile working, where applicable;
• previous accidents and incidents;
• the proximity and accessibility of emergency medical services;
• the needs and vulnerabilities of individuals receiving care and support; and
• any additional risks identified through individual or service-level risk assessments.

The outcome of the first-aid needs assessment will determine the number, location and level of training of first aiders required.

A sufficient number of appropriately trained and competent first aiders will be available whenever necessary to ensure that first-aid provision remains adequate and appropriate. Staffing arrangements must take account of foreseeable absences so that appropriate first-aid cover is maintained.

The service will not rely solely on a minimum requirement of one first aider per shift where the first-aid needs assessment identifies that additional first-aid personnel or a different level of competence is required.

A person will be identified to take responsibility for the management of first-aid arrangements, including arrangements for first-aid equipment, training records and monitoring of first-aid provision.

Staff will be informed of the first-aid arrangements, including how to obtain first-aid assistance and the location of first-aid equipment and personnel.

4.2 First-Aid Training and Competence

The service provider will ensure that each person appointed to provide first aid has undertaken training and holds a valid certificate of competence appropriate to the circumstances identified by the first-aid needs assessment.

Depending upon the outcome of the first-aid needs assessment, appropriate training may include:

• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW);
• First Aid at Work (FAW); or
• another first-aid qualification or level of training that is appropriate to the circumstances and risks of the service.

When selecting first-aid training, the service provider will satisfy itself that the training provider is competent to deliver the required training and that the course content and assessment are appropriate to the needs of the service.

First aiders must maintain a valid first-aid qualification. Where a certificate has a three-year validity period, requalification must be completed before the certificate expires if the member of staff is to continue to be relied upon as a qualified workplace first aider.

The service will consider appropriate refresher training between formal requalification courses so that first aiders maintain their knowledge and practical skills.

Additional or specialist training will be provided where identified as necessary by the needs of individuals using the service or by the service’s risk assessments. This may include:

• recognition and emergency management of choking;
• cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
• use of an automated external defibrillator where one is provided;
• management of severe or life-threatening bleeding;
• responding to falls and injuries;
• recognising and responding to deterioration or medical emergencies; and
• responding appropriately to individuals with dementia, cognitive impairment, communication difficulties or other complex care and support needs.

Records of first-aid qualifications, expiry dates, refresher training and identified training requirements will be maintained and monitored to ensure that sufficient competent personnel remain available.

4.3 First Aid Equipment and Facilities

• Fully stocked first aid kits are maintained in key locations:
  • Reception and office areas.
  • Medication storage rooms.
  • Communal spaces such as lounges and dining areas.
  • Staff rooms for use in case of workplace injuries.
• Each first aid kit is checked monthly to ensure compliance with British Standard BS 8599-1.
• A defibrillator (AED) is available and all staff are trained to use it.

4.4 First Aid Procedures

4.4.1 Responding to an Incident

1. Assess the safety of the scene before approaching the injured or ill person.
2. Provide immediate first aid assistance, following training protocols.
3. Call 999 if the incident requires emergency medical intervention.
4. Inform a senior staff member and ensure appropriate follow-up care.
5. Record the incident in the Accident and Incident Log.

4.4.2 Recording, Escalation and Statutory Reporting of Incidents

All accidents, incidents and first-aid interventions must be recorded promptly and accurately in the appropriate service record in accordance with {{org_field_name}}’s accident and incident reporting procedures.

Where the incident concerns an individual receiving care and support, records must also comply with Regulation 59 and Schedule 2 of the Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, as amended.

The service must maintain the records required by Schedule 2, including records of:

• any serious accident or injury which is significantly detrimental to the well-being of an individual;
• falls and the consequent treatment provided to an individual;
• outbreaks of infectious disease; and
• any other event for which a record is required under the Regulations.

The member of staff dealing with the incident must inform the person in charge of the service without delay where the incident is serious, may require medical treatment, may require notification to an external authority, involves safeguarding concerns or has resulted in significant deterioration in an individual’s condition.

Notification to Care Inspectorate Wales

The service provider must notify Care Inspectorate Wales in accordance with Regulation 60 and Schedule 3 of the Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017, as amended.

In relation to first aid, accidents and medical emergencies, notifiable events may include:

• a serious accident or injury to an individual;
• an outbreak of infectious disease;
• any incident which is reported to the police;
• an event which prevents, or could prevent, the provider from continuing to provide the service safely; and
• where accommodation is provided, the death of an individual and the circumstances of the death.

Unless the Regulations specify otherwise, the notification must be made without delay, in writing, using the manner and form required by Care Inspectorate Wales.

For the purpose of deciding whether an accident or injury to an individual meets the notification threshold for a serious accident or injury, the service will have regard to the current Welsh Government statutory guidance. A notification must be made where an accident or injury, in the reasonable opinion of a healthcare professional, requires treatment by that or another healthcare professional and has or may have resulted in:

• damage or impairment of the individual’s sensory, motor or intellectual functions that is permanent or is likely to last for more than 28 days;
• a change to the structure of the individual’s body;
• prolonged pain or prolonged psychological harm; or
• death or shortening of the individual’s life expectancy.

Where there is uncertainty as to whether an incident meets a CIW notification threshold, the Registered Manager or Responsible Individual must review the circumstances promptly against Regulation 60, Schedule 3 and current CIW/Welsh Government notification requirements.

Reporting under RIDDOR

The Registered Manager, service provider or other person with delegated responsibility must also determine whether an accident, occupational disease or dangerous occurrence is reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013.

A report to the Health and Safety Executive or other relevant enforcing authority must be made where the legal RIDDOR reporting criteria are met. This may include, depending on the circumstances:

• a work-related death;
• a specified injury to a worker;
• a work-related injury resulting in a worker being incapacitated for more than seven consecutive days;
• a reportable occupational disease;
• a specified dangerous occurrence; or
• a work-related accident involving a person who is not at work which results in that person being taken directly from the scene to hospital for treatment, where the applicable RIDDOR criteria are satisfied.

An incident must not be reported under RIDDOR merely because first aid was provided or because an accident occurred. The applicable RIDDOR criteria must be considered in each case.

Where the same event is reportable to both CIW and under RIDDOR, each required notification must be made separately.

4.4.3 Emergency Response for Individuals Receiving Care and Support

When an individual receiving care and support becomes ill, is injured or experiences a medical emergency, staff must respond promptly in accordance with their training, the individual’s assessed needs and the nature and severity of the emergency.

Staff must:

• assess the immediate situation and provide appropriate first aid within the limits of their training and competence;
• call 999 without delay where emergency medical assistance is required;
• provide emergency services with relevant information necessary for the safe assessment and treatment of the individual;
• where immediately available and where doing so will not delay emergency treatment, consult the individual’s personal plan and relevant healthcare information for matters such as known medical conditions, allergies, current medicines, communication requirements and agreed emergency-care arrangements;
• follow any valid and applicable advance decision or documented emergency-care or cardiopulmonary resuscitation decision in accordance with the law and the individual’s records;
• ensure that the existence of a decision not to attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation does not prevent the individual from receiving other appropriate first aid, medical assessment or treatment;
• inform the senior person in charge and ensure appropriate follow-up action;
• record the incident, first aid provided, observations, advice obtained and subsequent action taken; and
• review the individual’s personal plan and relevant risk assessments following the incident where the incident indicates that their needs or risks may have changed.

Where an individual is transferred to hospital or another healthcare setting, the service must ensure that relevant information required for continuity and safety of care accompanies or is made available to the receiving healthcare professionals.

Whether a member of staff accompanies the individual must be determined according to the individual’s needs, communication abilities, capacity, level of risk, wishes and the need to maintain safe staffing within the care home. Appropriate arrangements must be made where the individual requires support during transfer or assessment.

The individual’s representative, relative or other nominated contact must be informed where this is appropriate and in accordance with:

• the individual’s wishes and preferences;
• the individual’s personal plan;
• confidentiality and data-protection requirements;
• any lawful authority held by the representative; and
• where the individual lacks capacity to make the relevant decision, the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the person’s best interests.

Information must not automatically be disclosed to a family member solely because they are related to the individual.

4.5 Infection Prevention and Control in First Aid

First aid must be provided in accordance with {{org_field_name}}’s Infection Prevention and Control Policy and current infection prevention and control guidance applicable to care homes in Wales.

Staff providing first aid must apply standard infection control precautions and undertake an assessment of the anticipated risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, mucous membranes and infectious material.

Appropriate personal protective equipment must be selected according to the nature of the task and the anticipated exposure risk.

This includes, where indicated:

• disposable gloves where contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin or contaminated material is anticipated;
• a disposable apron or other appropriate protective clothing where contamination of clothing is anticipated;
• appropriate face and eye protection where there is a risk of blood or body fluids splashing or spraying onto the eyes, nose or mouth; and
• respiratory protective equipment where required by the applicable infection prevention and control guidance and risk assessment.

Masks must not be regarded as automatically required for every first-aid intervention. They must be worn where indicated by the nature of the exposure, transmission-based precautions, current infection prevention and control guidance or a specific risk assessment.

Hand hygiene must be performed at the appropriate points before and after first-aid intervention and after removal of gloves or other personal protective equipment.

Used dressings, contaminated disposable PPE, sharps and other healthcare or clinical waste must be handled and disposed of safely in accordance with the service’s waste-management and infection-control procedures.

Blood and body-fluid spillages must be managed promptly using the service’s approved spillage procedure and appropriate cleaning and disinfection products.

Reusable first-aid equipment must be cleaned and decontaminated after use in accordance with current infection prevention and control guidance and the manufacturer’s instructions.

Any exposure incident, including a needlestick or sharps injury, splash to the eyes or mouth, human bite or significant exposure of broken skin to blood or body fluids, must be managed and reported immediately in accordance with the service’s occupational exposure and infection-control procedures.

5. Related Policies

This policy must be read alongside the following policies:

• Health and Safety at Work Policy​.
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy​.
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy​.
• Medication Management and Administration Policy​.
• Management of Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses Policy​.
• Notification of Other Incidents Policy​.
• Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy​.

6. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, regulatory requirements, or operational needs change. Regular audits and feedback from staff and service users will inform any updates.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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