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First Aid at Work

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all employees, service users, and visitors within our domiciliary care organisation have access to appropriate first aid provisions in the event of an accident, illness, or emergency. The policy outlines the responsibilities, procedures, and requirements for first aid provision, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards.

{{org_field_name}} recognises that staff are often working in community settings, and as such, they must be fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and training to respond effectively to medical emergencies while ensuring service user safety and well-being.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, care workers, agency staff, service users, visitors, and contractors. It covers:

• First aid provisions and legal requirements.
• Responsibilities of designated first aiders and staff.
• First aid training and competency requirements.
• Procedures for responding to medical emergencies.
• Equipment and resources for first aid in a domiciliary care setting.
• Recording and reporting incidents.
• Monitoring, reviewing, and continuous improvement.

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy aligns with the following legislation and guidance:

• Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 – Outlines legal requirements for first aid provisions.
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Ensures a safe environment for employees and service users.
• The Care Act 2014 – Promotes the safeguarding of vulnerable adults.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards – Ensures safe, effective, and person-centred care.
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013 – Covers incident reporting responsibilities.
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 – Ensures safe movement of individuals requiring first aid.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018 – Ensures confidentiality in first aid record-keeping.

4. Responsibilities of First Aiders and Staff

To ensure compliance with first aid regulations and effective emergency response, the organisation assigns the following responsibilities to different stakeholders within the domiciliary care setting. This ensures that first aid provision is well-managed, legally compliant, and effectively executed.

4.1 Management Responsibilities

Management plays a pivotal role in ensuring that an adequate first aid provision is maintained within the domiciliary care environment. Their responsibilities include:

• Ensuring adequate first aid cover – Given the dispersed nature of domiciliary care, managers must ensure that enough trained first aiders are available at all times. This includes covering different shift patterns and ensuring that there is no gap in emergency response.
• Conducting risk assessments – Regular risk assessments should be conducted to evaluate the specific first aid needs of staff and service users. This includes assessing service users’ medical conditions and identifying potential hazards in their home environments.
• Providing necessary training – First aid training should be routinely updated to keep pace with regulatory requirements and emerging best practices. This ensures that first aiders remain competent and confident in handling emergencies.
• Ensuring first aid resources are available – First aid kits should be appropriately stocked, accessible, and checked regularly. Management must also ensure that specialist equipment, such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs), is available if required.
• Recording and reporting – Maintaining accurate records of first aid incidents is essential. This includes logging accidents, illnesses, and emergency responses while ensuring compliance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).

4.2 Responsibilities of Designated First Aiders

First aiders hold a critical role in responding to medical emergencies. Their duties include:

• Holding a valid certification – First aiders must complete and maintain a valid First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate.
• Responding to emergencies – Prompt response to injuries or medical emergencies, assessing the situation, and providing appropriate first aid care.
• Monitoring and maintaining first aid kits – Ensuring that first aid kits are sufficiently stocked and replenished as needed. This includes checking expiry dates of medical supplies.
• Keeping detailed records – Accurately recording incidents in the accident book, detailing the nature of the injury, actions taken, and any follow-up required. This ensures transparency and compliance with CQC and HSE regulations.
• Liaising with emergency services – Where necessary, first aiders should coordinate with emergency services, providing them with vital information about the injured person’s condition.

4.3 Responsibilities of Care Workers and Support Staff

All domiciliary care staff must have a basic awareness of first aid, even if they are not designated first aiders. Their key responsibilities include:

• Knowing first aid procedures – All staff should be familiar with fundamental first aid procedures and understand when and how to call for assistance.
• Following emergency protocols – In case of an emergency, staff must act swiftly and follow the designated first aid response plan, including contacting designated first aiders and emergency services.
• Reporting incidents – All first aid incidents, including near misses, must be promptly reported to management. Staff should document incidents in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Supporting service users – While providing care, staff should take reasonable steps to prevent accidents and respond appropriately if a service user becomes unwell or injured.

5. First Aid Training and Competency

To ensure staff are competent in delivering first aid, a robust training programme is in place. This training aligns with Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requirements.

5.1 Mandatory First Aid Training

• Induction training for all staff – All frontline care workers must complete first aid awareness training during induction to familiarise them with emergency procedures.
• Ongoing competency assessments – Staff should undergo regular competency assessments to reinforce their knowledge and ensure they can respond effectively to first aid situations.

5.2 Training for Designated First Aiders

Designated first aiders must undergo formal training and certification, including:

• First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) – This training must be refreshed every three years to ensure compliance.
• Scenario-based training – Specific training on emergencies common in domiciliary care, such as falls, heart attacks, strokes, and diabetic episodes.

5.3 Specialist Training

Given the complexity of domiciliary care, additional training is provided for scenarios unique to the sector:

• Basic life support (BLS) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – Includes use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
• Management of choking, falls, burns, and wounds – Recognising and responding to injuries effectively.
• Care for service users with medical conditions – Training on conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, allergies, and asthma.
• Safe moving and handling – Ensuring that first aiders and care staff understand how to assist individuals safely without causing harm.

5.4 Record Keeping and Compliance

• Documenting training completion – A training record is maintained for all staff, ensuring compliance with CQC and HSE requirements.
• Regular refresher courses – Staff must attend refresher courses to remain competent and up to date with the latest first aid procedures.
• Annual evaluation of training effectiveness – Training programmes are reviewed annually to identify gaps and improvements.

6. First Aid Procedures in a Domiciliary Setting

In the event of an emergency, care workers must follow a structured approach to ensure safety and provide effective first aid.

6.1 Emergency First Aid Response

1. Assess the situation – Determine if the area is safe before approaching the injured person.
2. Provide immediate care – Administer basic first aid in accordance with training and the individual’s needs.
3. Call emergency services (999/112) – If the situation is life-threatening or beyond basic first aid capabilities.
4. Notify management – The office or manager must be informed of the incident promptly.
5. Reassure the service user – Provide comfort and keep the person calm while awaiting further assistance.
6. Record and report – Complete an incident report form detailing the nature of the injury and actions taken.

6.2 Non-Emergency First Aid Procedures

For minor injuries that do not require emergency intervention:

• Assess and treat the injury – Use the appropriate first aid kit resources.
• Consult the service user’s care plan – Ensure any treatment aligns with their documented health needs.
• Monitor the individual – Keep an eye on the service user’s condition and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
• Inform family or next of kin – If required, update the service user’s designated contact about the incident.

6.3 Compliance with RIDDOR

• Reporting serious incidents – Any injury that results in hospitalisation, unconsciousness, or work-related illness must be reported under RIDDOR.
• Documenting near misses – Keeping records of incidents that could have resulted in harm to improve future safety measures.

6.4 Infection Control in First Aid

• Using personal protective equipment (PPE) – Gloves, masks, and aprons should be worn when treating injuries.
• Hygiene measures – Hands must be washed before and after providing first aid to prevent cross-contamination.
• Safe disposal of medical waste – Bandages, gloves, and any contaminated materials must be disposed of safely.

6.5 First Aid Kit Maintenance

• Regular checks – First aid kits must be checked monthly to ensure they are fully stocked.
• Kit locations – Staff must be aware of where first aid kits are stored in different domiciliary care settings.
• Specialist equipment – Where necessary, kits should contain items like glucose gel for diabetic emergencies or auto-injectors for severe allergies.

7. First Aid Equipment and Resources

To ensure staff can provide first aid effectively, we provide:

• First Aid Kits in domiciliary care workers’ equipment packs, including:
  • Sterile bandages and dressings.
  • Disposable gloves and face shields.
  • Antiseptic wipes and adhesive plasters.
  • Burn dressings and eye wash.
  • Emergency contact details.
• Defibrillators (AEDs): Available at office locations, with guidance on their use for domiciliary settings.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): To prevent cross-contamination and ensure infection control.

All first aid kits are checked monthly, and expired or used items are replenished immediately.

8. Reporting and Record-Keeping

To ensure accountability and compliance:

• All first aid incidents must be recorded in the First Aid Incident Log.
• Serious incidents must be reported under RIDDOR where applicable.
• Documentation is securely stored in compliance with GDPR.
• Service user care plans must be updated if changes to their condition occur following a first aid intervention.

9. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

{{org_field_name}} ensures continuous improvement in first aid management through:

• Regular audits of first aid records and compliance levels.
• Service user feedback on the adequacy of first aid support.
• Annual policy reviews to incorporate updated best practices and legal requirements.
• Refresher training for first aiders to maintain high competency levels.

10. Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever significant changes occur in first aid legislation, best practice guidelines, or operational procedures. Any updates will be communicated to all staff, and training will be provided where necessary.

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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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