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First Aid at Work Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} provides adequate and appropriate first aid arrangements, equipment, and training to protect staff, service users, and visitors in case of injury, illness, or medical emergencies. This policy sets out how first aid is managed efficiently within our domiciliary care service, ensuring that prompt and effective treatment is available at all times.

This policy ensures compliance with:

• The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 – Requires employers to provide appropriate first aid resources.
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Places a duty of care on employers to ensure the health and safety of staff and service users.
• The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 – Ensures that care providers promote the well-being and safety of service users.
• The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 – Mandates that care providers implement robust health and safety procedures.
• Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) Regulations – Requires effective management of health emergencies in care settings.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, including care workers, managers, and administrative staff.
• Service users receiving care at home.
• Visitors, contractors, and external professionals attending service users’ homes or company premises.

It covers:

• First aid responsibilities and procedures.
• Training and competency requirements.
• First aid kits and equipment.
• Handling medical emergencies.
• Incident reporting and record-keeping.
• Review and monitoring of first aid procedures.

3. First Aid Responsibilities

3.1 Responsibilities of the Registered Manager

The Registered Manager is responsible for:

• Ensuring that appropriate first aid arrangements are in place.
• Appointing trained first aiders and ensuring sufficient cover during working hours.
• Providing and maintaining first aid kits and equipment.
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety laws and CIW regulations.

3.2 Responsibilities of First Aiders

First aiders are responsible for:

• Administering first aid when required.
• Assessing injuries and deciding on further medical assistance (e.g., calling emergency services).
• Keeping first aid records and incident reports.
• Ensuring that first aid kits are stocked and accessible.

3.3 Responsibilities of All Employees

All employees must:

• Familiarise themselves with first aid procedures and who the first aiders are.
• Follow first aid training guidance when dealing with minor injuries.
• Report injuries or medical emergencies immediately.

4. First Aid Training and Competency Requirements

4.1 Mandatory First Aid Training

• All care workers must complete basic first aid training as part of their induction.
• Designated first aiders must complete an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification.
• Paediatric first aid training is required for those supporting children or young adults.

4.2 Refresher Training

• Annual refresher courses are required for all first aid-trained staff.
• Competency assessments are conducted to ensure first aiders remain up to date with best practices.

5. First Aid Kits and Equipment

5.1 First Aid Kit Locations

• First aid kits must be available at:
  • The main office premises.
  • Company vehicles used for domiciliary care visits.
  • Service users’ homes where high-risk care is provided.

5.2 First Aid Kit Contents

All first aid kits must contain:

• Sterile dressings and bandages.
• Disposable gloves and face shields.
• Antiseptic wipes and cleansing solutions.
• Eye wash solution.
• Adhesive plasters (various sizes).
• Scissors and tweezers.
• Burn dressings.
• Resuscitation face shield (for CPR use).

6. Handling Medical Emergencies

6.1 Responding to Minor Injuries

• Minor injuries (cuts, bruises) should be cleaned and dressed using first aid supplies.
• The incident must be recorded, and the service user or staff member monitored for any further symptoms.

6.2 Responding to Major Medical Emergencies

For serious injuries or life-threatening conditions, staff must:

1. Call 999 immediately and request emergency medical assistance.
2. Provide first aid care until paramedics arrive.
3. Reassure and monitor the service user.
4. Inform the service user’s next of kin if applicable.
5. Complete an incident report detailing the events and actions taken.

6.3 Dealing with Unconscious Individuals

• Check for responsiveness – If no response, call 999 immediately.
• Perform CPR if necessary, using a resuscitation face shield.
• Ensure the airway is open and clear to aid breathing.
• Place the individual in the recovery position if they are breathing but unconscious.

6.4 Managing Choking Incidents

• Encourage the person to cough forcefully.
• If unable to breathe, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre).
• If they become unconscious, start CPR and call 999.

6.5 Stroke Awareness (FAST Test)

• Face – Is one side drooping?
• Arms – Can they lift both arms equally?
• Speech – Is their speech slurred or confused?
• Time – Call 999 immediately if any of these symptoms are present.

7. Incident Reporting and Record-Keeping

7.1 Recording First Aid Incidents

• All first aid incidents must be documented in the Accident Report Book.
• Reports should include:
  • Date, time, and location of the incident.
  • Details of the injury or medical emergency.
  • Actions taken by first aiders.
  • Whether further medical treatment was required.

7.2 Reporting to CIW

• Serious medical incidents must be reported to Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) within 24 hours.
• Any death, hospitalisation, or safeguarding concerns must be escalated following CIW guidelines.

8. Monitoring and Compliance

• The Registered Manager is responsible for ensuring compliance with first aid regulations.
• Quarterly audits are conducted to check:
  • The availability and condition of first aid kits.
  • Training records of first aiders.
  • Compliance with reporting procedures.
• CIW inspections will assess first aid preparedness during regulatory audits.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Health and Safety at Work Policy (DCW16).
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy (DCW17).
• Risk Management and Assessment Policy (DCW18).
• Emergency and Business Continuity Plan (DCW19).
• Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures (DCW20).

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by legislative updates, CIW guidance, or operational needs.

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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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