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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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First Aid and Emergency Response Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear and legally compliant framework for the provision of first aid and emergency response within {{org_field_name}}. It sets out how we respond to medical emergencies and accidents in the community, ensuring the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of the people we support, staff, and the public.

Our home care staff often work in isolation, delivering personal and sometimes complex care in people’s homes. The nature of domiciliary care means that staff may be the first and only responder during a medical or safety emergency. Therefore, it is vital that robust first aid training, clear emergency procedures, and ongoing managerial support are in place to manage such situations effectively.

This policy is informed by:

• Health and Social Care Standards, including:
  • 3.14: “I have confidence in people because they are trained, competent and skilled.”
  • 4.14: “My care is provided in a planned and safe way, including if there is an emergency or unexpected event.”
• The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 (as amended for Scotland)
• Care Inspectorate Quality Framework and best practice guidance

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All care and support staff delivering services in the community
• Coordinators, team leaders, and managers who support lone workers
• Staff responsible for training, supervision, and emergency planning
• Volunteers and contracted professionals engaged in delivering personal care

The policy covers first aid procedures, staff training, incident reporting, emergency medical response, and contingency planning for unexpected events in the field.

3. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Health and Safety Policy
• Risk Assessment and Management Policy
• Medication Management Policy
• Lone Working Policy
• Safeguarding and Protection from Abuse Policy
• Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• Incident Reporting and Notification Policy
• Business Continuity and Emergency Planning Policy

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to ensuring that all care is delivered in a safe, effective, and responsive manner. This includes being well-prepared to manage medical emergencies, accidents, sudden illness, or unexpected incidents involving people we support, staff, or others present during service delivery.

All staff must be equipped with the necessary training, tools, and decision-making support to respond appropriately to an emergency until professional medical help arrives. We also ensure that our emergency response protocols are clearly communicated, regularly tested, and updated in line with legislation and best practice.

We view every emergency response as an opportunity to review, learn, and improve the safety and quality of care.

5. Legal Responsibilities and Standards

As a care provider regulated by the Care Inspectorate, {{org_field_name}} has a duty to ensure that:

• Sufficient numbers of trained first aiders are available and deployed across the service
• Staff are trained to a level appropriate to the risks they face during lone or community-based work
• First aid kits are available, maintained, and accessible to staff
• Emergency procedures are documented, communicated, and followed in the event of an incident
• All serious incidents are recorded, reported, and escalated where appropriate, including to external authorities such as the Care Inspectorate, HSE, or emergency services

6. First Aid in the Community

Due to the nature of domiciliary care, our staff often operate as lone workers in private homes and may be the only person present during an emergency. To manage this safely, we have put in place the following practices:

First Aid Training

All care staff receive certified Emergency First Aid at Work training as part of their induction. This training is provided by accredited trainers and includes:

• Basic life support and CPR
• Managing unconsciousness
• Recognising the signs of stroke, heart attack, or diabetic emergencies
• Handling choking, falls, bleeding, or seizures
• Responding to allergic reactions and administering emergency assistance

Training is refreshed every three years, and supplementary training is provided sooner if procedures change or a need is identified following an incident.

Additional Clinical Support

For individuals with higher medical needs, such as those receiving PEG feeds, oxygen therapy, or palliative care, we ensure that care staff have appropriate clinical support from district nurses or NHS partners, and understand what constitutes an emergency under each care plan.

Emergency Supplies

Each staff member is issued with access to a basic first aid kit, suitable for minor cuts, burns, or personal injury. These are checked quarterly, and replenished by the service office as required.

Where an individual requires specific emergency equipment (such as rescue medication or oxygen), this is kept in the person’s home, stored safely and in line with our Medication Management Policy.

7. Emergency Response Protocol

When an emergency occurs, staff must remain calm, prioritise safety, and act in accordance with the following structured response:

1. Assess the situation for immediate danger to self or others.
2. Call 999 for ambulance, police, or fire services as required.
3. Provide first aid or comfort until professional help arrives – only within the limits of your training and without administering unauthorised medication.
4. Inform your line manager or the on-call manager via {{out_of_hours}} as soon as safe to do so.
5. Notify the family or representative of the person, where appropriate and with respect for confidentiality and consent.
6. Record the incident accurately and in detail, using the organisation’s Incident Report Form.
7. Preserve the scene if the incident may require investigation (e.g. a fall with serious injury).

Where necessary, the Registered Manager will notify the Care Inspectorate using eForms or the appropriate portal, in line with their Notifications Guidance.

8. Working in People’s Homes

Supporting someone in their home brings unique challenges. Our staff are trained to be aware of the environment and potential hazards such as:

• Inadequate lighting or clutter that could contribute to falls
• Faulty appliances or utilities
• Poor hygiene that could present infection risks
• Behavioural emergencies or aggression

Staff are taught to carry out dynamic risk assessments upon entering every home. If at any point they feel unsafe or unable to manage a situation, they are instructed to withdraw, seek help, and escalate to their manager or emergency services as appropriate.

9. Supporting People with Emergency Health Needs

Some people we support may have chronic or degenerative conditions that present sudden health risks, such as epilepsy, diabetes, or severe allergies. These needs are clearly documented in their personal plan and discussed in team briefings.

We work closely with GPs, district nurses, and hospital discharge teams to ensure all staff understand:

• What constitutes an emergency for that person
• What rescue medication may be required
• When to escalate to 999
• What not to do (e.g. moving someone following a fall if not trained)

Staff are not permitted to administer any invasive emergency medication (such as midazolam or insulin) unless they have received specific, approved training and it is agreed in the care plan.

10. Incident Reporting and Post-Emergency Review

All first aid and emergency incidents must be reported to the Registered Manager immediately after the event. The staff member involved must complete an Incident Report Form, including:

• Date, time, and location of the incident
• A clear description of what happened and who was present
• The actions taken, including any medical intervention
• Details of follow-up communication with families, managers, or professionals

Each incident is reviewed by the management team to identify any learning, potential safeguarding concerns, or necessary changes to care plans or training. Serious incidents are escalated in line with regulatory and legal obligations.

11. Emotional Support and Debriefing

Emergencies can be distressing, particularly for lone workers dealing with sudden illness, injury, or death. We ensure that all staff involved in an emergency are offered a confidential debrief session, with the option of ongoing support through supervision or external counselling where needed.

The emotional wellbeing of our staff is just as important as their physical safety, and we take proactive steps to ensure trauma is acknowledged, processed, and responded to with care.

12. Business Continuity and Major Events

In the event of large-scale emergencies such as pandemics, power outages, or severe weather affecting service delivery, our Business Continuity and Emergency Planning Policy is activated. This includes prioritising essential visits, reallocating staff, and maintaining communication with local authorities and health services.

Care plans include contingency arrangements for individuals most at risk in such situations. Managers ensure that vulnerable clients are checked on first, and emergency numbers and procedures are accessible to all team members.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis or sooner if:

• There are changes in legislation or regulatory guidance
• An incident highlights the need for revision
• Feedback from staff, families, or regulators suggests improvement

The Registered Manager and Nominated Individual are responsible for ensuring the policy remains up to date and that any updates are cascaded across the team. All staff are required to read and acknowledge the policy during induction and when revised.

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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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