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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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First Aid at Work

1. Purpose

At {{org_field_name}}, we are committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of individuals receiving support, staff, and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to providing effective first aid arrangements in compliance with CQC regulations, the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981, and the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.

This policy ensures that appropriate first aid provisions, training, and emergency response procedures are in place to manage incidents effectively while maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, individuals receiving support, visitors, and external contractors within our Supported Living service. It covers:

• Provision of first aid facilities and trained personnel
• First aid procedures for minor and major incidents
• Emergency response and escalation protocols
• Record-keeping and reporting

3. Related Policies

• SL12 – Safe Care and Treatment Policy
• SL07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
• SL21 – Medication Management and Administration Policy
• SL16 – Infection Prevention and Control Policy
• SL08 – Dignity and Respect Policy
• SL34 – Confidentiality and Data Protection (GDPR) Policy
• SL13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• SL19 – Fire Safety Policy

4. Legal and Regulatory Framework

Our first aid procedures align with:

• The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 – Ensuring appropriate first aid provisions are available at all times.
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 – Identifying and mitigating workplace risks.
• CQC Regulation 12: Safe Care and Treatment – Ensuring first aid responses are timely and appropriate.
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013 – Ensuring incidents are reported correctly.

5. First Aid Provision and Responsibilities

5.1 First Aid Needs Assessment

• A First Aid Risk Assessment will be conducted annually to identify the level of first aid cover required.
• The assessment will consider:
  • The number of staff, individuals, and visitors present.
  • The nature of risks associated with the environment and activities.
  • The needs of individuals receiving support, including those with medical conditions.
  • Availability of emergency medical services in the area.

5.2 First Aid Personnel and Training

• Appointed First Aiders must receive training from an approved training provider.
• Training includes:
  • Basic first aid skills, CPR, and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
  • Managing seizures, allergic reactions, bleeding, and fractures.
  • Recognising signs of heart attacks, strokes, and breathing difficulties.
  • First aid for choking, burns, and shock.
• Refresher training is required every three years, with annual competency checks.
• All new staff must complete basic first aid awareness training as part of induction.

5.3 First Aid Equipment and Facilities

• First aid kits must be easily accessible and adequately stocked at all times.
• Each kit must contain:
  • Bandages, dressings, sterile wipes, gloves, and eye wash
  • CPR face shields, scissors, and foil blankets
  • Burn dressings and antiseptic wipes

6. First Aid Procedures

6.1 Responding to a First Aid Incident

1. Assess the situation – Ensure safety for both the injured person and the responder.
2. Provide appropriate first aid according to training guidelines.
3. Call emergency services (999 or 112) for serious injuries.
4. Reassure the individual and ensure their dignity is maintained.
5. Record the incident in the First Aid Log and notify senior management.
6. Report any safeguarding concerns if required.

6.2 Emergency Response and Escalation

• Major medical emergencies (e.g., heart attack, stroke, severe burns, unconsciousness):
  • Call 999 or 112 immediately.
  • Provide first aid until professional help arrives.
  • Inform next of kin or designated contacts.
• Minor injuries (e.g., cuts, bruises, sprains):
  • Administer first aid and monitor symptoms.
  • Refer to medical professionals if needed.
• Seizures:
  • Follow individual epilepsy care plans.
  • Protect the person from harm and time the seizure.
  • Call 999 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if another seizure follows immediately.

7. Record-Keeping and Reporting

7.1 First Aid Log

• All first aid incidents must be recorded in a First Aid Log Book, including:
  • Date, time, and location of the incident
  • Name of the injured person
  • Description of the injury or illness
  • Actions taken and treatment provided
  • Name of the First Aider

7.2 Reporting Requirements

• Serious injuries must be reported under RIDDOR 2013 if they involve:
  • Hospitalisation or fatalities.
  • Dangerous occurrences (e.g., electric shocks, gas leaks).
  • Work-related illnesses.
• The Registered Manager is responsible for submitting RIDDOR reports.

8. Infection Control in First Aid Situations

• Wear disposable gloves and use protective barriers (e.g., CPR face shields).
• Wash hands thoroughly after providing first aid.
• Dispose of used dressings and gloves in clinical waste bins.
• Follow infection control protocols if exposed to bodily fluids.

9. Staff Awareness and Continuous Improvement

• First aid drills must be conducted biannually to assess staff response.
• Regular audits of first aid supplies and equipment will be carried out.
• Feedback from first aid incidents will be reviewed to improve policies and procedures.

10. Confidentiality and Data Protection

• All first aid records must be securely stored in line with GDPR and confidentiality policies (SL34).
• Information about an individual’s medical condition should only be shared on a need-to-know basis.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to:

• Changes in first aid regulations or CQC guidelines.
• Feedback from first aid incidents or staff training.
• Inspection findings from regulatory bodies.

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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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