Skip to main content

First aid at work; would your employers know what to do?

13/12/2018

Imagine it’s a regular day at work, just like any other. You’re at your desk or in the break room and suddenly there’s a medical emergency. A colleague has collapsed or had a fall; would your employer know what to do? Would you?

Emergency first aid can make a huge difference following an accident or illness. It can literally be the difference between life and death.  Having first aid training can mean that you and your colleagues and bosses will know what to do should the worst happen whilst at work. Quick action and the correct first aid can make all the difference and by law, at least one person in the workplace must be first aid trained. However, having more people first aid trained in the workplace can ensure that there is always emergency medical help on hand.

Emergency first aid at work (EFAW) courses

Emergency first aid at work courses are designed to provide first aid for groups. Many first aid training providers will come to your workplace and provide a full course for you and your colleagues to teach you emergency first aid. You will learn what steps to take following an accident to help an injured person as well as life-saving techniques such as CPR and what to do if someone is having a heart attack.

Many EFAW courses include a final multi-choice examination and if passed, all participants will receive a first aid certificate. Not only will this look great on a CV, but it will also allow you to apply to be the designated first aid officer in your workplace.

An emergency first aid at work certificate lasts for three years once you have obtained one. However, regular refresher courses are recommended to ensure that you are kept up to date with the latest first aid techniques. So even if your employer has been on a course before, it is always advisable to suggest regular refreshers for everyone as first aid recommendations often change as new techniques or information on treatment is discovered.

Knowledge is power

First aid courses in Bristol, and other areas across the country, will give you the skills and knowledge to be able to effectively administer first aid during an emergency. In the workplace, this can help to save a life or reduce the impact of an injury; it is something that everyone from the boss down should invest in to ensure the health and wellbeing of all members of staff.

X