Introduction

If you work on a council premises for at least 3 days a week, you can become a first aider.

First aiders are members of staff who provide immediate support and attention to anyone who becomes ill or gets injured at work.

First aider roles

We have 3 roles across our various sites. These are:

• first aider - for larger sites or workplaces with greater hazards
• emergency first aider - for smaller sites where there are no first aiders, they receive basic training to manage situations effectively until the emergency services arrive
• appointed person - not trained to undertake first aid but looks after the equipment and facilities, call for assistance and manages situations until the assistance arrives.

The type of first aider in place will depend on the number of employees at a site and is determined by your first aid needs assessment and guidance can be provided by safety services as required. Smaller sites may have emergency first aiders or appointed persons.

First aider skills

As a first aider, you need to be able to:

• calmly assess the situation
• minimise risks
• recognise the requirement for first aid
• assess injuries and illness
• administer emergency treatment and life support
• provide support and reassurance
• call for assistance from the emergency services, if required.

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What happens next

Once we receive your application we’ll:

• check that there is a vacancy within your service area
• make sure you qualify to be a first aider
• ask your manager to confirm your role
• contact you to arrange any relevant training
• arrange for payroll to pay you first aider allowance.

Training

Before you become a first aider, you will need to undertake a training course.

This is to make sure you are confident and understand how to respond to the different situations you may have to deal with.

Depending on the role you are given, you will attend one of these courses:

First aider allowance

If you volunteer to be a nominated first aider, in addition to your normal job, you will be paid an allowance as long as:

• you are volunteering to meet the required numbers identified in your service area first aid needs assessment
• your first aid certificate remains valid
• you attend any refresher training when required.
• You won't be paid an allowance, if you are required to hold a first aid certificate as part of your core job role, or have an emergency or paediatric first aid certificate.