Tag Archives: First Aid

First Aid Training during Covid-19

Introduction

 

The HSE have released another update on first aid training during Covid-19. Below we lay out the changes that have been made as well as the guidance remaining in place to keep you and your business safe. The following guidance came in place on January 15 2021.

 

In England

 

The HSE policy is that first aid training require to comply with health and safety or other legislation can continue to take place under relevant coronavirus restrictions in England. All possible measures must be taken to ensure that both training activities and environment are Covid-19 secure. Premises currently closed to the public under current restrictions may be considered for use as training venues providing conditions above are adhered to.

The HSE’s current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered.

 

In Scotland

 

The Scottish Government has informed HSE that first aid training can be permitted under current Covid-19 restrictions, given:

  • The training is a required part of the work/operation of the business commissioning the training
  • Other requirements for businesses and individuals under the current restrictions are met
  • All controls necessary are in place to comply with relevant Covid-19 regulations and guidance published by the Scottish Government

Premises currently closed to the public under current restrictions may be considered for use as training venues providing conditions above are adhered to.

The HSE’s current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered.

 

In Wales

 

The Welsh Government has informed HSE that first aid training can be permitted under current Covid-19 restrictions, given:

  • The training is a required part of the work/operation of the business commissioning the training
  • Other requirements for businesses and individuals under the current restrictions are met
  • All controls necessary are in place to comply with relevant Covid-19 regulations and guidance published by the Welsh Government

Premises currently closed to the public under current restrictions may be considered for use as training venues providing conditions above are adhered to. Authority to open premises for first aid training can be obtained from the relevant local authority to appropriate department of the Welsh Government.

The HSE’s current guidance on first aid certificate extensions covers all of GB and remains unaltered.

 

To Conclude

 

You can read the HSE’s full update here.

You can also see the training courses we have available here.

 

First Aid Training Safety: COVID-19

Introduction

We’re beyond happy to be back delivering our First Aid Training but we understand that there is still an exposure risk to COVID-19. The safety of our participants is our top priority which is why we’ve taken new measures to minimise cross contamination.

One of our mannequins set up with a face shield provided to further prevent contamination. This is one of many precautions to ensure safety during our First Aid Training courses.
One of our mannequins set up with a face shield provided to further prevent contamination.

Before the Course

  • A poly pocket containing the material required for the course will be made up for each participant. 
  • All mannequins will be disinfected/sanitised before the course along with AEDs.
  • The equipment will be set up prior to the course starting so it can begin as soon as everyone has arrived. 

During the Course

  • Each participant will have their own mannequin for the practical tasks and a face shield will be provided to cover the mannequin’s face as another precaution.
  • Participants will be asked in turns to place their used equipment in a designated area which will be collected by the trainer afterwards to maintain distance.
  • Any used equipment will be placed in a separate bag to prevent contamination with other equipment.
  • Hospital grade Trionic cleaning & disinfection wipes will be available throughout the duration of the course to sanitise equipment which will have a designated bag for disposal.
The Trionic hospital grade cleaning & disinfection wipes used throughout the course.
The Trionic hospital grade cleaning & disinfection wipes used throughout the course.

After the Course

  • Our trainers will bring home the equipment to be fully disinfected.
  • Mannequins will be sanitised with hospital grade Trionic cleaning & disinfection wipes as well as antiseptic disinfectant.
  • All used bandages will be soaked in disinfectant.
  • Any bags that contained used equipment will also be disinfected as well as the polly pockets.
  • The bag containing waste from the course will be disposed of appropriately.

To Conclude

The safety of everyone on our First Aid Training courses is our top priority and we are taking every precaution we see fit to minimise COVID-19 exposure risks and cross contamination. We ask that only those feeling well and showing no symptoms should attend our courses. We look forward to continuing to deliver First Aid training to our clients as safely as possible.

For more information on the training courses we have available currently, please click here to read our full post.

You can also read more about the Trionic wipes here.

First Aid training: COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, we have adapted our First Aid training courses as we are currently unable to carry out our usual face-to-face training courses. We understand that due to absence from work on account of illness, that sufficient cover may not be in place. For this reason, we’ve developed a blended learning course to enable people to be trained to ensure that all work places are fully compliant. It’s very important, now more than ever, that adequate First Aid cover is in place as ambulances may take longer.

The HSE has, however, issued a statement in regard to those who already hold a First Aid qualification. These will be now be valid for a further 6 months if their renewal date is from the 16th March 2020. This means that anyone due for renewal just now will still be able to carry out First Aid. For more information on this, please click here.

We have created 2 options of First Aid Training to choose from: Option A – EFAW course (Certificated Blended Learning) and Option B First Aid Learning Course (Online Theory).

Option A – EFAW course (Certificated Blended Learning)

Online Theory

Option A will cover all theory aspects of the Emergency First Aid at Work course with practical demonstrations given. The course will cover aspects of COVID-19 and how to safely treat anyone who may be suspected of having coronavirus. All candidates would be issued our standard workbook to be read prior to starting the course. The course will be delivered online by one of our accredited trainers.

The online section will last approximately 3 hours, covering all aspects of the EFAW Course including videos and demonstrations. As always, we would encourage lots of interaction from candidates.

Practical

This section will be carried out at the candidates place of work or another suitable venue, this has to be done face-to-face for the HSE to approve this qualification. This will last approximately an hour and a half with strict social distancing controls in place. Each session will be restricted to the number of people who can safely distance within the venue. Each candidate will be provided with their own mannequins and equipment to prevent risk of cross contamination. 

To maintain hygiene standards, we’ve enhanced our cleaning regimes and our equipment will undergo hospital grade sterilisation using Trionic wipes. For more information on how we’re making our courses safer, please click here.

We would ask that only candidates who are well and showing no symptoms such as sneezing, coughing etc., attend this part of the training.

Assessment 

This will be completed after the practical portion of the course and will be marked by the trainer at the time. Candidates who pass the assessment will be awarded with the Emergency First Aid at Work certificate, valid for 3 years.

Option B – First Aid Learning Course (Online Theory)

Online Theory

This will be delivered as per option A, stated above.

Assessment

Candidates will be issued an online assessment for completion which will be marked by the trainer. Successful completion of this would reward the candidate with a certificate in First Aid Learning. 

Joining the course

Candidates will be emailed a link and joining instructions for the course. The course will be streamed live and can be viewed from a suitable mobile phone, tablet, laptop or PC.

Candidates will be required to download our video meeting software prior to the course. This is quick and easy to do.

We are constantly monitoring the current situation and will continue to send updates where applicable. Further information can be found by visiting our website: www.amalgamate-safety.com

If any of these First Aid training course options are of interest to you during COVID-19, or you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our training team on t: +44 (0)141 244 0181 or email: training@amalgamate-safety.com

First Aid Advice for Contractors (COVID-19)

Introduction

We have been asked by a number of our clients in the construction industry about providing first aid during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Our First Aid trainers have pulled together some First Aid advice for Contractors undertaking key or essential works at this time.

Our advice is provided to support you in risk mitigation and provide some guidance for your nominated first aiders.

Background

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require all construction sites to have a first aid box on site and an appointed and trained person to take charge of first aid arrangements. This obligation continues notwithstanding these times of social distancing. 

Because of social distancing, contractors need to be aware that a first aider might refuse to provide first aid in the normal way because of the risk of contracting coronavirus. This could result in the injured person remaining unsupported. Equally, liability could attach if a first-aider was to contract COVID-19 whilst giving first aid.

Advice

We would expect that most first aiders may consider that checking somebody’s airway, or carrying out mouth to mouth resuscitation, is too a high risk. On that basis they may refuse to do it. The Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) is in fact advising against mouth to mouth during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The RCUK offers this advice:

  • Recognise cardiac arrest by looking for the absence of signs of life and the absence of normal breathing;
  • Do not listen or feel for breathing by placing your ear and cheek close to the patient’s mouth. If you are in any doubt about confirming cardiac arrest. The default position is to start chest compressions until help arrives;
  • Make sure an ambulance is on its way. If COVID-19 is suspected, tell emergency service when you call 999;
  • If there is a perceived risk of infection, rescuers should place a cloth/towel over the victims mouth and nose. Then attempt compression only CPR and early defibrillation until the ambulance arrives;
  • Put hands together in the middle of the chest and push hard and fast;
  • Early use of a defibrillator significantly increases the person’s chances of survival and does not increase risk of infection;
  • If the rescuer has access to personal protective equipment (PPE) e.g. FFP3 face mask, disposable gloves, eye protection), these should be worn;
  • After performing compression only CPR. All rescuers should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water with alcohol-based hand gel being a convenient alternative; and
  • They should also seek advice from the NHS 111 coronavirus advice service or medical adviser.

Self-care

Administering first aid is simple. The steps to take in an emergency can be easily described to an injured or ill person so they can help themselves. For example, if they are bleeding heavily, you can ask them to apply pressure to the wound with whatever they have available.

This would be the same for burns – you could ask them to cool the burn under water for 20 minutes without you having to touch them.

Providing Assistance

If you do need to provide assistance to an individual who you are concerned may have coronavirus, wherever possible place the person in a location away from others.

Where there is no separate room, instruct bystanders who are not involved in providing assistance to stay at least 2 metres away from the casualty.

If barrier screens are available, these should be used.

Infection Control

It is important to remember first aid has always had to consider the risk of infection, not from coronavirus (COVID-19) but from other infections such as HIV, hepatitis and other viruses or infections which have the potential to harm.

Always follow the safety guidelines in relation to hygiene and personal protection when administering first aid, wash hands thoroughly before and after, wear disposable gloves and any other protective personal equipment you have access to e.g. aprons and masks.

Calling the Emergency Services

At the present the NHS and ambulance service are under tremendous strain. Consider whether you need to call 999 – this service is for life threatening emergencies such as unresponsive people, those with chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe allergic reactions or catastrophic bleeding. 

If someone has to go to A&E remember the first aider should never be the one to transport them. If you suspect the person has coronavirus and needs to go to A&E contact NHS 111 first. Anyone attending A&E should, wherever possible, attend alone.

Comment

In general terms, construction companies should proceed on a risk based approach and, if the risk of limited first aid exists, control measures should be put in place.

For example, businesses should, amongst other things, give consideration to:

  • Providing NHS style personal protective equipment (full face-fitted masks, eye protection, and medical gloves) to first aiders on site;
  • Reducing the volume and type of work being conducted during this time (perhaps low risk operations only will continue);
  • Checking that first aiders are comfortable to continue to act as first aiders in the current climate, and
  • Making sure first aid equipment such as first aid kits, PPE, defibrillators, etc are available on site.

These and other measures may reduce the risk rating to an acceptable level on some projects and allow work to continue (perhaps at reduced volume). However, there may well be some projects where the risk of a first aider refusing to assist is too great, and a decision may need to be taken to suspend those projects accordingly.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact us on t: +44 (0)141 244 0181 or e: info@amalgamate-safety.com

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First Aid Advice for Key Workers

We have set out some advice for Key Workers who are acting as a nominated First Aider for their business during the current outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

These are supplementary to the existing guidelines for dealing with First Aid in the workplace. All other precautions for reducing the risk of infection should be maintained at all times.

Hygiene and personal protection

Hygiene and personal protection should be of the utmost priority when treating someone. Ideally hands should be washed first, gloves, aprons and masks should be worn before any first aid is carried out.

First Aid & CPR

If you suspect someone is not breathing do not place your head down to their face anymore to check, squeeze shoulders as normal and check for the chest rising and falling. If there is none, then dial 999 immediately and tell them that your casualty is not breathing and they could potentially have coronavirus (if they have been showing any symptoms). Then start hands only CPR, no rescue breaths should be given.

After any first aid has been carried please ensure all waste is disposed of in a biohazard bag and not in a normal bin. Wash hands thoroughly and sanitise everything that has been touched. 

Trionic wipes are great for this as these provide broad spectrum, fast acting antimicrobial technology that penetrates and lifts soiling from the surface, de-activating viruses, bacteria and micro-organisms.

These should also be used daily to sanitise any surfaces, door handles, etc.

Resources

Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Guidance during COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic

How to protect yourself against COVID-19

How to wash your hands | NHS

Trionic Wipes

If you require further advice & support please contact Amalgamate on t: +44 (0)141 244 0181 or email: info@amalgamate-safety.com

Amalgamate Safety