First Aid

Most of our volunteers are trained to Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) standard, and are able to dispense basic first aid. Training is currently provided by a range of locally approved instructors.

Trained volunteers carry basic first aid materials and are able to assess patient needs.

First Aid Initial Action

What to do in an Emergency

This information is taken from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ‘Basic Advice on First Aid At Work’ Leaflet, downloadable here

Download Leaflet

Priorities

Your priorities are to:

  • Assess the situation – do not put yourself in danger
  • Make the area safe
  • Assess all casualties and attend first to any unconscious casualties
  • Send for help – do not delay

Check for a response

  • Gently shake the casualty’s shoulders and ask loudly, ‘Are you all right?’ If there is no response, your priorities are to:
  • Shout for help
  • Open the airway
  • Check for normal breathing
  • Take appropriate action.

It’s as simple as ABC

A Airway

To open the airway:

  • Place your hand on the casualty’s forehead and gently tilt the head back
  • Lift the chin with two fingertips

B Breathing

  • Look, listen and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds
  • Look for chest movement
  • Listen at the casualty’s mouth for breath sounds
  • Feel for air on your cheek

If the casualty is breathing normally:

  • Place in the recovery position
  • Get help
  • Check for continued breathing

If the casualty is not breathing normally:

  • Get help
  • Start chest compressions (see CPR)

C CPR

To start chest compressions:

  • Lean over the casualty and with your arms straight, press down on the centre of the breastbone 5–6 cm, then release the pressure
  • Repeat at a rate of about 100–120 times a minute
  • After 30 compressions open the airway again
  • Pinch the casualty’s nose closed and allow the mouth to open
  • Take a normal breath and place your mouth around the casualty’s mouth, making a good seal
  • Blow steadily into the mouth while watching for the chest rising
  • Remove your mouth from the casualty and watch for the chest falling
  • Give a second breath and then start 30 compressions again without delay
  • Continue with chest compressions and rescue breaths in a ratio of 30:2 until qualified help takes over or the casualty starts breathing normally.