Providing first aid

First aid officers must:

• not dispense, offer or store headache preparations, painkillers or other medication of any kind in first aid kits,

• always record all first aid treatments via the Hazard and Incident Reporting Online (HIRO) system,

• ensure all accidents and incidents referred to them are reported to the appropriate supervisor or manager for investigation (again, by using the HIRO system),

• notify:

  • Safety & Wellbeing of any deficiencies in the administration of first aid, first aid facilities and equipment,
  • their supervisor or manager and the Safety & Wellbeing branch of any changes in employment, location or any other matter which may impact on their ability to provide first aid.

Safety precautions

Before, during and after the administration of first aid, first aid officers shall take precautions to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others.

First aid officers shall:

• practice good hygiene, particularly by washing and drying hands before and after providing first aid,
• always cover and protect their open cuts or unhealed wounds, especially on the hands,
• avoid contact with blood by using disposable gloves whenever possible,
• use alcohol swabs to wipe scissors and other instruments before use, and
• use warm water and a neutral detergent to wipe any surfaces, scissors and other instruments that have come into contact with blood and dry thoroughly.