First aid

First aid is the immediate treatment or care given to a person suffering from an injury or illness until more advanced care is provided or the person recovers. First aid has many personal and workplace benefits:

• it can save lives and can improve recovery outcomes
• provides critical knowledge and confidence to effectively manage an emergency situation
• improves health and safety awareness

In relation to first aid, Schools and Divisions is required to:

• provide first aid equipment and ensure each worker at the workplace has access to the equipment
• ensure access to adequate facilities for the administration of first aid
• ensure that an adequate number of workers are trained to administer first aid at the workplace

When determining first aid requirements within a School or Division, the following should be considered the:

• nature of work being completed
• nature of the hazards
• size and location of the workplace
• number and composition of workers

The Code of Practice - First aid in the workplace (opens in a new window) has additional information on first aid requirements in the workplace.

Designated First Aid Officers

Designated First Aid Officers are appointed by a School or Division to:

• provide effective first aid for workers and visitors
• ensure an incident report is completed when first aid is provided
• maintain first aid facilities and equipment (including monthly audits of assigned first aid kits)

The following ratios for Designated First Aid Officers are recommended:

• low risk workplaces - one designated first aid officer for every 50 workers
• high risk workplaces - one designated first aid officer for every 25 workers

Designated First Aid Officers are workers who have completed and maintain a current HLTAID011 - Provide First Aid and HLTAID009 - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificates and who have returned the Designated First Aid Agreement form.

First aid training

Designated First Aid Officers are appointed by a School or Division only.

First aid training provided by the St Johns Ambulance includes:

• HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• HLTAID010 Provide basic emergency life support
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

For enrolment into these First Aid Courses outlined above please follow the below steps:

1. Click on the St Johns link: Click here to browse the training locations and time that suits you (Do not book into any sessions)
2. Fill out the “Course Enrolment Form (DOC, 1273 KB)” with the training location and time that suits you.
3. Email the completed “Enrolment Form” to customer.service@stjohnnsw.com.au St Johns will book you into the session and then to whs@westernsydney.edu.au for record keeping.
4. Once training is completed send through first aid certificate to whs@westernsydney.edu.au

St Johns will advise the WHS & Wellbeing Unit of your completion and your Business Unit cost code will be charge with your training.

Allowance

Designated First Aid Officers are paid an allowance as per the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.

Indemnity

Designated First Aid Officers are protected by vicarious liability when acting in good faith and discharging their responsibilities in accordance with their training. Designated First Aid Officers are protected under the terms of the University's Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance policies while undertaking their first aid duties. Designated First Aid Officers performing first aid while not engaged in University activities are not covered under these policies.

First aid facilities

First aid rooms are available in various locations throughout the University and may be accessed by contacting a designated first aid officer. First aid rooms are established in locations where it is deemed difficult to administer appropriate first aid without a dedicated room. First aid rooms should be managed by an Occupational First Aid Officer.

First aid equipment

The type and nature of first aid equipment is dependent on the hazards specific to the workplace. First aid equipment includes:

• First aid kits
• Eye wash and shower equipment

First aid kits should only be accessed by a designated first aid officer. A list of designated first aid officers should be displayed on or adjacent to each kit. A list is also provided on the Designated First Aid Officer List.

First aid kit requirements

A list of items for inclusion in a first aid kit is provided in the First Aid Kit Contents Information Sheet. It is University policy not to provide medicines (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen), creams, lotions or other preparations where the sterility cannot be maintained.

Automatic external defibrillators

Automatic external defibrillators (AED) have been strategically placed to provide the optimal access in the event of an emergency. All Campus Safety and Security vehicles are equipped with portable AEDs.