In June 2016, the Health & Safety Executive announced that training providers are to include defibrillator training as standard on the Emergency First Aid at Work and First Aid at Work courses no later than 31st December 2016 (see our April news story https://hsftraining.co.uk/changes-to-first-aid-and-first-aid-at-work-courses/).

Additionally, they stated that in certain circumstances first aid kits will need to contain haemostatic dressings and/or tourniquets.

Defibrillator training

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available in many workplaces and public areas and first aiders are already trained to request an AED when dealing with an unresponsive non-breathing casualty, as the prompt use of an AED has been proven to greatly increase a casualty’s chance of survival.

With effect from 14th November we will:

• include basic defibrillator training on our First Aid at Work, First Aid at Work Revalidation and Emergency First Aid at Work courses as standard, covering the safe use of these life saving devices
• assess delegates on their ability to place pads correctly and use the device safely
• provide all delegates who successfully complete the assessments with a First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work certificate which includes “safe use of a defibrillator” as a learning outcome, valid for three years from date of issue.

Defibrillator training frequently asked questions

Do I have to retrain my existing first aiders in defibrillator use?
No, there is no requirement for those who currently hold First Aid or Emergency First Aid at Work certificates to be retrained. They will receive the new skills when they undertake their refresher training.

Does this mean I have to purchase a defibrillator?
No, there is no obligation to purchase a defibrillator. The decision whether to have one or more units on site, along with other first aid requirements, is to be determined by the employer’s first aid needs assessment.
If you would like further information regarding the benefits of defibrillators on a site or any other assistance with your first aid needs assessment, please contact us.

Will the courses be any longer?
No. The duration of courses will not change.

Do you still offer AED Competent User courses?
Yes, we still offer this half day course, beneficial if an employer’s assessment identifies that first aiders or other personnel would benefit from more in-depth and comprehensive training.

Tourniquets and haemostatic dressings

What are they and when are they used?

Both tourniquets and haemostatic dressings would only be used certain circumstances (usually in the event of catastrophic bleeding, i.e. bleeding which is likely to cause death within minutes) and must only be used by personnel who are specifically trained in their application.

Tourniquets are devices used to forcibly compress a blood vessel to stop bleeding, they are not suitable for application to some areas of the body, such as the neck or abdomen.

Haemostatic dressings are similar to a gauze, however they have specific qualities that help the blood clot and therefore seal a serious wound much quicker than a normal dressing or bandage.

How do you decide if this is necessary for your business?

The HSE states that an employer should carry out an assessment to determine their first aid needs, and in order to ensure they comply with their legal obligations to have adequate provision for employees.  This requires considering factors such the number of employees, shift pattern, the likelihood of incidents occurring and their likely severity, workplace layout and proximity to medical resources.

With regards to whether tourniquets and haemostatic dressings would be required in a workplace, an employer could consider the following:

• Is your industry classed as high risk, for example are employees operating heavy or dangerous machinery, such as in agriculture, construction or heavy duty manufacturing?
• Is there a risk of an accident occurring in the workplace which would cause catastrophic bleeding?

HSF Training Ltd offer training on both of these life-saving pieces of equipment – they are includes in our first aid courses if requested or can be delivered as a stand-alone session for those who hold a current first aid certificate. Also, we can assist you in completing your first aid needs assessment. Please contact us for more details or email info@hsftraining.co.uk to arrange training.