It is recommended that staff in each area of employment should complete a recognised First Aid certificate so that they will be available to act quickly and effectively in an emergency. For untrained staff, the following notes are for general reference only.
Calling an Ambulance in an emergency
Always notify Security Personnel so they can direct the Ambulance Officers.
Some students with special medical conditions or disabilities may also require special treatment if a problem arises. Check for bracelets,or necklets that may identify an existing medical condition. In such cases, staff will need to be able to pass this information on to the Ambulance Officers.
If a person collapses
Check to see whether they are conscious or not.
If unconscious: follow (DR ABCD)
- Danger - check if anything around is dangerous and make it safe before you approach.
- Response - try and get a response by gently tapping their shoulders and calling their name.
- Airway - Open the airway by placing one hand on their forehead and gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin.L
- Breathing - Check breathing by looking, listening and feeling for breathing on your cheek for up to ten seconds.
- If they are breathing normally, place them in the recovery position.
- If they are not breathing normally, call 000 and start CPR
- CPR - Give 30 chest compressions. Followed by 2 breaths. Almost 2 compressions pr second
- Defibrillation - Attach (if available) automated external defibrillator and follow its prompts.
If a person is in cardiac arrest
That is, their heart has stopped beating. This is indicated if they are unconscious and there is:
Someone must commence cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), that is, massage of the heart and lungs to get both working again. Continue until Ambulance or medical help arrives.
If a person suffers an epileptic seizure
- check airway is clear, and breathing and circulation are present (DR ABC)
- protect them from any further injury
- check for any other injuries that may have occurred, for example, when they fell
- do not force anything between their teeth or try to hold them down
- seek medical assistance or call an Ambulance if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes or another seizure begins
- After the seizure, the person may feel confused and tired.
If a person suffers an asthma attack
- check DR ABC
- if conscious, place person in sitting position
- reassure person and assist with their medication
- if person stops breathing, commence CPR and call for an Ambulance.
If a person suffers chest pain
- check DR ABC
- semi-sitting position (lie the person down if pale and sweaty)
- loosen any tight clothing
- assist person with their medication
- If person stops breathing, commence CPR and call for an Ambulance.
If a person has an accident involving a possible back/spinal injury
- do not move the patient unless their airway is blocked
- keep person warm
- offer reassurance
- call an Ambulance.
- wear gloves for personal protection when cleaning up blood or vomit
- use household bleach to disinfect the area
If the person has Haemophilia
- call for medical attention as a blood transfusion may be necessary