Today I bring you an update from the HSE. The HSE have looked at some things related to first aiders and the provision of first aid and have decided to make some changes to the legislation.
First Aid Box Contents
There is now the requirement to include the following items in your first aid box.
- Foil Blanket – a proper blanket could be provided if possible
- Pen torch
- Vomit Bags
- Bio Hazzard medical waste bags
This is the first update to the first aid box contents we have seen in a while so these are welcome changes. The one thing we were hoping to see them include was a thermomotor but this sadly was not included, however as a business you can decide to add additional equipment if you believe it is required. As temperature is one of your vital signs I would advise you have one in each first aid box.
I’ve attached a new HSE Checklist form to this email so you can review what you currently have in stock. If you need to buy just the additional equipment to bring your first aid boxes up to the new standard we can provide you with this.
First Aid Kit – Updated contents Pack – €10 ex VAT
AED Update – (Defibrillator)
- Firstly and AED has now been recommended for all workplaces, this piece of equipment is a major contributing factor is the survival of patients in cardiac arrest. If smaller companies are close by or perhaps working in the same building these companies should pool their resources and share an AED and the responsibilities for keeping the equipment up to date.
- The responsibility of checking the AED should be with your First Aid Responders, these individuals should be tasked on a regular basis to check that there are no warning lights on the machine, the pads and battery are in date and that there should be enough charge left in the battery to shock a patient if required. Any faults should be fixed immediately and there should always be adequate supplies present which may mean additional pads for the AED.
- The responsibility for checking equipment should also extend to first aid boxes and First Aid rooms.
- If your AED is located outdoors it needs to be in a heated cabinet.
- CPR and AED Training should be considered and encouraged for people who are not First Aid responders.
If you do not have a defibrillator and you now need to get one we do provide a defib that is perfect for use on Adult and paediatric patients without the need to buy different pads for each type of patient. This saves companies a lot of money by removing the need to duplicate pads or having additional back up pads available.
Our price for this is €1500 and this is exempt of VAT. If you need replacement batteries or pads just let me know the make and model of your AED and I will supply you with a quote.
First Aid Training
The HSE have maintained their stance that the PHECC First Aid Responder course is the only course that they will recognise in relation to compliance to the legislation. However, they are also encouraging companies to offer a more basic first aid course to other employees once their requirements of FAR personal is met. This training could be targeted to the exact environment that you work in or could be CPR and AED training only.
If you have this requirement just let us know and we can quote you for exactly what you need.
That is all of the most important updates from the report. If you have any questions or if you need any training or equipment just let me know and we will organise a quote.
