First Aid COVID-19 Update
As the COVID-19 situation continuously develops Immerse Medical aim to keep you informed of all the latest changes to advice from the different bodies who provide guidance for the first aid industry.
In this post you will find an overview of the changes to guidance on first aid training, first aid practice and links to posts with more details should you need them.
First Aid Training
Businesses are still required to have adequate first aid cover for their premises and work processes. The HSE recognises that, because of coronavirus, some businesses have not been able to get the training that they need and have recommended the following, so that you still comply with the law:
- Review your first aid needs assessment and decide if you can still provide the cover needed for the workers that are present and the activities that they are doing.
- If fewer people are coming into your workplace, it may still be safe to operate with reduced first aid cover. You could also consider stopping higher-risk activities.
- You could share the first aiders of another business. Just be sure that they have the knowledge, experience and availability to cover the needs of your business.
- If you hold a first aid certificate that expires on or after 16th March 2020 and cannot access re-qualification training because of coronavirus, you may qualify for an extension up to 30th September 2020.
First Aid Training from Immerse Medical
As the COVID-19 Alert Level has now been reduced to 3 by UK Government, Immerse Medical is able to offer the full range of first aid qualifications to businesses across the South of England including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Exeter, Bristol and Bath.
We have worked hard to design safe socially distanced first aid courses for your business. As part of this design process we have developed a rough guide for businesses, so that you can be confident that our courses are as safe as possible and are delivered in line with current UK Government guidance.
First Aid Practice
The following guidance has been taken from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Resuscitation Council UK.
- Try to assist at a safe distance from the casualty as much as you can and minimise the time you share a breathing zone.
- If they are capable, tell them them to do things for you, but treating the casualty properly should be your first concern. Remember the 3 Ps:
Preserve Life: CPR
- Call 999 immediately – tell the call handler if the casualty has any COVID-19 symptoms
- Ask for help. If a portable defibrillator is available, ask for it
- Before starting CPR, to minimise transmission risk, use cloth or towel to cover the casualty’s mouth and nose, while still permitting breathing to restart following successful resuscitation
- If available, use:
- a fluid repellent surgical mask
- disposable gloves
- eye protection
- apron or other suitable covering
- Only deliver CPR bu chest compressions and use a defibrillator (if available) – DO NOT DO RESCUE BREATHS
Prevent worsening, promote recovery: all other injuries and illnesses
- If you suspect a serious illness or injury, call 999 immediately – tell that call handler if the casualty has any COVID-19 symptoms
- If giving first aid to someone, you should use the recommended equipment listed above if it’s available
- You should minimise the time you share a breathing zone with the casualty and direct them to do things for you where possible
After delivering any first aid
- Ensure you safely discard disposable items and clean reusable ones thoroughly
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitiser as soon as possible
How can Immerse Medical help?
We are pleased to offer a full range of COVID-19 supplies to compliment your usual first aid equipment. Check out our COVID-19 supplies store.
Our first aid trainers are all Drs, Nurses or Paramedics, and have all been working on the front line of the NHS during the COVID-19 outbreak. This means that they have developed expertise in the management of injured and unwell casualties while continuously ensuring the safety of themselves and others as a result of the increased chance of transmission which occurs while providing medical treatment. These expertise make Immerse Medical the best option for first aid training during the COVID-19 outbreak.
