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Posted By beenus
I hope you can help me with my quandary. I have just found out that staff attending the HSE first aid at work course to become competent persons can 'choose' whether or not to give first aid, that is to say that if they don't like the look of someone, or an incident they can simply say they won't assist?
Is there a conflict here? What happens if a member of staff suffers a serious or life threatening injury, a first aider is called, they then say they don't wish to attend and things take a turn for the worse! Where do we stand legally and morally? The regs make it very clear that we have a duty to provide a competent person, this apart from the time and money to train someone up only for them to then say they don't want to attend a particular incident is madness isn't it?
I would very much appreciate your advice in how you manage this situation in your workplace, or have I been misinformed?
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Posted By Michael Hayward
The responcibilities of a first aider are clearly defined in the current rddition of the authorised first aid manual. They are:
-to assess the situation and summon help
- to protect casualtiesfrom possible danger
-to identify the injury or nature of the illness
-to give early and effective treatment
- to arrange for the casualties removal to hospital or home
- to remain with the caualty until medical aid is available.
When a person undertakes a first aid course he also takes on these responsibilities.
Whether or not a first aider chooses to become involved in an incident in his provte life is a moral decision.
As far as undertaking FAW duties is conserned , whilst the moral obligation remains, I would suggest that by accepting the position, and in many cases being paid for it, there is also a legal obligation to act in the event of an emergency. Certainly in my view to "walk away" is not an option
Hope this helps
Mick
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Posted By Paul Duell
To a point, that choice has always been there. The first thing that first aiders are taught is "don't put yourself at risk" - so if treating a patient would put the FA at risk they should choose not to treat.
A few other examples -
1) casualty is high on a scaffolding and the only FA available is a non-heights worker who's scared of heights.
2) pregnant first aider, with an overweight casualty who needs hauling into the recovery position
3) casualty who has suffered very serious an unpleasant-looking injuries and the only available FA is one of his best mates
I don't think any first aider would choose not to treat without a very good reason - and anyone who would, would probably not volunteer for FA training in the first place. In practice I think if you've risk assessed your first aid needs and have the appropriate number of first aiders, you've done all that's reasonably practicable.
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Posted By MAK
where did you get that item of information? ask for a reference or source.
however, as long as your candidates actually did "volunteer" for the duty, I would imagine they are willing to pitch in, however their first responsbility as the post above states, is to look after their own safety. I can imagine a few scenarios where the casualty needing treatment could be construed as likley to put someone personally at risk, so they definitely should not attempt it or they should be trained in the specific workplace as to what suitable control measures can be applied..
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Posted By Raymond Rapp
There is no legal imposition on a first aider to give first aid if they so choose, hopefully for a very good reason. However, if you really want to get down to the 'nitty gritty,' if a first aider is paid monies for the role, it could be argued that they are breaking their terms of employment.
I have never heard of a first aider refusing to give assistance - so do not loose to much sleep over it.
Ray
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Posted By Paul Tidswell
Just to add, remember that first aid at work is limited and does not involve truama management that should always be left to the professionals (paramedics). So realistically if the injury is of such a drastic nature then the ambulance should be on it's way. The first thing a FAW should do is assess the situation and if the injury is serious call for help as quickly as possible.
I've been in such a position where the casualty was in such a mess that I did not know where to start (a couple of bandages in my first aid kit would not have helped) but I had still ensured help was on it's way and all I could do was be there and reassure him. My conscience clear, I did what I could even though it was not a lot.
Sad fact he died on route to hospital!
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