I would say yes.

But - there would be no need to go over the top. Carry out a provision of first aid assessment - perhaps the best person to administer first aid is the receptionist? What happens if the vet gets bitten by a dog and all other vets and nurses are busy with other animals?

I can see where you are coming from with this and it is a good question, but you will as a minimum need an appointed person, first aid box and will need to inform employees of first aid arrangements.

A vet isn't necessarily up to date with BHF life support protocols!

I have had Nurses attend first aid at work courses at the request of an inspector. The logic is that they are used to working in teams with more advanced equipment, and that the three day first aid qualification covers more than just first aid... reporting etc.

As stated above this all comes down to a needs assessment - you may decide that your Vets have the appropriate skills required and are able to apply latest protocol....

Hi Walker,

You may be surprised. In terms of disciplines - we have many specialists in their fields who are not only extremely well educated, but have transferable skills. Of course they regularly apply their skills on animals, but the same principles apply for a number of different species. We have cardiologists, ophthalmologists, medicine experts, neurologists, radiologists, surgeons, anaesthetists etc all on site. Not to mention modern equipment which is used throughout human hospitals (CT, MRI, X-ray). I would argue that a couple of "appointed persons" amongst all of these specialists in these facilities, would be deemed as sufficient. They are probably better equipped than someone who has been on a 3 day course and are much more used to working efficiently under pressure? Its just a thought. It probably is worth having a few more "official" first aiders, but who would you prefer to administer first aid if you suddenly felt chest pains - specialist in cardiology or receptionist?

Just to add to the discussion I'll make two observations; First, I understand that a practicing Medical Dr who treats an injured or sick animal falls foul of the various professional codes etc and may be open to prosecution, whereas a vet can treat a human - just another animal at the end of the day.

Secondly, in terms of being suitably trained and qualified to deliver 1st aid, you would think a Dr or Nurse would be ideal, but as alluded to above, I did a 5 day 1st aid course when I was a very young Deeps in the Royal Navy and one of the other guys was a fully qualified, up to speed, Naval Surgeon, who commented and was quite forcefull at the end that he started the course somewhat cheesed off at having to do a "basic 1st aid course" but said that he was somewhat stunned and surprised at how much he learned about casualty management outside the O.R. where he was the undisputed Master of all he surveyed.

Jim