Hi all, I'm wanting to put together a consent form for all staff to complete to make us aware of any specific first aid treatment they may need and/or instructions for first aiders (e.g. location of somebody's medication, allergies somebody might have, recognising symptoms of a known condition like shaking, dizziness, sweating, hunger from diabetic hypoglycemia, understanding where immediate medical attention is required that wouldn't normally - such as a small cut but on somebody who's blood doesn't clot etc etc). The idea being that it is a) information they volunteer and b) something only first aiders would have access to (I was thinking of maybe making a little card that they can carry in their wallets with names and details on). However, I'm just trying to figure out what details I would need to put on the consent form; is there anyone has done something similiar and can they recommend things to put on (or not put on, as the case may be)? Can anyone foresee any issues with this that I maybe haven't considered? Thanks.

Originally Posted by: Brian Hagyard

Svick - there are already systems out there for this - look up SOS bracelet as an example. My wife had one of these while on a type of medication a while ago. I belive most 1st aiders are trained to look for things like this. I have worked with a number of people with diabetes and even though i am not a first aider they have told me about the possible signs so that i can point them towards their "emergency mars bar and coke" (other forms of suger are avialable.

Ah thanks for that. I may still put together a consent form but this is definitely handy.

Just how do you intend to keep such records secure and up to date?

It is fine saying they will be held in a wallet but does every employee have/carry a wallet at all times?

I shudder about what I may touch when Mrs R tells me the item I am looking for is in her handbag let alone rummaging around in some work colleagues in an attempt to find a card (what if they didn't transfer it between hand bags?).

You could also end up on a false errand - last time the paramedics came to my parents house they saw a blood sugar tester and started from the assumption of a diabetic incident. The collapse was not sugar related, nor was it a heart attack, nor was it a stroke - after a week in hospital it was determined to be related to the cocktail of various prescribed medicines being taken.

First Aiders should treat what they find and then dispose of more complex matters to qualified medical practitioners. Don't try and turn them in to something they are not.

As Brian said there are various talismans and bracelets those with serious issues can carry.

Get some employee kudos and offer these to any employee that wants one - after all if it is a universally recognised device then it is of more benefot than an employer card.

I thnk you will have a number of issues.  You as an employer cannot compel an employee or contractor to complete a form on any of their medical conditions, just as you cannot take any disability or medical condition into account during a recruitment process.  You then have to consider how you manage the information you have received under the terms of GDPR.  It would at least to have it stored in either a secured container or a secure electronic system.  You would then have to set up a system of consent to allow the first aiders to have access to the information, remembering that there may be first aiders who a IP would not wish to have access to that information even in time of emergency. 

The whole thing is full of issues which could leave you open to legal action.  I would suggest that it is much easier to allow first aiders to follow thier training and ask the relevant questions. 

Originally Posted by: Svick1984

However, I still need to be a) made aware of those issues and b) need consent from the individual for them to wear such a bracelet or other similiar item.

No you don't - you simply make the bracelet available, those that want to use one will

https://www.sostalisman.co.uk/ no affiliation - for example purposes

The talisman consists of two screwed halves (water proof when closed) inside of which is a concertina fold out strip they write their information on.

You are thinking of the engraved version similar to a military style dog tag but these tend to be limited as to the amount of information that can be engraved / punched - again just make available any jewellers should be able to do the engraving for them. Or you could find a web service that ships completed items direct to the wearer based upon an order form they complete.

Originally Posted by: AcornsConsult

Some barely want to share their home address or mobile number with others in a company, let alone what could be highly personal info.    ​​​​​​​may seen like a good idea, but can't see any real world benefits

Such is the level of distrust many workers feel for their management (I was going to say hatred) that they would probably think the management are looking for any reason to put them down the road!! Usually, that would probably be right!!

DO NOT DO THIS....it is against the premise of patient confidentiality...you need to train and guide your first aiders not survey the entire staff...if you want some guidance documents on the subject specifically for non-medcial personnel (i.e. first aiders) then drop me your email and I will send it across....

and for those of us on Blackberry or Dorro?

Plus you seem to be overlooking many employers ban private mobiles on the "shop floor" / construction site for the nuisance and distraction they can cause.

As a First Aid Instructor of some 50+ years standing I would not consider what you are proposing will really benefit your first aiders or their casualties ( they are not patients by the way). These people are trained to look for certain signs and symptoms and also for the likes of cards or bracelets/pendants already carried by some people, so why add another. People with known serious conditions are likley to carry something that will alert first aiders. Your person with the cut finger whose blood doesn't clot will almost certainly have a card on him and will anyway tell the first aider when asked 'have you got any medical conditions' ( one of the first questions a first aider will always ask)

If you push this through and it becomes your policy there is every chance your less experienced first aiders will rely on it and if the person has forgotten their card will assume there is no other conditions to be concerned about. Sorry Mr Coroner I assumed they had no serious conditions as they were on company premises didn't have their card with them.

Who will have the central register and who will have access to it and how do you justify having that information when it is already available from the casualty whether conscious or not. A definite breach of all the data protection regulations both medical and non medical.

Give up the idea and save a lot of time and effort.

Take care John C

Edited by user 02 November 2020 17:46:40(UTC)  | Reason: spelling error