First aid

Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) Policy

Automatic external defibrillators are portable battery powered pieces of equipment which are designed to restore the normal electrical heart rhythm in an emergency situation when a person has suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.

The decision on whether to provide defibrillators in University areas should be taken on the basis of a risk assessment. Further guidance on this risk assessment, purchasing policy, siting, training and maintenance for AED's is available at  AED policy.

Information on the UOE provision of Anaphylaxis medical kits 

Further help for First Aiders

Online guidance and resources, including fact sheets and contents of first aid box, is available to aid staff to fulfill their first aid role.

First aid notices

Notices must be placed in each school/unit informing staff who and where the first Aiders or Emergency First Aiders are and where the first aid box is located. First Aiders are responsible for ensuring that the local Safety Advisers in their area are informed of their qualification to ensure that the notices are kept up to date and are readily visible in all areas of a school/unit.

Example of a first aid notice

First aid room

A suitable first aid room should be provided where the assessment of first aid needs identifies this as necessary. Ideally the room should be reserved exclusively for giving first aid but it is accepted that this is not always possible in the University due to lack of space. If it is the case, the department must ensure that the first aid facilities and equipment can be made available quickly if necessary. The purchase of a folding bed and screen should be considered for use in a rest room or office space for example. The First Aid room must be clearly signposted and identified by white lettering or symbols on a green background. It could include the following:

• Sink with hot and cold running water
• Drinking water and disposable cups
• Soap and paper towels
• First aid box
• Container suitable for the safe disposal of clinical waste
• A couch (or folding bed) with waterproof protection and clean pillows and blankets
• A chair
• A telephone

First aid honorarium

Trained University First Aiders receive a small honorarium, authorised by the Training and Audit Unit.

First aid provision during Graduation Ceremonies and other University Events

Graduations

Trained University First Aiders can volunteer to attend the graduation ceremonies, usually held in July, November/December each year and provide first aid cover. Two University First Aiders are expected to be present for approximately 2 hours per session. First Aiders must seek permission from their Head of School/Unit to be absent from their normal duties during the graduations.

Other Events

Occassionally the University hosts other events that require First Aiders to attend. If you require First Aiders to attend an event that you are hosting you should in the first instance approach your local area First Aiders.  Under exceptional circumstances, and given adequate notice, if you are unable to obtain First Aiders for your event the Health and Safety Department may be able to help. A remuneration will be paid by the hosting School/Department to each First Aider, for each session attended.

First Aid Trainer

Sarah East

Sarah East is our new First Aid Trainer, she recently worked and volunteered for St Andrew’s First Aid as a Trainer/Assessor for four years where she gained lots of experience all things First Aid. Sarah delivered numerous training sessions across Scotland in many different industries and also volunteered at different events.

Previous to this she worked within the hospitality industry specifically within the hotel leisure department managing successful teams delivering exercise classes, maintaining a well organised leisure club and safe environment for all. Sarah has a HND in Fitness, Health and Exercise and a HND in Hospitality Management, this is where she gained the skills to confidently deliver classes, maintain high standards and provide excellent service.

Sarah is sporty by heart and loves nothing more than being out in the fresh air whether it be hiking, running or out on the water paddle boarding. Sarah has a caring personality and loves to help others, she hopes to pass on her knowledge and passion for First Aid to as many people as possible.

First Aid Unit