First-aiders

Unless first-aid cover is part of a staff member's contractual duties, first-aiders are selected on a voluntary basis. First-aiders must complete a training course approved by the HSE.

First-aiders' main duties are to give immediate help to casualties with common injuries and those arising from specific hazards at school, and, when necessary, to ensure that an ambulance or other professional medical help is called.

When considering first-aiders, governing bodies and headteachers should take into account an individual's:

  • reliability and communication skills
  • aptitude and ability to absorb new knowledge and learn new skills
  • ability to cope with stressful and physically demanding emergency procedures
  • normal duties: a first-aider must be able to leave their usual post and go immediately to an emergency.

First-aid appointed person

An appointed person:

  • takes charge when someone is injured or becomes ill
  • looks after the first-aid equipment
  • ensures that an ambulance or other professional medical help is summoned when appropriate.

The minimum requirement is that an appointed person must take charge of the first-aid arrangements. An appointed person is not a first aider and should not give first-aid treatment for which they have not been trained. Any member of staff may volunteer for duties as an appointed person.

There are no rules on the exact number of first-aid personnel. This will be a judgement based upon local circumstances and a suitable and sufficient risk assessment.

See Guidance on First Aid for Schools: A Good Practice Guide (sections 43 to 46) for guidance on numbers.