It is recommended that staff in each area of employment should complete a recognised First Aid certificate so that they will be available to act quickly and effectively in an emergency. For untrained staff, the following notes are for general reference only.

Calling an Ambulance in an emergency

Always notify Security Personnel so they can direct the Ambulance Officers.

Some students with special medical conditions or disabilities may also require special treatment if a problem arises. Check for bracelets,or necklets that may identify an existing medical condition. In such cases, staff will need to be able to pass this information on to the Ambulance Officers.

If a person collapses

Check to see whether they are conscious or not. If unconscious:

• roll person gently onto their side and check their airway is clear [A]
• check they are still breathing [B]
• feel for their pulse which indicates that circulation is present [C]
• keep them warm
• call for Ambulance or medical help - a doctor or nurse.

If a person is in cardiac arrest

That is, their heart has stopped beating. This is indicated if they are unconscious and there is:

• no breathing

• no pulse.

Someone must commence cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), that is, massage of the heart and lungs to get both working again. Continue until Ambulance or medical help arrives.

• check airway is clear, and breathing and circulation are present (A.B.C.)
• protect them from any further injury
• check for any other injuries that may have occurred, for example, when they fell
• do not force anything between their teeth or try to hold them down
• seek medical assistance or call an Ambulance if the seizure lasts for more than five minutes or another seizure begins

After the seizure, the person may feel confused and tired.

• check A.B.C.
• if conscious, place person in sitting position
• reassure person and assist with their medication
• if person stops breathing, commence CPR and call for an Ambulance.

If a person suffers chest pain

• check A.B.C.
• semi-sitting position (lie the person down if pale and sweaty)
• loosen any tight clothing
• assist person with their medication
• if person stops breathing, commence CPR and call for an Ambulance.

If a person has an accident involving a possible back/spinal injury

• do not move the patient unless their airway is blocked
• keep person warm
• offer reassurance
• call an Ambulance.
• wear gloves for personal protection when cleaning up blood or vomit
• use household bleach to disinfect the area

If the person has Haemophilia

• call for medical attention as a blood transfusion may be necessary

 

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