First Aid Policy & Procedure template

2. Policy statement

{{org.name}} will provide first aid personnel, equipment, and facilities that match the findings of our first aid needs assessment, and will keep them adequate as the business changes. First aid cover is maintained across all working hours, including [early/late shifts, weekends], not just the standard day.

3. First aid needs assessment

Our provision is based on a needs assessment completed by [name/role] on [date], which considered: the hazards of our work ([e.g. kitchens, machinery, manual handling, chemicals]), the number of people on site at peak and quiet times, the site layout and any remote or lone working, shift patterns and absence cover, and the distance and response time of emergency services.

The assessment sets the number of trained first aiders, the level of training they need, the number and location of kits, and any additional equipment ([e.g. defibrillator, eye wash, burns kit]). It is reviewed [frequency, e.g. annually] and whenever headcount, hazards, or premises change materially.

4. First aiders and appointed persons

• Trained first aiders: [names/roles], holding [qualification level] certificates. Current names and photos are displayed on the first aid notices at [locations].
• Appointed person(s) ([names/roles]): take charge of first aid arrangements and calling emergency services where a trained first aider is not required or not available.
• Cover: rotas are planned so at least [number] first aider(s) or an appointed person is present whenever staff are working, including holidays and absence.
• Certificates are requalified before expiry — [name/role] tracks expiry dates and books requalification training in line with current HSE guidance.

5. First aid kits and facilities

• Kits are located at: [locations]. Off-site and vehicle kits: [details].
• [Name/role] checks and restocks every kit [frequency, e.g. monthly] against the contents list inside the lid, and logs the check.
• Additional equipment: [e.g. defibrillator at [location] — checked [frequency]; eye wash stations at [locations]].
• Kits contain no tablets or medicines. First aiders do not give medication; they help someone take their own where appropriate.

6. Responding to an incident

1. 1Make the area safe before approaching — do not create a second casualty.
2. 2Call or send for the nearest first aider: [how — e.g. phone the duty manager on [number], call out on the radio].
3. 3The first aider assesses and treats within the limits of their training. If in any doubt about severity, call 999 — do not wait to see if the person improves.
4. 4When calling 999, give the full site address ([address]), the access point, and send someone to meet the ambulance.
5. 5Contact the casualty's emergency contact where appropriate: details are held in [system].
6. 6The first aider or duty manager records the incident the same day (see below) and does not clear away evidence of the cause until it has been noted.

7. Recording and reporting

Every incident requiring first aid is recorded in [system/accident book location] the same day: who, what, where, when, the treatment given, and by whom. These records feed our accident and incident reporting procedure and are reviewed for patterns.

[Name/role] checks every recorded incident against RIDDOR: deaths and specified injuries are reported to the enforcing authority without delay, and injuries keeping a worker off normal duties for more than seven days are reported within 15 days. Incident records contain personal data and are stored with appropriate access controls.

8. Records and review

The needs assessment, first aider certificates, kit check logs, and incident records are kept in [system/location] and retained for [period].

This policy is reviewed [frequency, e.g. annually], after any serious incident, and whenever the needs assessment changes. Owner: [name/role]. Next review due: [date].