First aid at work covers the arrangements employers must make to ensure employees who become ill or injure themselves at work receive immediate attention, including calling an ambulance in serious cases.

It doesn't matter whether the illness or injury is caused by work, what is important is that lives can be saved and minor injuries prevented from becoming serious by the quick intervention of a trained first aider.

What is a first aider?
A first aider is someone who has passed and is in receipt of a valid 4 day Health and Safety Executive approved training course for carrying out first aid at work. A first aider can carry out the duties of an appointed person.

What is an appointed person?
An appointed person is someone who takes charge in an emergency situation when a person becomes ill at work, either by: finding a trained first aider, calling an ambulance in an emergency situation or replenishing the first aid box when required or ensuring emergency equipment is working.

An appointed person should only administer first aid appropriate to their level of training.

Training
When you have assessed that you require a qualified first aider at your place of work they need to attend an HSE approved course that has at least 24 hours of training, usually held over 4 days or spread out over a few weeks. First Aid at Work certificates are valid for 3 years. Re-qualification courses consist of 12 hours over 2 days.

How do I know I need a first aider?
Many small firms only need to make the minimum of first aid provision, but you must carry out an assessment of your workplace hazards to decide if a trained first aider is required. For example, do you work with hazardous substances, dangerous tools or machinery, heavy loads? A checklist is available from HSE providing guidance First Aid at Work: Your questions answered. (INDG214)

How many first aiders do I need?
There are no rules on how many first aiders are required as this depends on the circumstances of your business. It is up to the employer, after carrying out an assessment of the workplace to decide what the first aid need is.