Emergency First Responder

EMERGENCY FIRST RESPONDER

The meaning to the title 'First Responder' and the level of training can vary substantially from one organisation to another. The Resuscitation Council (UK) gives the following definition:

A person, trained as a minimum in basic life support and the use of a defibrillator, who attends a potentially life-threatening emergency.

Our Emergency First Responders are all trained to the highest standards and regularly update their knowledge and skills. The minimum level of training is outlined in the table below.

HSE Approved First Aid at Work

This course is designed for persons selected to be the designated first aider in the workplace and develops the knowledge and confidence to deal with common medical emergencies. The course meets the requirements of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981.

The course is formally assessed by both written and practical examinations. Successful completion of the course indicates competency in responding safely, promptly and effectively to a casualty who:

- is unconscious;

- is suffering from shock;

- has a fracture;

- has burns or scalds;

- is bleeding;

- has an eye injury;

- is having a heart attack;

- has a head injury;

- is choking;

- is not breathing normally;

- has been contaminated by poison;

- is suffering from extremes of temperature.

IHCD First Person on Scene (FPOS) Intermediate

This course (an Edexcel IHCD Award) is designed to give increased knowledge and skills to those involved in pre-hospital care to enable them to better manage the ill or injured casualty.

The course extends basic skills to a level which allows for rapid assessment, stabilisation and casualty management. The course covers such topics as:

- scene safety and management;

- infection control;

- post-incident procedures;

- triage;

- safe moving and handling;

- recognition of respiratory problems;

- advanced airway management;

- use of suction;

- removal of crash helmets;

- oxygen supplementation;

- adult, child and infant basic life support (BLS);

- automated external defibrillation (AED);

- heart rhythm recognition;

- recognition and initial care of haemorrhage;

- diabetic emergencies;

- stroke;

- management of seizures;

- anaphylaxis.

Health & Safety Awareness (IOSH Approved)

This course, validated by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), is designed to give a comprehensive, basic knowledge of health and safety in the workplace.

The course covers the essential facts to help employees work more safely and contribute towards overall safety within the organisation. Some of the main subject areas covered are:

- health and safety legislation;

- how to identify hazards and minimize risks;

- common hazards and how to control them;

- fire and emergency procedures;

- hazardous substances;

- electricity and work equipment;

- working at heights;

- manual handling;

- noise and vibration;

- performance monitoring;

- emergency procedures;

- incident/accident reporting;

- protecting the environment.