First Aid for Students and Staff

First aid rooms and sick bays

Where schools have a first aid room, it should be located so as to be accessible to injured students and staff. It should be well-lit, ventilated and clearly identified with appropriate signage. Schools without a first aid room should provide a first aid area (sick bay) for ill or injured students and staff to rest in. Sickbays should meet as many as possible of the minimum requirements for first aid rooms.

Minimum first aid room requirements

The following items are minimum requirements when establishing a first aid room:

• personal protective equipment (eye protection, gloves, apron/gown)
• resuscitation mask
• electric power points
• sharps disposal system
• biohazard waste container and sanitary waste bin
• work bench or dressing trolley
• storage cupboards
• sink (with hot and cold water)
• first aid kit appropriate for the workplace
• blankets and pillows
• an upright chair
• desk and telephone
• list of emergency telephone numbers
• First Aid Summary Sheet clearly displayed
• stretcher (if a need is identified using First Aid Risk Assessment)

The First Aid Summary Sheet or Emergency Management Contact Details Sheet must be completed and should include the details of the current first aid officer(s) and be displayed in the first aid room or sickbay (in close proximity to first aid kits) and on the OHS notice board.