First Aid for Students and Staff

Policy

This policy provides an overview of what schools are required to do to ensure they meet the first aid needs of students and staff at school or on approved school activities.

Details

Schools must plan for the first aid needs of students and staff at school or on approved school activities.

Schools must ensure that first aid officers have completed a recognised first aid training course that meets the requirements of HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (Release 1) and HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (Release 1). Basic First Aid training (HLTAID011) must be completed every 3 years, while a refresher course in CPR (HLTAID009) must be completed annually.

The mandatory First Aid for Students and Staff Guidelines, in the Guidance tab, support principals and/or their delegates to meet their first aid obligations by providing guidance for schools on:

• creating a school-level first aid policy. A template policy is available on the School Policy Templates Portal (staff login required). Schools can modify the template to suit their local circumstances
• conducting a first aid risk assessment
• the minimum number of staff required to have first aid training, based on the number of staff and students at the school. Ensuring first aid facilities (rooms, sick bays and first aid kits) meet minimum requirements
• recording the provision of care resulting from a student or staff incident, injury or illness, including the administration of first aid.

Related policies

• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Blood Spills and Open Wounds Management
• OHS Management System (OHSMS) Overview
• Health Care Needs
• Infectious Diseases
• Medication
• Syringe Disposals and Injuries

Relevant legislation

Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)

First Aid for Students and Staff Guidelines

These guidelines support principals and/or their delegates to identify first aid requirements and implement appropriate arrangements to ensure all injured staff and students are provided with immediate and adequate treatment of injury and illness on school sites or at school approved activities.

These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the department’s policies on:

• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Blood-borne Viruses
• Blood Spills and Open Wounds – Management
• Epilepsy and Seizures
• Infectious Diseases
• Medication
• Syringe Disposals and Injuries

These guidelines contain the following chapters:

• School level policy
• First aid risk assessment
• Staff first aid training
• First aid rooms and sick bays
• First aid kits
• Automatic external defibrillators
• Inspection and review of first aid facilities
• Medication
• General first aid procedures for staff and students
• Infection and prevention control
• Recording the provision of care resulting from a student or staff incident, injury or illness, including the administration of first aid

School level policy

The Minimum Standards for School Registration require schools to have a local school-level first aid policy addressing the ways in which they manage first aid in their school.

A First Aid Policy template is available on the School Policy Templates Portal (login required). Schools can modify the template to suit their local circumstances.

First Aid Risk Assessment

The principal or their delegate must assess the first aid requirements of the workplace by completing a First Aid Risk Assessment in consultation with the Health and Safety Representative (HSR) and (or) first aid officer(s). The assessment is to include:

• size and layout of the school
• high risk areas (technology, food technology, science)
• number of campuses
• the number of staff and students in the school
• the nature of hazards
• the previous incidents and injuries
• authorised after-hours programs
• the nature and location of regular school excursions and camps school leased or owned vehicles
• location of the school (for example, proximity to medical facilities).

Staff first aid training

The principal or their delegate must ensure that all staff:

• are familiar with the school’s first aid procedures
• provide first aid treatment within the limits of their skill, expertise, training and responsibilities in order to discharge their duty of care.

The principal or their delegate in consultation with their health and safety representative and staff must ensure:

• they have established workplace first aid requirements, based on the First Aid Risk Assessment, for example, appropriate number(s) of first aid officer(s), first aid kits
• there is always a first aid officer who:
  • can assist an ill or injured person, and
  • has current qualifications covering all the school’s first aid requirements. First Aid Officers must have completed a recognised first aid training course that meets the requirements of HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid (Release 1) and HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (Release 1). Basic First Aid training (HLTAID011) must be completed every 3 years, while a refresher course in CPR (HLTAID009) must be completed annually.
• relevant staff receive additional training, where required, to meet student health needs. These may include training for anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes management or extra training to cover excursions, specific educational programs or activities.

The need for first aid training varies at each school. If a particular position requires the staff member to have first aid training, this should be reflected in the position description (for example, outdoor education teacher).

The table below provides an overview of the minimum amount of staff that must be first aid trained, based on the number of staff and students at the school:

*The minimum acceptable level of training is HLTAID011 Provide First Aid.

When managing open wounds or blood spills, first aid officers must implement controls specified in the Blood Spills and Open Wounds — Management Policy.

Records of first aid training are to be kept and maintained as per the requirements of the OHS Induction and Training Policy.

The Department’s OHS Advisory Service can be contacted on 1300 074 715 for further information on first aid training.

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.

First aid kits

The principal or their delegate must:

• maintain at least 1 major first aid kit in the sick bay or first aid room
• maintain at least 1 portable first aid kit for excursions or yard duty
• store any medications separately from the first aid kit including any prescribed or non-prescribed medication provided by a student’s parent or carer

The principal and / or their delegate in consultation with health and safety representatives and first aid officer(s) are responsible for determining what items should be included in their first aid kit based on the needs of their school community. This includes the number of first aid kits and their contents as identified in the First Aid Risk Assessment, including:

• the number of staff and students
• the nature of the activities being undertaken
• the location of excursions and the activities to be undertaken

The table below provides an overview of the minimum number of first aid facilities (rooms or sick bays and kits) that schools are required to have, based on the number of staff and students at the school.

Ambulance Victoria recommends portable first aid kits should include:

• first aid manual of a smaller size, (specialised if possible to the activities being undertaken) such as Emergency First Aid: A Quick Guide, available from St John Ambulance Australia
• a copy of the Concussion Recognition Tool 5
• two pairs of single use nitrile gloves
• sterile saline sachets or ampoules for irrigating eyes and minor wounds
• gauze and band aids
• a resuscitation face mask
• a device to call for assistance such as mobile phone, cordless phone, or two way radio (where possible)

Schools can refer to the First Aid Kit Contents Checklist for suggested contents for a number of different types of kits including:

• standard first aid kits for schools
• technology and design kit
• excursion kit
• yard duty kit
• blood/body fluid spill kit.

Automatic external defibrillators

Automatic external defibrillators (AED) are not normally required in first aid kits or first aid room supplies. The principal or their delegate, in consultation with their HSR and first aid officer(s), may determine that an AED be included as part of the first aid provision, particularly where the First Aid Risk Assessment indicates circumstances where life-threatening injuries could result and timely access to emergency services cannot be assured. Prospective AED operators should be trained in their correct use. As a guide, refresher training is required every twelve months. AED function, batteries and pads should be checked monthly and after each use.

Further information can be found in the Guidelines for the Purchase and Use of Automated External Defibrillators in the Resources tab.

Inspection and review of first aid facilities

The principal or their delegate must ensure that regular inspections of first aid facilities, including a review of the first aid kits on site, are scheduled into the OHS Activities Calendar or equivalent template and conducted using the First Aid Kit Contents Checklist or equivalent template.

The first aid officer should also ensure that first aid kit contents are restocked within date, as required.

Medication

To ensure schools store and administer medication correctly, they should refer to the Department’s Medication Policy.

The principal or their delegate must not:

• store or administer painkillers such as aspirin and paracetamol as a standard first aid strategy as they can mask signs and symptoms of serious illness or injury
• allow a student to take their first dose of a new medication at school in case of an allergic reaction. This must be done under the supervision of the family or health practitioner.
• allow use of medication by anyone other than the prescribed student

Note: Only in an emergency situation could this requirement be varied. For example, if a student is having an asthma attack and their own blue reliever puffer is not readily available, one should be obtained and given without delay.

Schools must obtain written advice on a Medication Authority Form (login required) for all medication to be administered by the school. It is recommended that the form be completed by the student’s medical/health practitioner ensuring that the medication is warranted. However if this advice cannot be provided the principal may agree that the form can be completed by parents or carers or adult or independent students.

When administering medication the principal, or their nominee must ensure that a log is kept of medicine administered

School staff are responsible for carrying and dispensing their own medication (prescribed or over the counter).

General first aid procedures for staff and students

Apply basic first aid with DRSABCD:

• Danger – always check for any danger to you, any bystanders and then the injured student. Staff should not put themselves in danger when assisting an injured or sick student
• Response – check if the student is conscious by seeing if they will respond when you talk to them, touch their hand or squeeze their shoulder
• Send for help – call 000
• Airway – check the student’s airway is clear and they are breathing
• Breathing – check for breathing (look for chest movements, listen for air coming through the student’s mouth or nose or feel for breathing by placing a hand on the lower part of the student’s chest)
• CPR by trained staff – if the student is unconscious and not breathing, apply CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
• Defibrillator – if the student is unconscious and not breathing, apply an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available if trained to do so. Some AEDs are not suitable for children so ensure the device is checked for suitability.

Important note: Staff must only apply first aid in line with their skills and level of training.

Further information is available on the First aid basics and DRSABCD website (Better Health Channel).

Where there is a medical emergency

Staff must take emergency action without waiting for parent or carer consent. Delays in these circumstances could compromise safety. Staff must:

• immediately contact emergency medical services (call 000)
• apply first aid until assistance arrives
• notify parents or carers once action has been taken
• notify the Department’s Incident Support and Operations Centre (ISOC) on 1800 126 126 and make an IRIS alert.

Use of ice packs

When using an ice pack to treat a minor injury for staff or students, such as a bump or bruise do not apply the ice pack directly to skin and remove it if pain or discomfort occurs. Use a cold compress (towel or cloth rinsed in cold water) as an alternative.

Do not use an ice pack when an injury causes a nose bleed, a cold compress can be used instead

Do not use an ice pack and (or) cold compress in the following circumstances, seek medical help or call an ambulance:

• loss of consciousness, even if only briefly
• a less than alert conscious state
• suspicion of a fracture
• suspicion of a spinal injury
• damage to eyes or ears
• penetration of the skin
• deep open wounds.

Where a student or staff member is feeling unwell

Unwell students or staff members should not attend school. If a child feels unwell at school, schools must contact the student’s family (ensure emergency contact details are up to date) and/or seek medical assistance.

Where there is an identified health care need

First aid for students with identified health care needs must be explained in their Student Health Support Plan, Anaphylaxis Management Plan or Asthma Care Plan, or relevant health care plan. Refer to Health Care Needs.

When students have a not-for-resuscitation order (NFR) as part of their palliative care to manage a deteriorating and life threatening condition, the first aid response must be documented in the Student Health Support Plan (which should include detail of when an ambulance should be called).

It is not the role of the school and staff to make a decision about medical prognosis or to determine whether the point of the not-for-resuscitation order has been reached.

Where there is a head injury and suspected concussion

Following a head injury or knock to the head, children and adolescents may be more susceptible to concussion and take longer to recover. The Concussion Recognition Tool 5 (that should be available in the first aid kit) can be used to assist identification of suspected concussion. It is not designed to diagnose concussion.

Red flags — call an ambulance

If there is concern after a head injury and if any of the following signs are observed or reported, first aid must be administered and an ambulance should be called for urgent medical assessment:

- neck pain or tenderness
- double vision
- weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs
- severe or increasing headache
- seizure or convulsion
- loss of consciousness
- deteriorating conscious state
- vomiting
- increasingly restless, agitated or combative

Observable signs — take appropriate action

If there are no red flags but signs and symptoms suggest concussion as listed in the Concussion Recognition Tool 5 (that should be available in the first aid kit):

• the student must be immediately removed from play or sport and not engage in further activity (for example, returning to a sporting game)

• make contact with parents or carers as per below

Make contact with parents and carers

Whenever the Concussion Recognition Tool 5 is used to assist with the identification of a suspected concussion, parents and carers must always be contacted and the following actions taken:

• if concussion is suspected:
  • the school must contact the parent or carer and ask the parent or carer to collect the student from school and recommend a medical assessment, even if the symptoms resolve
• if concussion is not suspected:
  • the parent or carer should be contacted and informed of the injury and told that a concussion is not suspected based on use of the Concussion Recognition Tool 5
  • the parent or carer may wish to collect the student from school.

Following a confirmed concussion, schools may need to make reasonable adjustments, guided by the student’s treating team, including:

• return to learning and return to sport plans
• modifying school programs to include more regular breaks, rests and increased time to complete tasks.

For more information, visit Royal Children's Hospital Head injury — general advice and Royal Children's Hospital Head Injury — Return to school and sport.

Infection and prevention control

Adequate infection and prevention control must be practiced at all times when administering first aid or cleaning up blood or body fluids. The following infection control procedures must always be adhered to:

• cover cuts and abrasions with an occlusive (air and water-tight) dressing to avoid contamination of cuts or abrasions with another person's blood and/or body fluids
• wear protective gloves when in contact with body fluids, non-intact skin and mucous membranes
• wear a mask, eye protection and a gown where there is a risk of splashing blood or other body fluids
• remove any broken glass or sharp material with forceps or tongs and place in sharps container
• wash hands thoroughly after direct contact with injured person or blood or body fluids with warm soapy water, rinse, dry and sanitise hands using an alcohol-based rub or gel.

Cleaning and sanitising

Where a blood or biological spill has occurred the following must be adhered to:

• isolate the area where the incident occurred
• clean up blood and other body fluids spills with disposable paper towels or tissues or by using a biohazard spill kit
• use hospital grade disinfectant (use 5ml of bleach to 500ml of water) to sanitise the area
• dry the area with disposable paper towels or tissues after clean-up (as wet areas attract contaminants)
• where a spill occurs on carpet, shampoo as soon as possible. Do not use disinfectant. Steam cleaning may be used instead
• items such as scissors and tweezers are to be cleaned and disinfected or sterilized after use.

Disposal of contaminated waste

Contaminated waste (for example, dressings, wipes, cleaning cloths, nappies, human tissue, and blood and laboratory waste) should be disposed of in:

• appropriate biohazard waste containers or bags or
• in the general waste in suitably labelled bags (bags are to be double bagged) or
• sanitary waste bins.

Sharps should be disposed of in a sharps container. All sharps containers must be compliant with AS 4031-1992: Non-reusable containers for the collection of sharps medical items used in health care areas.

Recording the provision of care resulting from a student or staff incident, injury or illness, including the administration of first aid

When first aid has been administered to staff the incident is to be reported on eduSafe Plus (staff login required).

All actions taken in the provision of care resulting from a student incident, injury or illness, including the administration of first aid, must be recorded. This includes the student’s presentation, the staff member’s assessment of their condition, any treatment provided, and outcomes. This information must be recorded in eduSafe Plus or the school’s preferred third party platform.

When using eduSafe Plus, if the care is provided following a recorded incident, the details can be recorded through the eduSafe Plus Incident form. For all other presentations, the eduSafe Plus Sick Bay form should be used.

For incidents that are deemed to be notifiable to WorkSafe, see Notifiable Incident to Work Safe Flowchart. A reference number, if required, can be obtained by calling WorkSafe on 13 23 60 and completing the WorkSafe Incident Notification Form within 48 hours of notification to WorkSafe.

When relevant, counselling should be offered to affected staff through the department’s Employee Assistance Program by calling 1300 361 008.

Resources

Templates, checklists and forms

• First aid contents checklist (DOCX) – schools can refer to this for suggested contents for different types of first aid kits
• First aid risk assessment template (DOCX) – used to assess the first aid requirements of the workplace
• First aid policy template (staff login required) – a template that schools can use to create their school-level first aid policy. Schools can modify the template to suit their local circumstances
• First aid summary sheet (DOCX) – must be completed and should include the details of the current First Aid Officer(s) and be displayed in:
  • in the First Aid Room
  • Sickbay, in close proximity to First Aid Kits
  • on the OHS Notice Board
• Medication Authority Form (staff login required) – for all medication to be administered by the school
• Student Health Support Plan (DOCX) – must be completed for students who have an identified health care need

First aid guides and tools

• Concussion recognition tool 5 (PDF)
• Guidelines for the purchase and use of automated external defibrillators (DOCX)
• Head injury – general advice – information from the Royal Children’s Hospital
• Head injury – return to school and sport – information from the Royal Children’s Hospital
• First aid basics and DRSABCD – information on the provision of first aid from the Better Health Channel

WorkSafe resources

• Notifiable incident to WorkSafe flowchart (DOCX)
• WorkSafe incident notification form

Other relevant health, safety and wellbeing resources

OHS activities calendar (XLSX)