Where the assessment of needs indicates
that the activities taking place on the premises are such that a
qualified first-aider is not necessary, the minimum requirement is
to "appoint" a person to take charge of the first aid arrangements,
including looking after the equipment and facilities, and calling
the emergency services when required.
It is recommended that, as a matter of
good practice, at least one person with a relevant first aid
qualification should be present at any club activity. Failing that,
there should always be an "appointed" person with responsibility for
first aid. A failure to provide first aid to a club member when they
are injured during an activity could lead to a claim for damages for
negligence if the club member suffers damage as a result.
First aid is defined as follows:
In cases where a club member will
need help from a medical practitioner or nurse, treatment for
the purpose of preserving life and minimising the consequences
of injury and illness until such help is obtained; and
Treatment of minor injuries, which
would otherwise receive no treatment or which do not need
treatment by a medical practitioner or nurse.
First-aiders should not step beyond the
definition of first aid, or seek to provide treatment beyond their
competence.
It is essential to provide a book in
which to record incidents and injuries.
In the event of a serious injury or
incident there may be a duty to report an accident to the Health and
Safety Executive or to the Environmental Health Department or to the
Local Authority.
For further information contact the Health and Safety Executive
Information Centre, Broad Lane, Sheffield. S3 7HQ. (www.hse.gov.uk)
Tel: 08701 545500
