First aid

Policies

In the event of an accident or illness first aid assistance may be sought from any University staff who are trained first aiders.

Download the First aid contacts for a list of trained staff.

Bedford Park campus

If you need an ambulance call 0-000 and also call Security (12880 or 8201 2880 from mobile phone) so that they can direct the ambulance to the correct building.
First aid assistance is available Monday to Friday from the Health and Counselling Service. The service is available from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. for all staff and students.
All security staff have been trained in first aid and are available after hours.
All concierge staff have been trained in first aid.
First aid trained staff are located in every main building - see First Aid contacts list above

Regional and interstate campuses

In an emergency ring 000.
Trained first aiders and first aid kits are in place at each site.

First aid facilities

The University has a system of first aid, including trained and equipped first aiders. Each College/Portfolio has a first aid coordinator (see First aid contacts list) who provide administrative support for the first aiders in their Colleges/Portfolio.

First aid rooms are available in various locations across the Bedford Park campus. First aid kits are widely distributed throughout the University.

The first aiders can advise the location of first aid kits and rooms in their areas.

Each work area is required to undertake a first aid requirements assessment to determine the number of first aiders required and the content and location of first aid kits for their area, and the need for any other first aid facilities (eg. deluge facilities).

Download the First aid requirements assessment document

First aid training

For building first aiders

All building first aiders must have a current first aid certificate. First Aid training is run via external Registered Training Organisations and certificates are valid for three years.

Current building first aiders will be contacted prior to their renewal expiry with details on how to book training.

If supervisors believe that there is a need for more staff in their area to be trained they should contact their area First Aid Coordinator in the first instance.

Building first aiders training is coordinated and arranged by the Senior WHS Advisor, Karen Hayden karen.hayden@flinders.edu.au (ext 13117)

For University-related activities

All University events and field activities must have an appropriate number of suitably qualified first aiders and adequately stocked and maintained first aid kits.

When the field trip is in an area where emergency services may be delayed or it would be difficult to access help (e.g. remote or difficult to access sites), a remote first aid kit must be carried and a member of the field trip group must have remote first aid training or access to such a person must be available.

Remote first aid refresher training can be organised, please contact your college WHS officer for more information.

Our preferred Registered Training Organisations are:

St John Ambulance SA

Australian Red Cross

University-related activities that require additional first aiders are not resourced by the WHS Unit.

Staying safe when administering first aid

The safety and welfare of staff and students should not be compromised by the possibility that a person may have an infectious disease. First aid should be administered where or when the need arises.

Steps for providing care to those requiring first aid:

Where possible wash or sanitise hands before providing first aid.
Ensure that all personal protective equipment is utilised
Provide first aid treatment.
After providing care wash hands with running water and soap or hand sanitiser allow them to dry thoroughly
Use disinfectant wipes to wipe down any non-disposable items that you may have come into contact with.
Follow the required reporting procedures.

If you suspect that you are providing care to a person who has an upper respiratory tract infection consistent with COVID-19 (fever, dry cough, sore throat shortness of breath) and has recently returned from overseas, or been in a contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, where possible place a disposable mask on them and limited contact by maintain social distancing – without negating your responsibility to provide first aid.

If you have been exposed to blood and body fluids (BBFE) please follow the flowchart.

First aid responsibility

First aiders are obliged to render assistance in an emergency (or carry a duty of care) if:

• They were involved in the incident;
• They are on the ocean (e.g. sailing); or
• They choose to accept the duty of care

First aiders providing care should always stay within the limits of their training. Unless the first aider is put in danger by staying, they are legally expected to continue to provide their support until medical aid takes over.

Staff will be indemnified if they have made themselves available for, and have undertaken, appropriate training and if they acted in accordance with their training and exercised their best judgement at the time and if they have not engaged in misconduct.

Legislation