First Aid Response and Triage

First aid on construction sites saves lives by providing immediate treatment before emergency services arrive.
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate first aid arrangements.
The number of first aiders required depends on the number of workers, hazard level, and site remoteness.
First aiders must hold a valid First Aid at Work certificate renewed every three years with annual refresher training.
Triage means assessing multiple casualties to prioritise treatment — the most life-threatening conditions are treated first.
The primary survey follows the DRABC sequence: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
Severe bleeding, unconsciousness, choking, and cardiac arrest are immediately life-threatening and require urgent intervention.
First aid kits must be stocked, checked regularly, and located in accessible positions throughout the construction site.
Emergency services must be called immediately for serious injuries — first aid is initial treatment, not a substitute for medical care.
Recording every first aid treatment in the site accident book creates a legal record and helps identify trends.

Save lives	Immediate first aid for cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, and choking dramatically improves survival rates before paramedics arrive.
Legal requirement	The First Aid Regulations 1981 require adequate provision — sites without trained first aiders and stocked kits face enforcement action.
Time critical	For cardiac arrest, brain damage begins within 4 minutes — every second of delay reduces the chance of survival.

Do

Don't

Ensure adequate trained first aiders are on site during all working hours.
Check first aid kit contents regularly and restock after any use.
Call emergency services immediately for any serious or life-threatening injury.
Follow the DRABC sequence when assessing any casualty on site.
Treat life-threatening conditions first: severe bleeding, unconsciousness, breathing failure.
Know the location of the nearest first aid kit and AED to your work area.
Record every first aid treatment in the site accident book accurately.
Attend first aid training and keep your certificate current with refresher courses.
Direct emergency services to the casualty by sending someone to meet them at the gate.
Provide reassurance and comfort to the casualty while waiting for professional help.

DON'T leave the site without adequate first aid cover during working hours.
DON'T allow first aid kits to become empty or out of date — check them regularly.
DON'T delay calling 999 for serious injuries — call first, then provide first aid.
DON'T skip the danger check — ensure the area is safe before approaching the casualty.
DON'T ignore minor injuries — treat and record them to prevent complications.
DON'T assume you will remember first aid — attend regular refresher training.
DON'T let the casualty move if spinal injury is suspected — keep them still.
DON'T forget to record the treatment in the accident book — it is a legal record.
DON'T assume emergency services will find the site — send someone to direct them in.
DON'T leave the casualty alone — maintain reassurance until professional help arrives.

See also: Accident and Incident Reporting (RIDDOR) | Emergency Plan Awareness

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