The Organization of First Aid in the Workplace (ILO, 1999, 70 p.): 4. How first aid is organized: 4.3. First-aid personnel: (introduction...)

The Organization of First Aid in the Workplace (ILO, 1999, 70 p.)

4. How first aid is organized

4.3. First-aid personnel

		*(introduction...)*
		4.3.1. Functional tasks
		4.3.2. Type and number of first-aid personnel required
		4.3.3. Advice to, and supervision of, first-aid personnel

(introduction...)

When the need for first aid arises, first-aid personnel must be near the scene and initiate immediate action. Although in the light of their tasks they do not need medical qualifications, they must be trained in first aid. The employer should select and appoint an adequate number of first-aid personnel, and ensure their training and availability. National legislation or regulations often prescribe minimum standards in this respect (see Annex I).

Four aspects concerning first-aid personnel require particular attention: their functional tasks, the type and number of people required, the technical advice they need, and their status and operational supervision. The functional tasks must be defined before training programmes can be designed, and the two are therefore inextricably linked. Functional tasks are defined below, while the training of first-aid personnel is dealt with in Chapter 5.