Q. Can I give out plasters?
A. The problem with plasters is that some people are allergic to the glue on them and this can cause a minor (though unpleasant) allergic reaction. Plasters are required by law to be kept in a workplace kit and Ofsted sate that they should be in schools (and childminders) kits however, some people (schools in particular) have decided that they can not use plasters because of the risk of a serious reaction.
While such a reaction is possible it is exceedingly unlikely. Before giving out a plaster, all you need to do is ask the casualty if they are allergic to them. If they are you could improvise using a dressing from your kit or if you have them, use a hypo (low) allergenic plaster.
Q. Can I give Aspirin to someone having a heart attack?
A. Although this treatment appears in almost all first aid books, workplace first aiders are taught that they can not give out any medications so who is right?
In the Approved Code of Practice (ACOP), the laymen’s guide to the first aid at work act, the HSE make the point that the issuing of medications falls outside the scope of first aid, however, the section goes on to state “ the only exception to this is where aspirin is used when giving first aid to a casualty with a suspected heart attack in accordance with currently accepted first aid principles”.
So the answer is you can (if you have some aspirin) so long as you follow the recognised procedure for giving aspirin and know the (patient) conditions when you should not.
Q. Can I give first aid if I don’t have an up to date certificate?
A. While we would always recommend first aiders to maintain their qualifications by attending the appropriate refresher course, you do not have to have a valid certificate to provide first aid.
In the workplace, employers are required (where appropriate) to be able to prove that they have fully qualified workplace first aiders, however, there is no stipulation in the act to say that non qualified personnel (or someone with a non workplace first aid certificate) can not give first aid either in or outside of work
