First Aid Policy

1. Policy Statement and Objectives

New College Group (NCG) recognises that timely and effective first aid can save lives, reduce the severity of injuries, and support the wellbeing of staff, students, contractors, and visitors.

In line with the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and other relevant legislation, NCG will ensure:

• Adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained personnel are available at all times.
• Procedures are in place for both physical and mental health emergencies.
• First aid provision extends beyond staff to include students, contractors, and visitors.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the NCG Health and Safety Policy and other related procedures.

Objectives:

1. Define first aid responsibilities across the organisation.
2. Establish the process for first aid needs assessment.
3. Provide clear emergency response procedures.
4. Support compliance with UK legislation and best practice.

2. Emergency First Aid Needs Assessment

The Health & Safety Officer at each NCG school will conduct an annual first aid needs assessment, considering:

• Nature of activities and associated hazards/risks.
• Size, layout, and accessibility of premises.
• Workforce size, demographics, and specific needs (e.g., pregnancy, disability).
• Student numbers, age ranges, and any special requirements.
• Accident history and statistics.
• Needs of travelling, remote, and lone workers.
• Distribution and work patterns of staff.
• Proximity to emergency medical services.
• Shared or multi-occupied site arrangements.
• Cover for first aider absence (leave, sickness, training).

Following assessment, the Health & Safety Officer will:

• Appoint the necessary number of trained first aiders (physical and mental health).
• Ensure all first aiders are re-certified every 3 years and attend annual refreshers.
• Maintain and regularly inspect first aid equipment and facilities.
• Ensure emergency first aid arrangements are displayed in visible locations and included in staff/student inductions.

3. Responsibilities in a Medical Emergency

3.1 Emergency First Aiders

When responding to an incident, first aiders must:

1. Provide first aid in line with their training.
2. Call emergency services (999) for serious injuries or illnesses.
3. Record the incident in the Accident Book immediately.
4. Notify the Health & Safety Officer for follow-up investigation.

3.2 Students and Untrained Staff

Upon discovering an injured or ill person:

• Remain calm and avoid putting yourself at risk.
• Immediately call a trained first aider.
• If none are available and the situation is life-threatening, call 999 and provide:
  • Exact location and address.
  • Patient details (age, gender, name if known).
  • Description of injury/illness.
  • Your own name and contact details.
• Do not move the casualty unless they are in further danger.
• Report the incident to the Health & Safety Officer.

3.3 Health & Safety Officer

After an incident, the Health & Safety Officer will:

• Ensure it is recorded in the Accident Book.
• Investigate and record findings on the Accident Form.
• Implement any corrective or preventive measures.
• Notify relevant authorities where required under RIDDOR 2013.

4. Mental Health First Aid

NCG recognises the importance of mental health and wellbeing. Trained Mental Health First Aiders will be available to:

• Provide initial support to anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with safeguarding procedures.
• Refer individuals to appropriate professional or organisational support.

5. Record Retention

Accident and incident records will be retained securely for 5 years from the date of the incident, in compliance with legal and insurance requirements.