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First Aid

In compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Department is required to ensure the health and safety of its workers, students and others. First Aid facilities and personnel for effective management of injured or ill people falls under this general duty.

Systems are required to ensure that appropriate first aid can be delivered in a timely manner during all workplace activities including:

Routine activities e.g. normal work day, classroom, office based, playground.
Sporting activities - on campus and at other locations.
Off site activities such as excursions and camps.
Other activities hosted at the workplace e.g. expos, concerts, fetes, dances.

Departmental procedures and guidelines

Anaphylaxis
Provides specific information for Queensland schools on how to manage and treat students with anaphylaxis.
HLS-PR-003: First Aid
Provides requirements for provision and maintenance of first aid facilities and personnel.

Resources

Infection Control Guideline

FAQs

Can workplaces have products such as savlon and stingose in first aid kits?

Advice from St John Ambulance, the Red Cross and the Queensland Ambulance Service:

First aid organisations recommend that liquid rather than cream-based antiseptic solutions (diluted 1:10) be used, but only for very superficial injures. The liquid form is recommended because of the potential for cream-based products to become contaminated.
First aid organisations recommend the application of ice (compress/ice pack) for minor bites and stings.
The First Aid Code of Practice 2004 allows for additional items to be included in first aid kits based on the assessed needs of the particular workplace.
In certain circumstances where it may not be possible to keep ice or an ice pack, such as on excursions or in locations where there is an assessed need, items such as stingose may be included in first aid kits. Remember that ice substitute products such as sprays and packs are available from pharmacies and first aid suppliers.
In all circumstances, reference MUST be made to school records of student medical details, known allergies and parental/caregiver permission for the use of such products on individual students. Students should be monitored and caregivers (parent/guardian) contacted as required.

Can asthma puffers be kept in first aid kits in schools?

QHealth has issued an authority for schools to store asthma puffers in the school first aid kit for the emergency treatment of students and staff at the school. The current requirements in relation to asthma medication are detailed in HLS-PR-009: Administration of Routine and Emergency Medication and Management of Health Conditions.

Refer to The Asthma Foundation Queensland for further information as training is required for asthma medication to be administered in Queensland schools.

Legislation and other links

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This page was last reviewed on 03 Feb 2012