Tourniquets in First Aid

Tourniquets in First Aid

Tourniquets in first aid are an essential piece of life saving equipment used in th control of catastrophic haemorrhage. A question recently posed asked is there a need for them in first aid training. Well to answer this basically there needs to be a robust planning process for this as follows:

• First aid needs assessment
• First aid appropriate training
• First aid equipment
• FAQ’s
• Summary

First aid needs assessment

First aid needs assessment is a good place to start. The more information you can gather will equally guide you in decision making. Things to consider in a first aid needs assessment would be:

• Type of industry I work in
• How many people work in my business
• Do I have shift workers and what hours do they work
• How far way from the emergency medical services am I
• What type of equipment does my business use daily
• Planning for staff abscences

This list is by no means exhaustive, every business is different. However ths is a good pace to start, additionaly the Health & Safety executive (HSE NI) can offer more guidance on this process.

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First aid appropriate training

First aid appropriate training is focused on the first aid needs assessment. This will aid you in making what risk enviroment my business operates in.

• Low risk – The risks possed by my business are low and the Emergency First Aid at Work course (EFAW) is sufficient.
• Medium Risk – EFAW is rtequired but the use of certain equipmen such as machinery adds to my risk and the Catastrophic hemorrhage bolt on is rerquired.
• High risk – The first Aid at Work course is required.

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First aid equipment

First aid equipment varies in the workplace, this can be a green first aid box which covers the bear minimum recommended by HSE. Basically this covers minor injuries. It can however be limitless (less medications). Just remember it must be visible, kept free from adverse weather conditions. Equally when it comes to catastrophic haemorrhage, make sure the equipment is with in hands reach and close to the risk area.

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FAQ’s

Summary

In summary yes tourniquets and haemostatic bandages/dressings do have a place in first aid training. Due to increased injuries in high risk environments technology and equipment changes. Please get qualified, not just a certificate. Awarding bodies are now incorporating this training into the level3 awards.