Having trained First Aiders in the workplace is critical for both legal compliance and employee health and safety. First Aider responsibilities ensure that employees, contractors, and visitors receive immediate, life-saving care in the event of an injury or medical emergency. First aid meaning goes beyond simply treating minor injuries; it’s about providing a vital link in the chain of survival by administering essential medical treatment until professional help arrives.
Basic first aid is recognised worldwide as a vital life-saving skill, and workplaces are legally required to have trained First Aiders available during normal working hours.
According to the General Safety Regulation of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 85 of 1993:
“An employer shall take all reasonable steps that are necessary under the circumstances, to ensure that persons at work receive prompt first aid treatment in case of injury or emergency.”
A First Aider is either appointed by management or an employee who volunteers for the role. Workplace First Aiders must complete an accredited first aid course, such as First Aid NQF Level 1, facilitated by a government-approved OHS training provider. Once trained, a First Aider should be formally appointed and made aware of the following First Aider responsibilities:
These duties of a First Aider ensure that the workplace emergency response team can respond efficiently to injuries and emergencies, providing life-saving care until emergency services arrive.
Only certified First Aiders should administer first aid in the workplace.
Employees must complete accredited training to become a certified First Aider. Absolute Health Services offers a range of first aid courses (including ‘basic’ first aid courses, better known as First Aid NQF Level 1). Absolute Health Services is approved by the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) and accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the Health and Welfare Sector Education Training Authority (HWSETA) to offer first aid training. The 2-day First Aid NQF Level 1 course provides both theoretical and practical skills required for workplace medical emergencies.
Certification is valid for three years, after which refresher training is necessary to maintain competency. Proper training ensures that First Aider responsibilities are carried out safely and in line with the latest first aid protocols.
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A First Aider may face a wide range of emergencies in the workplace. First Aider responsibilities include assessing the situation or accident scene, ensuring the safety of bystanders and the casualty, and providing quality care before handing over to professional paramedics. Common emergencies include:
The above emergencies could happen to anyone, at any time, highlighting the importance of first aid training and the value of having certified First Aiders on staff.
Certified First Aiders play a vital role in workplace health and safety. They form part of the emergency response team, alongside Fire Wardens and Evacuation Marshals. Key benefits include:
Ensuring that the first aid kit is properly stocked is an important first aider responsibility. Having the right tools and supplies on hand ensures that First Aiders can perform their duties effectively during emergencies. Download our First Aid Box Essentials checklist to check the contents of your first aid kit against the contents list recommended by the DoEL.
Understanding First Aider responsibilities is essential for every workplace. First aid meaning encompasses preventing further harm, administering life-saving interventions, and promoting recovery until professional help arrives.
By training employees in basic first aid or advanced first aid and ensuring that appointed team members understand the duties of a first aider, organisations can create safer workplaces and comply with legal requirements.
Book a certified first aid course with Absolute Health Services today to equip your team with the knowledge, skills, and certification needed to confidently perform first aider responsibilities. Protect your employees, maintain compliance, and enhance workplace safety with trained, competent First Aiders.
Ensure that you always have a correctly stocked First Aid Box in your workplace as per the Regulation 7.
Download our free checklist to keep on hand so that your are to respond to emergencies effectively.
