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View This BlogWhen are first aiders allowed to give medication? In life-threatening cases like a heart attack, asthma, allergic reactions, or diabetic emergencies.
A first aider is a person who can give initial medical treatment in emergencies or when someone is sick or hurt.
However, first aiders are only allowed to administer medication in specific situations. So, when are first aiders allowed to give medication? First aiders can give aspirin in a suspected heart attack, help someone with injecting an EpiPen for anaphylaxis, help use an inhaler for asthma, and support a diabetic person in taking glucose gel or tablets.
This blog post will discuss when a first aider can give medication, what they are allowed to do and what they are not. Let’s explore.
What is a first aider?
A first aider is a trained person who provides immediate support to someone in an emergency medical situation. They are not doctors or medical professionals. So their help is limited to accepted first aid practice
The first aiders have the knowledge of basic first aid and life saving skills. Their role is generally limited to emergency help. But, most of the time, a simple action can help someone’s life.
Can first aiders give medication?
First aiders don’t have permission to administer medication. If a first aider wants to give tablets or medicines, they must be specifically trained.
For example, in an emergency situation, a first aider can help someone use an inhaler for asthma if it belongs to the person. But, they are not allowed to give tablets like paracetamol.
The first aid policy UK guidelines follow national standards and legal rules, which are set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A first aider must follow these guidelines. The first aid policy in the workplace should clearly state whether any exceptions apply.
When Are First Aiders Allowed To Give Medication?
In certain situations, a first aider can give medication. If someone is in a serious condition and needs their own medication, but they can’t take it by themselves, not giving it could put their life at risk. In that case, a first aider can give them their medication.
For giving emergency medication known as Schedule 19 medication, completing additional training is essential for a first aider. The employer must ensure that a first aider is provided with that additional training.
Here is a complete breakdown of the situations in which a first aider can administer medication.
Asthma
According to the new update to the First Aid guidelines in 2015, a first aider can help more. If someone is having an asthma attack, and they carry their own medication, a first aider can assist them in using their inhaler.
The most important thing is that the first aider should not use another person’s inhaler. Plus, they must not give any prescription only medication.
EpiPen for anaphylaxis
A first aider can use an EpiPen if someone is having an allergic reaction. This is part of accepted first aid practice. However, to use an EpiPen, a first aider must receive specific training.
Section 19 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 provides a list of medicines. These medicines can be used in emergencies to save someone’s life. An EpiPen is one of them.
Heart attack
According to HSE guidance, aspirin can be used in first aid. A first aider can give aspirin to someone with a suspected heart attack, following accepted first-aid practice.
However, giving them aspirin to someone without their consent is not allowed. This is why it’s vital that first aiders do not include giving tablets in their aid unless it meets official guidance.
Diabetes glucose gel or tablets
As a first aider, if you suspect someone has hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), help them sit down. If they have their own glucose gel or glucose tablets, help them take the medicine.
What are first aiders not allowed to do?
First aiders provide the initial emergency medical support. They can evaluate the situation and get professional medical help. Their work does not include deciding what medicine someone needs.
There are some other things that a first aider is not allowed to do. Here is a list of what first aiders are not allowed to do:
- They can not administer medication. Only in certain situations are first aiders allowed to give medication
- Suturing or stitching wounds
- Set broken or dislocated bones
- Can not give tablets or medicines
- Can not give prescription only medication like antibiotics, painkillers, or sedatives
- Can not use any medicine from the aid box or aid kits unless it’s a non-medicated item, such as plasters or bandages
What medication can a first aider give?
Usually, a first aider can not give medication. But, as discussed earlier, a first aider can give medication in certain situations.
A first aider can help someone take their own Schedule 19 medication (insulin, inhalers, or glucose gel) in emergencies. A first aider must follow the safety first aid regulations and the company’s first aid policy in the workplace.
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Get Access NowDo you need a first aider at work by law UK?
Yes, in the UK, you need a first aider at work by law. Every employer must provide adequate first aid provision for their employees.
Based on the risk level of the workplace, a certain number of first aiders are needed. Low-risk workplaces might only need an appointed person. High-risk areas like construction or manufacturing will need several trained staff.
However, a first aider can only provide the initial medical treatment. You must learn the skills and get trained before starting to work as a first aider.
How to learn first aid skills?
If you want to learn first aid skills, you can complete a CPD-accredited basic first aid training course.
You will learn about the first aiders’ legal responsibilities, safety precautions in the first aid training course. Plus, you will learn about various types of injuries. You will also learn about how to handle emergency situations.
FAQ
Can a first aider give paracetamol?
No, a first aider can not give paracetamol. First aiders should never hand out medicine, even for a headache. As a first aider, you can only help someone take paracetamol if the person is an adult and they ask for it.
What not to do in first aid?
In first aid, you must avoid anything that you are not trained to do. If you suspect someone is injured in the head or neck, you should not move them unless it’s necessary for their safety. Don’t lean your head back for nosebleeds. Don’t put butter on burning injuries. Don’t apply heat to frozen hands.
Can a first aider take blood pressure?
Yes, a first aider can check blood pressure only if they have completed advanced first aid training. A first aider can take blood pressure using an electronic or manual monitor. It’s not a part of basic first aid training. Taking blood pressure can help assess a casualty’s condition.
Conclusion
A first aider can provide initial medical treatment in emergency situations. They are not allowed to give medication unless it’s necessary.
So, when are first raiders allowed to give medication? First aiders can give medication in a suspected heart attack, help someone take an inhaler for asthma, help someone inject an EpiPen for allergic reactions and help a diabetic person to take tablets or glucose gel. However, before giving medication, a first aider must take consent from the casualty.
A first aider must follow the workplace first aid policy and stay within the rules from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to keep everyone safe.
