First aid

First aid is the immediate treatment or care given to someone suffering from an injury or illness until more advanced care is accessed or they recover. The aims of first aid are to:

• preserve life
• prevent illness or injury from becoming worse
• relieve pain, if possible
• promote recovery
• protect the unconscious.

The provision of prompt and appropriate first aid can reduce the severity of an injury or illness; and in extreme cases, could mean the difference between life and death.

Every workplace has a legal responsibility for ensuring adequate first aid provisions.

Code of Practice

The Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace has been developed and approved to provide practical guidance for persons who have duties to manage risks to health and safety under the WHS Act and Regulations provide adequate first aid facilities in the workplace. It includes information on first aid kits, procedures, facilities and training for first aiders.