What falls under first aid?

The ability to provide fast and effective first aid can save lives. Everyone agrees on that. In that sense, it is a skill that everyone should possess. Or at least as many people as possible.

But what exactly falls under first aid or first aid for accidents? First aid is very broad. Any medical help provided by a non-medically trained person falls under first aid, whether or not awaiting possible professional assistance.

Providing first aid can be necessary in various situations that you may not have considered before. Think of choking, epileptic seizure, heart attack, fainting, burns, cuts, falls, poisoning, muscle strain,...

First Aid Action Plan

There are some essential actions that can make a difference in emergencies and which we can group into this First Aid action plan:

  1. Stay calm and first ensure your own safety
     
  2. Notify a first responder or the emergency services
     
  3. Report the necessary information:
    1. Say who and where you are (company and address)
    2. Describe the situation (what happened?)
    3. Mention the condition and the number of casualties
      1. State of consciousness and breathing
        1. Is the patient no longer breathing? Then you will have to resuscitate him/her. In the downloads below you will find a poster explaining this resuscitation protocol.
      2. Specific information (diabetic patient, pregnant,...)
    4. Answer the questions of the emergency call centre
       
  4. While awaiting the arrival of the emergency services, you must always stay with the casualty and at all times observe. 
     
  5. In case of suspected poisoning: keep the safety data sheet of the hazardous substance at hand. 
     
  6. If evacuation is necessary: leave the building as quickly as possible via the normal exit. Or if this is not possible, via the emergency exit.

Do not hesitate to hang this procedure, which you will also find as a poster in the download section, in visible places in your company. It is advisable for every employee to know these steps.

First aid bandage

First aid obligations for companies

As an employer, you are in any case responsible for the safety and health of your employees at the workplace. Possessing the necessary first aid materials contributes to this, as well as raising awareness and training your employees.

The legislation, specifically the Codex on well-being at work, provides guidelines regarding first aid in companies. It is important to follow these guidelines and integrate them into your company policy.

The specific obligations are highly dependent on the size and sector of your company.

Small vs large organisations

In every company, a policy must be drawn up regarding first aid. In smaller companies, a simple first aid kit with a minimum of material is usually sufficient.

In larger organisations, a thorough risk assessment is necessary. Based on this, the contents of the first aid kit are determined, where it should be provided, and how many employees need to follow a first aid training course. In addition, it can also be considered whether an AED device (Automated External Defibrillator) could be beneficial for your company.

Premed provides risk analyses to determine what is necessary for your company. Both in terms of first aid and in other areas of your organisation. After this analysis, the priorities and actions are converted into a global prevention plan.

What's in the first aid kit?

Previously, it was legally stipulated what must be present in a first aid kit. Now we advise you to tailor the content to the specific risks of your company with the help of a risk assessment.

To help you get started, advice has been drawn up (see downloads). All of this is, as indicated, highly sector-specific. In the construction sector, where mainly physical work accidents occur, different material will be needed than in the chemical sector where there is a higher risk of poisoning.

Every company must check this first aid kit regularly. It is advisable to draw up a list of the contents of your first aid kit yourself and to replenish it annually (or more frequently with regular use).

First aid industrial setting

First aid register

For first aid interventions, keeping a first aid register is mandatory. Essential data such as the victim's name, the date, and the nature of the intervention are recorded in it.

This register can play a crucial role in documenting "minor" accidents and serve as evidence for later declarations.

Premed offers you the possibility to keep an online register on the employer portal of our website after logging in.

Certified first responders

In companies of group A, B or C, the employer must (after advice from the occupational physician and the CPBW) employ a sufficient number of certified first responders. This is in proportion to the number of employees and depending on the employer's activities and the results of the risk assessment.

For companies of group D, first aid is provided by the employer or by one or more employees trained for this purpose and designated by him.

Number of employees

Low-risk companies

(e.g. bank)

Medium-risk companies

(e.g.: assembly company)

 High-risk companies
Less than 20 employees (Group D) One designated person One designated person One first responder
Between 20 and 50 employees

Group C

One designated group

Group C

One first responder

Group B or A

At least one first responder per 20 employees (for very high risk)
Between 50 and 200

Group C

One first responder

Group C or B

At least one first responder

Group B or A

One first responder per 20 or 50 employees (depending on the risk)
Between 200 and 500

Group B

One first responder

Group B or A

At least one first responder

Group A

At least one nurse
More than 500

Group B

One nurse from 1000 employees

Group B or A

One nurse per additional 500 employees

Group A

At least one nurse per additional 500 employees

 

Source: First Aid at Work Brochure, FPS Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue

Premed offers various first aid courses to ensure that your employees can act appropriately in emergency situations. From basic training for first responders to refresher courses, lessons aimed at organisations working with young children, and specific training for designated persons.

In addition to standard training courses, Premed also offers customised training, tailored to the specific needs and risks of your company. Whether it concerns the use of an AED device, wound care, or resuscitation. Our experienced instructors can develop a customised first aid course that meets your expectations.

Frequently asked questions

There is no fixed number of first-aiders for all companies, but it depends on the size and risks of the undertaking. The employer must determine, through risk assessment, how many first-aiders are needed. The Committee for Prevention and Protection at Work (CPBW) or, in its absence, the employee representation must be consulted. The labour inspectorate can check if this is sufficient.

No, medication generally does not belong in a first aid kit. This is an important guideline within Belgian legislation and good first aid practices.

First aid responders are not authorized to administer medication. Even a seemingly harmless painkiller can cause severe reactions in some individuals.

The material must be adapted to the company's activities. Examples include plasters, sterile compresses, disinfectants, bandages, scissors, gloves, and resuscitation aids.

Check the contents regularly and record incidents in a first aid register.

After completing a basic training, the first responder must annually follow a 4-hour refresher course. If the first responder misses this refresher course, then he must attend another refresher session within 12 months following the originally scheduled refresher course.

If the first responder misses this refresher course 2 times, a basic training must be followed again. Otherwise, he will be deemed to no longer possess the necessary knowledge and skills in first aid.

A first aid procedure begins by remaining calm and ensuring one's own safety, followed by notifying emergency services, providing essential information (who, where, what happened and the victim's condition), initiating necessary aid and possibly evacuation. The step-by-step plan must be visibly present at the workplace. 

The employer must, according to the Code on Well-being at Work:

  • perform a risk assessment,
  • provide first-aid resources and possibly a room,
  • designate sufficient and trained first responders,
  • organize procedures and information,
  • keep records.

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