Introduction

Every school is required to have a designated first aider. It's an important job in any workplace but particularly so where children are concerned.

In a large school, a nurse or nurse aide may be employed to deal with accidents and sickness but in most schools it will usually be the responsibility of a member of the support staff.

This page summarises the basic first aid requirements for schools and the role of the designated first aider.

The Designated First Aider

It is the responsibility of the board of trustees to ensure that a trained or experienced person is appointed as the designated first aider. A certificate in first aid from St John Ambulance of the New Zealand Red Cross Society is recognised as an acceptable level of training.

The first aider must be available during normal school hours. Many schools share the job of designated first aider or have a deputy who is on-call when the first aider is unavailable. It is important for schools to recognised that one person cannot be available at all times.

Schools need to discuss with parents the first aid needs of children with a recurring or on-going condition such as asthma or epilepsy. There may be times when the first aider can provide the necessary care and other times when professional support is needed. A clear policy about care for such children must be developed so that the most appropriate care is provided.

The designated first aider is in charge of the first aid cabinet or medical room and the first aid supplies. It is the responsibility of the board of trustees to ensure that these are provided.

First Aid Facilities

The Ministry of Education Code of Practice for Schools specifies that school management shall provide and maintain first aid facilities, appliances and requisites as specified below:

First Aid Cabinet

First aid supplies must be kept in dust-proof boxes or cabinets. The cabinets must be:

• used only for first aid supplies
• made of a material which can easily be cleaned - for example, painted or enamelled to provide a smooth impervious surface
• clearly labelled on the outside with the words "First Aid"
• kept in a well-lit area, close to a sink and water supply
• kept clean and tidy and replenished at least once a month
• positioned for ease of access so that first aid treatment can be given without delay

Where there is a first aid room, the first aid supplies may be stored in a cupboard in the room.

First Aid Supplies

The minimum supplies to be provided by the school management are:

• triangular bandages x 4
• roller bandages x 9
• sterile dressings x 10
• adhesive sound dressing strips x 2
• waterproof adhesive plaster x 1 pack
• paraffin gauze x 5
• sterile eye pads x 4
• stainless steel surgical scissors x 1 pair
• container for use in pouring water over the eye
• receptacle for soiled dressings x 1
• antiseptic liquid approved by the Ministry of Health x 1
• antiseptic cream x 1
• safety pins x 1 card
• splinter forceps, fine point x 1
• first aid booklet by the Department of Labour, Department of Health, St John or Red Cross
• accident register and pen or pencil card listing local emergency numbers.
  

Accident Reporting

Schools must maintain a register of all accidents which occur at the school. This must include the following information:

• Name and address of the injured person
• Date and time of the accident
• How the accident occurred
• Nature and extent of the injury
• Name of the person who provided first aide
• Whether the injury was referred to a doctor or nurse.

Severe accidents must be reported to the local Occupational Safety and Health unit of the Department of Labour within seven days.

A severe accident can be summarised as one where the injury has permanent effects or involves more than two days in hospital.

Collective Agreement (CA)

The Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement contains some specific clauses relating to first aid.

Clause 5.3 says that if you hold a current first aid certificate or recognised nursing qualification and are the designated first aider in the school you are entitled to an allowance.

Clause 5.4 says that any employee cleaning up a pupil soiled by vomit, excreta or body fluids shall be paid an allowance.

Clause 5.2 says that employees shall be provided with appropriate clothing such as gloves, smocks or overalls. (Disposable gloves are essential when coming into contact with bodily fluids and schools need a safe procedure for disposing of these and other contaminated items).

Clause 6.4 says that the responsibility for pre-exposure immunisation rests with employers and emphasises the need for safe working practices. This is something you may need to discuss with your principal or board.

Where can you go for more information and support?

Your Union! NZEI Te Riu Roa can help you. NZEI recommends that you talk to your principal or school liaison officer first if you have concerns about the first aid arrangements in your school. If you are still not satisfied, you should contact your local NZEI Te Riu Roa field officer. Your school liaison officer has contact names and phone numbers.

Other Organisations

Other sources of advice and information include the Occupational Safety and Health unit (OSH) of the Department of Labour and local emergency service organisations such as Red Cross or St John Ambulance.

The Law

Every school should have copies of:

• The Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
• The Health and Safety Code of Practice for State Primary, Composite and Secondary Schools (Published by the Ministry of Education, 1993)