Information for first aid officers

First aid, Covid-19 and social distancing (PDF, 172KB) 

The role of first aid officers is to:

  • provide first aid assistance to staff, students and visitors to the best of their training
  • ensure first aid kits in the area are fully stocked in accordance with WHS Act 2011
  • report incidents and list first aid provided by submitting an online incident report
  • complete appropriate refresher courses as required
  • take a portable first aid kit when leaving the building during an evacuation (only if it's easily accessible)

Forms

Confirmation of Induction form for first aid officers

Reporting and procedures

First aid emergency assistance

If the situation is life-threatening always call emergency services (Police, Fire, Ambulance) on 000 first, then contact Security, who will help direct the emergency services vehicles.

Security

It is the responsibility of the first aid officer to assess whether an ambulance is required. If there is any doubt it is better to call an ambulance to be sure and then contact Security.

If the assistance of a nurse from the Health Service is required, Security should be contacted, if they are not already onsite. Security will then contact the Health Service and arrange to collect the nurse and transport them and any equipment to the injured/unwell person.

If a patient needs transport to a doctor's surgery, person's home, pharmacy or elsewhere the first aid officer should call a taxi. While acting in the capacity of the first aid officer you must not provide personal transport.

Reporting issues

It is the responsibility of first aid officers to complete an online incident report within 24 hours for notification of all injuries, incidents and hazards. See the hazard, incidents and injuries page for more information.

Contaminated waste disposal

Contaminated waste must be disposed of properly. Contaminated waste is anything that comes into contact with blood, saliva, urine, or any bodily fluids. Please contact Infrastructure and Facilities Services:

General enquiries:

E: 16500@newcastle.edu.au
T: 4921 6500
Service Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday
Office Hours: 8.00am - 5.00pm, Monday to Friday

Maintenance and emergency work:

T: 4921 6500
8:00am - 4.00pm, Monday to Friday
After hours contact Security
Callaghan and Newcastle City T: 4921 5888
Ourimbah T: Security: 4348 4222

Training and certificates

First Aid & CPR Training

A First Aid Certificate is current for 3 years and should be renewed four weeks before the expiry date. The Resuscitation (CPR) component is only valid for 12 months and must be renewed annually.

It is the responsibility of a first aid officer to contact Health and Safety to make arrangements to attend first aid or CPR training. Please email Usafe for details.

Please ensure all certificates and documentation are emailed to Health, Safety and Wellbeing .

Equipment and supplies

First aid kits

It is the responsibility of first aid officers to restock first aid kits. A risk assessment for your area will tell you the most likely risks and injuries and first aid kit should be stocked based on this assessment. Please see the Health & Safety Guideline 5.2: First Aid for more information.

Items can be purchased from an online supplier, such as Winc or St John's Ambulance, or if based at the Callaghan Campus, from the Shortland Pharmacy.

Defibrillators

Automated External Defibrillators (AED)

Changes in resuscitation practices mean Automated External Defibrillators (AED/defib) are now included as part of CPR protocols. The chance of survival for people who are electrically defibrillated less than five minutes after suffering sudden cardiac arrest increases from less than five per cent to 95 per cent (Source: AHA Guidelines). Therefore the University has installed AED/defibs across 6 locations in publicly accessible areas.

To locate the nearest AED/defib, search the relevant campus UON Maze Map and type AED in the search bar. They are indicated on the map by a blue circle. Additional defibrillators are located:

  • All Security vehicles on campus
  • The Health Service at Callaghan
  • The Forum at Callaghan

These defibrillators are fully automatic, very easy to use and will talk the user through the necessary steps; they will check for a pulse and will not distribute a shock if a pulse is detected. However, if you would like you can watch a video provided by the supplier.

Epi-pens

Epi-pens are not standard in first aid kits. In the case of anaphylaxis, first aid officers are to follow the first aid emergency assistance process as above.

First aid communication

Signs

First aid and AED signs can be arranged through Infrastructure and Facilities Services or by completing a Maximo service request.