The minimum requirement for an employer is to appoint a person to take charge of the first-aid arrangements, including looking after the equipment and facilities, and calling the emergency services when required. Arrangements should be made for an ‘Appointed Person’ to be available to undertake these duties at all times when people are at work.
First Aid - Appointed Person
First Aid at Work Requirements
In small, low-hazard organisations, there is always the possibility of an accident or sudden illness. In the absence of First-Aiders, employers should appoint a person. An ‘Appointed Person’ is not necessary where there is an adequate number of First-Aiders.
An ‘Appointed Person’ may benefit from the completion of a ‘Basic Life Support Course’ or ‘Emergency First Aid at Work’ course. Given this, and the remaining possibility of an accident or sudden illness, rather than providing ‘Appointed Persons’, employers may wish to consider providing qualified First-Aiders.
The HSE Regulations allow for a person to be appointed to provide emergency cover in the absence of First-Aiders but only where the absence is due to exceptional, unforeseen and temporary circumstances. Absences such as annual leave do not count. If the First-Aid needs assessment indicates that First-Aiders are required, they should be available whenever the need arises. This means that at all times during the working day there should be a First-Aider on duty.
