First aid means (as defined by The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981):

(a) In cases where a person will need help from a medical practitioner or nurse, treatment for the purpose of preserving life and minimising the consequences of injury and illness until such help is obtained, and (b) treatment of minor injuries which would otherwise receive no treatment or which do not need treatment by a medical practitioner or nurse.

[!danger] Requirements Employers must ensure employees in every workplace get immediate help if taken ill or injured at work and to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment under The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981. This includes:

• Undertaking a First Aid Needs Assessment.
• Providing suitably-stocked First Aid Kits (at least one is required).
• Having one or more First Aid Appointed Person(s) who take charge of first aid arrangements.
• Providing information to all employees telling them about first aid arrangements.

Self-employed people based in a co-working space are legally responsible for their own first aid. However a formal agreement could be arranged to share responsibility with other occupiers with one employer taking responsibility for the first aid arrangements for all workers on the premises.

First aid information could be shared with staff via posters, inductions, training, employee handbooks or by direct communication such as emails and leaflets. Information provided should include details who the [First-Aiders] are and where they can be found along with any first aid kits.

It is good practice to keep records of staff training to ensure all staff have received information on first aid and emergency arrangements and so that periodic refresher training can be given.

Employers must keep a record of certain injuries, incidents and cases of work-related disease including those which must be reported under the The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR). An Accident Book is needed for employers with 10 or more employees or if they own or occupy a mine, quarry or factory.

Basic advice on first aid at work is provided in this HSE leaflet. In summary:

The priority is to assess the area and make it safe and to assess all casualties and attend to those that are unconscious. Send for help without delay.

Check for a response and normal breathing.

A - Airway - tilt back head and open airway. B - Breathing - look, listen and feel for breathing. If they are breathing put them in the recovery position. If they are not breathing call for an AED or start CPR. C - CPR - 30 chest compressions then open airway. Use AED if available otherwise pinch nose and breath into mouth, then watch chest fall before repeating and then continue with compressions and breathing 30:2.

Apply pressure to any bleeding wounds.

Do not move casualties if they have a broken bone or spinal injury.

Treat burns with cold water.

Wash eye injuries with sterile fluid or water.