What is this document?
INDG347 "Basic Advice on First Aid at Work" is the HSE's visual guide to emergency first aid procedures. It covers the essential steps for responding to workplace emergencies, presented in a clear, step-by-step format that can be displayed as a poster or kept for reference.
This document provides quick-reference guidance but is explicitly not a substitute for proper first aid training.
Who needs to read this?
- Designated first aiders as a quick reference
- All employees to understand basic emergency response
- Employers setting up first aid arrangements
- Care providers and staff in care settings
- Anyone who may need to respond to a workplace emergency
Every workplace should have first aid arrangements. This guide supports those arrangements.
Key points covered
First aider's priorities in an emergency
The document covers the essential steps when responding to an emergency:
- Assess the situation - Ensure the area is safe before approaching
- Check for response - Is the casualty conscious?
- Open the airway - Tilt the head back and lift the chin
- Check breathing - Look, listen and feel for normal breathing
- Call for help - Get someone to call 999 or do it yourself
- Start CPR if needed - Chest compressions and rescue breaths
Key first aid procedures
The guide provides visual instructions for:
- Checking if someone is responsive
- Opening and maintaining an airway
- Assessing breathing
- Performing chest compressions
- Giving rescue breaths
- The recovery position
Important limitations
The HSE makes clear that this leaflet is not a substitute for effective first-aid training. It provides basic reference information, but first aiders should be properly trained to respond confidently and competently.
How this applies to you
Your first aid duties as an employer
Under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981, you must:
- Provide adequate first aid equipment (a first aid box at minimum)
- Appoint a person to take charge of first aid arrangements
- Ensure appropriate first aiders are available (based on your needs assessment)
- Inform employees of first aid arrangements
Assessing your first aid needs
What you need depends on:
- The nature of your work and its hazards
- The size of your workforce
- Your location and access to emergency services
- Whether you have shift workers or lone workers
- Whether members of the public visit your premises
Low-risk workplaces (offices, shops) may only need an appointed person and a first aid box. Higher-risk workplaces may need trained first aiders and additional equipment.
Training requirements
First aiders should hold a valid certificate from an approved training organisation. Certificates are typically valid for 3 years. Annual refresher training is recommended.
This HSE document provides basic reference guidance only. It is not a substitute for proper first aid training. Ensure your first aiders are properly trained and their certificates are kept up to date.
Displaying first aid information
Consider displaying this document or the poster version in your workplace alongside:
- The location of first aid boxes
- Names of first aiders
- Emergency contact numbers
Related guidance
Official HSE document: Download INDG347 from HSE