The function of first aid is to ensure that the injured or ill person has the best chance of recuperation until medical assistance is available. In effect the first aider will attempt to limit the deterioration of the condition of the injured or ill person and, where possible, promote their recovery.

In addition to serious injuries, the first aider will also be available to treat injuries that would not normally require outside medical assistance, such as minor cuts.

Who do you need to provide first aid to?

By law, you only have to provide first aid to employees, and this includes people undertaking work experience or on training schemes.

In many cases a business will choose to provide first aid to non-employees, eg contractors, customers and the general public.

What is first aid?

It is the immediate assistance or treatment given to someone injured or taken ill to preserve life, to prevent the injury or illness becoming worse and to promote the persons recovery.

Does an employer have to provide first aid facilities for their staff?

Yes, employers must provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel.

What is a first aider?

This is someone who has undergone a training course in administering first aid at work and who holds a current first aid at work certificate. The training has to have been approved by the Health and Safety Executive.

What is an appointed first aid person?

This is a person who takes charge when someone is injured or falls ill, who may call an ambulance if required and who looks after the first aid
equipment such as restocking the first aid box.

What should be in a first aid box?

There is no standard list but, where there is no special risk in the workplace a minimum stock of items should be:
a leaflet giving general guidance on first aid (for example INDG Basic advice on first aid at work, see end of this entry for details).
20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes)
2 sterile eye pads
4 individually wrapped triangular bandages (preferably sterile)
6 safety pins
6 medium sized (approximately 12 cm x 12 cm) individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings
2 large(approximately 18 cm x 18 cm) sterile individually wrapped wound dressings
1 pair of disposable gloves
This is a suggested list only as equivalent but similar items would be acceptable.
There must be no medicines or tablets in the first aid box.

77 Canada Pharmacy has First Aid Products Available for First Aid situations.