Information For First Aid Co-Ordinators & First Aiders

A first aid coordinator is appointed by the head of an academic/administrative unit in each OHS&E zone. In work areas with only one or two first aiders, the role of the coordinator can be taken on by one of the existing first aiders.

The responsibilities of a first aid coordinator include:

• acting as focal point for communication between first aiders in the work area and occupational health and safety;
• assisting with the first aid assessment of the unit/controlled entity;
• allocating specific duties to first aiders;
• ensuring that first aid kits, supplies and equipment are maintained;
• monitoring the record keeping associated with first aid kits, supplies equipment; and
• liaising with the zone OHS&E committee and Occupational Health and Safety.

The responsibilities of a first aider include:

• responding promptly to provide an emergency service for injury/illness as required, while always working within their level of competence;
• arranging prompt and appropriate referral as required. Record all treatment (however minor) on the First Aid Injury Report;
• encouraging staff who have had an occupational injury to record this on a Hazard and Incident Report Form;
• keeping confidential all information received in the course of their duty (medical information should only be released to medical staff) first aiders can access information from an SOS bracelet or similar in order to attend to a casualty;
• attendnig training as required;
• participating in the Hepatitis B immunisation program;
• maintaining first aid facilities, including first aid equipment, checking and restocking of first aid kits if necessary; and
• reporting any deficiencies in the first aid service to Head of Academic/Administrative Unit via their First Aid Coordinator.

Documents Useful To First Aid Co-Ordinators And First Aiders

Documents include:

• Occupational Health and Safety Policy
• First Aid procedures
• Hepatitis B immunisation for first aiders
• Immunisation Procedures
• Procedures for hazard and incident reporting, investigation and recording

Resources Available For First Aid Co-Ordinators And First Aiders

• Your local OHSE consultant
• Listing of departmental Safety Officers
• Occupational Health and Safety policy documents
• Occupational Health and Safety forms
• Your health & safety representative/deputy health & safety representative  
• Occupational Health and Safety training courses

Training courses can also be tailored to meet the needs of individual departments/schools or campuses.

• Employee induction program  

Occupational Health and Safety can be contacted on (03) 9905-1013 or by email

Training Recommended For First Aid Co-Ordinators And First Aiders

• First Aid Level 1 - Basic Life Support (1 Day); or
• First Aid Level 2 - Senior First Aid (2 Days); and
• CPR Refresher (2 hours, once a year)