Training Tourniquets & Haemostatic dressings.
As in any First aid training the syllabus must meet the delegates first aid needs assessment.
The First aid at work regulations Page 36
for EFAW, FAW state on completion of the training, successful candidates should be able to administer first aid to a casualty who is wounded and bleeding. (EYFS state Help a baby or child who is bleeding.)
HSE geis3 2018 states. Para 23
- the current edition of the first-aid manual of the Voluntary Aid Societies (St John Ambulance, British Red Cross, St Andrew’s First Aid); or
- ■■ other published guidelines, provided they are in line with the two above or supported by a responsible body of medical opinion.
Para 34
- if the qualification is neither FAW nor EFAW (or the training contains additional elements), the certificate should also provide an outline of the topics covered or the additional elements. This may be on the reverse of the certificate or as an appendix.
The current 11th Edition of the first-aid manual
page 116 States:
If the bleeding is severe, apply a haemostatic dressing (page 239) if one is available
If the bleeding cannot be controlled with direct pressure you may need to apply a tourniquet.
Page 117 Applying a tourniquet
These are specialist pieces of equipment and anyone using them should have had advanced training. Ideally use a manufactured one and follow the instructions for use. If there is no manufactured tourniquets available (and you are trained) you can improvise.
So Tourniquets and haemostatic dressings should be part of all first aid training when training to “administer first aid to a casualty who is bleeding”. It should just be from information to full training depending on their needs assessment. Any advanced training needed should be added to the course time and be recorded on their assessment records or on their certificates depending on the type.
So on all First aid courses Its best to give all the information in general and explain that if they have a manufactured tourniquet then they should practice with that device and seek further training if needed. (or bring it with them on a FAW course etc where we should also include improvising for all.)
