Medication and first-aid boundaries policy

Purpose and scope

This policy applies to [school name] where the school maintains workplace first-aid boxes or supplies, where pupils or staff use prescribed medication, or where the first-aid needs assessment identifies that emergency administration of Schedule 19 prescription-only medication may be required.

The policy defines the boundary between ordinary first aid, support for an individual taking their own prescribed medication, and emergency administration of specified Schedule 19 medication for the purpose of saving life.

First-aid boxes and medicines

Tablets and medicines must not ordinarily be kept in a first-aid box.

The exception is aspirin used when giving first aid to a casualty with a suspected heart attack, in accordance with currently accepted first-aid practice. Any use of this exception at the school must be recorded by [first aid responsible role].

An individual's own prescribed medication

Some individuals may carry medication prescribed by their doctor, such as an inhaler for asthma. Where an individual needs to take their own prescribed medication, the first-aider's role is generally limited to helping the individual to do so and contacting the emergency services as appropriate.

Schedule 19 medication in an emergency

The boundary concerning ordinary first aid and medicines does not apply to the administration of prescription-only medication specified in Schedule 19 of the Medicines Regulations 2012 where administration is for the purpose of saving life in an emergency. Adrenaline 1:1000 up to 1 mg for intramuscular use in anaphylaxis is an example.

Where the first-aid needs assessment identifies that Schedule 19 medication may need to be administered in an emergency, the school should consider providing workplace first-aiders with additional training in its use.

Any emergency administration of Schedule 19 medication under this policy must be considered in connection with the first-aid needs assessment, the trained personnel available, and the applicable arrangements for the medication.

Responsibilities

The [first aid responsible role] is responsible for applying this policy within the school's first-aid arrangements and for ensuring that decisions about Schedule 19 medication are considered against the first-aid needs assessment.

First-aiders must remain within the boundaries described in this policy and must contact the emergency services as appropriate.