Saving lives

In dental practices, the employer is legally responsible for ensuring that employees, patients and any other persons entering the practice are cared for appropriately in the event of a medical emergency or accident. The Health & Safety Executive no longer stipulates how many first aid qualified staff a practice must have. This responsibility is the practice's and must be based on the first aid risk assessment. Once the risk assessment is completed, staff should be informed of the details of the first aid arrangements. The following areas should be considered during a first aid risk assessment:

Workforce

Workplace

Hazards and risks present.

The practice's first aid arrangements will be based on the outcome of their risk assessment. The risk assessment should indicate the level of first aid facilities, staff and equipment to be provided. As a minimum, a dental practice must provide: