First Aid

Minimising risk due to accidents, hazards and illness depends on having properly trained volunteers, adequate first aid kits and appropriate authorisations for medication.  Girl Guides Australia has determined the appropriate First Aid qualifications for Leaders and Managers as follows:

• Assistant Unit Leaders, District Managers, Assistant District Managers, Region Managers and Assistant Region Managers – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support (PBELS) – theory only
• Unit Leaders – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support (PBELS) – theory and practical (CPR) assessment
• Outdoors Leaders and holders of Outdoor Modules – Provide First Aid.

The holders of full PBELS and Provide First Aid qualifications should refresh the CPR element annually; this might usefully be included in a District Meeting agenda or Region / District training event. The theory element should be updated every three years.  The State Offices undertake currency checks to establish when first aid, police check, working with children checks etc. need to be renewed.  Reports from the State Office or database to show will show which of your Leaders / Managers no longer have currency.

Each State and Territory has different requirements for first aid kits which can be checked on the websites of St John’s and the Red Cross or on the website of Safework Australia.  When you visit a meeting place, if it’s appropriate, you can always do a spot check of the First Aid kit.  In each Unit, a Guide or Leader should be responsible for ensuring the kit is kept fully stocked and all items are within use-by dates.

Incident and Accident Notifications

All forms can be found here; if the form is not available there please get in touch with your State Girl Guiding Organisation.

It is a requirement of the Public Liability Policy that all incidents and accidents (but not simple ‘band aid’ accidents) are reported to the State Office as soon as possible.

If an incident or accident does occur the Leaders need to promptly inform the District Manager (or Region Manager) and complete the Girl Guide Incident Form.

In the event of an accident, where it is unlikely that further medical treatment will be required, members are required to complete a First Aid Treatment Record (ADM.53b).

Emergency Management and Prevention

All Leaders and Unit Helpers must be prepared for any emergency whether it is a minor incident at the meeting place or a major accident on camp.  Encourage Leaders to develop their own emergency management plan to suit their circumstances, for example, by including local phone numbers. This plan could take the form of a check list or flow chart but should be short and easy to follow in a stressful situation. All Leaders and Unit Helpers should have a copy of the plan and it should be prominently displayed in the meeting place.

Crisis support and counselling is a highly specialised area and Leaders should only work within their understanding and training in this area. If any members come to you for help for anxiety or stress after an emergency or incident, contact the State Commissioner as soon as possible.