Information for First Aiders

Important update on campus Automated External Defibrillators (AED's)

The current location of AEDs on the Edgbaston campus are:

Main Library – Ground floor first aid room
The Medical School – Main reception on the wall
The Education Building - Ground floor, main foyer.
SPORTEX – 2^nd floor by the gents’ toilets
University Sport and Fitness:
Lower ground floor, pool timing office
Ground floor, reception
First floor, gym office
Second floor, performance centre reception
Guild of Students - 2nd floor facilities office
Aston Webb - main reception desk
Chemical Engineering - reception area G23
Elms Road Computer Centre G5 - 1st floor office
Winterbourne - shop behind the reception desk
Security:
1 in each mobile security van (there are 2)
1 in Aston Webb - behind main reception desk
1 at ORLR, Selly Oak Campus - security office

Location of AEDs off campus:

High Temperature Research Centre - on wall main entrance
The Raymond Priestley Centre, Coniston
All University-run nurseries - on wall main entrance
Fire Station, Bristol Road, opposite Beech House

Public Liability Insurance Cover for First Aiders

All University staff who are qualified as first aiders and have attended a University of Birmingham First Aid at Work course, are indemnified under the University Public Liability insurance policy when administering first aid during the course of their daily duties, or during their lunch break, or journey into or from work.

Transport to Hospital other than by ambulance

If an ambulance is not required but the casualty is in need of assessment at the nearest Accident and Emergency department a taxi will be provided. The FAW/EFAW accompanies the casualty in this instance. Private cars should not be used.

Blood-borne viruses

Blood-borne viruses (BBV) are viruses that some people carry in their blood and which may cause severe disease in certain people and few or no symptoms in others. The virus can spread to another person, whether the carrier of the virus is ill or not.

Blood-borne viruses of concern for First Aiders are Hepatitis B, C and HIV. However, the risk of being infected with a BBV while carrying out first aid is small.

The following precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of infection:

cover any cuts or grazes on your skin with a waterproof dressing
wear suitable disposable gloves when dealing with blood or any other body fluids
use suitable eye protection and a disposable plastic apron where splashing is possible
use a resusciaid when you give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but only if you have been trained in its use
wash your hands after each procedure

Hepatitis B immunisation

University first aiders are offered protection against Hepatitis B, free of charge by the University Occupational Health Unit.

The immunisation consists of a series of three injections, given in the muscle of the upper arm, over a period of three months. Six to eight weeks after the completion of the course a blood sample is taken to test the immunity level. If a satisfactory level of immunity is achieved, a booster dose is given five years later. If you would like to take up this offer or discuss the matter further, please contact occupationalhealth@contacts.bham.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.