PADI RTO First Aid Student Manual

HLTAID008 MANAGE FIRST AID SERVICES AND RESOURCES the exit points. If too many people enter the mosh pit area and move towards the stage, the contingency response may include moving security staff to both stop more people entering the mosh pit as well as ensuring established exit points are kept clear to move people away from the front of the stage area. However, if the crowd forces spectators to the ground and people are injured, then a critical incident has occurred and this will require a response that moves beyond the authority of the event personnel. First aid, ambulance and other emergency services may need to be included in the response to a critical incident. The involvement of higher authorities will also apply if the law is broken at an event. Illegal entry to the event, service of alcohol to minors, illegal sale and consumption of drugs, assault and theft are just some of the illegal activities that will require a police response. If the event is at high risk of these activities, then a police presence is required for both preventative reasons and for the contingency response. The following table shows an example of a contingency procedure plan for a medical incident in which the incident is escalated to emergency services. Order of events/actions Responsibility Injury occurs and is assessed by First Aid. Assessment determines further medical assistance is required. First Aid First Aid contacts Emergency Services and advises the situation. First Aid First Aid contacts the Event Manager to advise the situation that has occurred. First Aid Ambulance arrives and liaises with First Aid and the Event Manager. Emergency Services (Ambulance/Police) Ambulance completes the medical requirements and departs with the patient. Emergency Services (Ambulance) Event Manager along with First Aid to fill in a detailed ‘Event incident report’. Event Manager and First Aid Event Manager speaks with any media who arrive at the event. Event Manager Event Manager follows through after the event with any further documentation/ action required. Event Manager Requirements may also be included for follow up of critical incidents including: Event manager contacts hospital to check patient’s condition Event Manager Event manager advises event team on patient’s condition (when appropriate) Event Manager Contingency planning for first aid As with all workplaces, every event is different and has different requirements and services can include provision of: • First aid kits • First aid room or tent • Paramedics, ambulance on site • Doctors on site. Events often utilise a temporary service, such as St John Ambulance, to assist with first aid. Major event venues generally have dedicated facilities (and parking) for all types of emergency services. Event sites may require temporary facilities (often a tent or a marquee) and consideration must be given for emergency service access. Contingency planning for first aid should include the development of procedures both for a ‘contingency response’ which will include responses to minor incidents and for a ‘critical incident’ which will include responses to emergency situations that may be life-threatening. Written procedures for first aid may cover such things as:

PADI RTO VIII-38