First Aid Management Protocol

1. The purpose of our protocol  

Our protocol sets out how Adelaide University (AU) manages the provision of first aid on University premises or during University work related activities.

This protocol should be read in conjunction with the Injury Management Procedure and the Hazard Management Procedure which gives effect to the Wellbeing and Safety Policy. 

2. Our protocol applies to  

2.1 Inclusions 

• members of our Adelaide University Community engaged in AU activities and/or on AU workplaces or premises  
• visitors to Adelaide University Workplaces such as members of the public. 

2.2 Exclusions 

• Co-location partners (on campus) (unless otherwise agreed) are responsible for meeting their own first aid requirements. 
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. MHFA training enhances early identification and support for mental health issues and complements existing supports like the employee assistance program (EAP) and wellbeing guidelines, but MHFA trained staff are not a first aid officer.   

3. Our first aid management protocols 

3.1 Roles and responsibility 

University requirement to manage the provision of first aid is set out under the university Injury Management Procedure.

3.2 Assess and provide first aid requirements 

The table below outlines key roles and responsibilities for assessing and providing first aid requirements. 

3.3 Additional first aid equipment

Local areas may determine the need for additional specialised first aid equipment, such as AEDs or emergency eye wash stations/showers in addition to the equipment provided by Estates and Facilities. All associated responsibilities associated with these additional items (to maintain, inspect, test and costs arising) will remain with the local area.   

3.4 Training of first aiders

First aiders should hold nationally recognised Statement/s of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for the nationally endorsed first aid unit/s of competency.   

Refresher training in CPR is recommended to be undertaken annually, and first aid qualifications should be renewed every three years.  

If these lapse, first aiders should remove themselves from the First Aid Register, local signage and local first aid provision processes. 

3.5 Payment and Process for first aiders and equipment

Current Designated First Aid Officers (DFAs) will continue to receive an allowance in accordance with the University of South Australia Enterprise Agreement. First aiders outside these arrangements are not eligible for an allowance.  

Local areas are responsible for payment of their local equipment and training of First aiders. 

4. Definitions used in our protocol 

The following definitions are applicable to this protocol, for generic Adelaide University definitions refer to the Glossary of Terms. 

Adelaide University Community refers to a broad range of stakeholders who engage with Adelaide University and includes (but is not limited to) all students, staff, and non-staff members of Adelaide University including alumni, honorary title holders, adjuncts, visiting academics, guest lecturers, volunteers, suppliers, and partners who are engaging with and contributing to the work of Adelaide University.   

(The term Adelaide University Community is used instead of the term Worker as defined in the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)). 

Adelaide University workplace means any place where work is carried out and includes any place a worker goes, or is likely to be, while at work in accordance with the WHS Act. 

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are as required under the AED (Public Access) Act 2022.  

Designated First Aid Officer (DFAO) means a staff member in receipt of a first aid allowance on the 19 December 2025 under the University of South Australia enterprise agreement. 

First aid means immediate care provided to a person with an injury or illness until they recover or receive more advanced medical treatment.  

First aid allowance means a payment made to DFAOs in response to a formal request and meeting key criteria in the Enterprise Agreement.  

First aid equipment means equipment used to treat injuries and illnesses such as first aid kits, automatic defibrillators and eye wash and shower facilities.  

First aider means a person who has completed nationally accredited training or equivalent and is qualified to provide first aid.  

High-risk workplace means a workplace where staff are exposed to hazards that could result in serious injury or illness and would require first aid. Examples include: 

• use of hazardous machinery (e.g. chainsaws, lathes)  
• use of hazardous substances (e.g. laboratories, chemical storage) 
• risk of serious falls (e.g. construction)
• hazardous work (e.g. confined spaces, welding, demolition)  
• risk of physical harm (e.g. working alone at night, animal areas)
• exposure to extreme heat or cold (e.g. foundries, outdoor work)  
• or other areas identified by the [Head of School or Branch].  

Injury includes a physical injury, aggravation of a pre-existing condition, acute or chronic illnesses, and any other health condition. This definition also includes psychiatric or psychological disorder.  

Local level first aid requirements are sufficient numbers of first aid kits and first aiders trained in accordance with the Code of Practice for First Aid to cover high-risk workplace activities including field or remote work or other off-campus activity where greater, complex or more immediate first aid access is required to that delivered under the University level first aid requirements. These are also identified through risk assessment in accordance with the Hazard Management Procedure. 

University level first aid requirements are sufficient numbers of first aid kits and first aiders trained in accordance with the Code of Practice for First Aid to cover low risk workplace activities. 

Low-risk workplace means a workplace where staff are less likely to be exposed to hazards that could result in serious injury or illness. Examples include offices, shops and libraries. Injuries are typically minor.  

Remote or isolated work is where work is isolated from the assistance of other people due to the location, time, or nature of the work carried out. Assistance includes rescue, medical help, and emergency services.  

Staff is a person employed by Adelaide University or by its controlled entities.   

Unisafe is the online system used by our staff and students to manage information related to wellbeing and safety issues. This includes reporting incidents, injuries and hazards to ensure timely investigations, risk assessments and control measures are applied to keep our community safe. 

Work related activities mean activities undertaken by Adelaide University or undertaken at the direction or request of, or for the material benefit of, Adelaide University.   

5. How our protocol is governed 

5.1 Compliance 

First aid management at Adelaide University is conducted in compliance with the following established regulations and guidelines:

Legislation & Code of Practice

• Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)  
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA)
• Code of Practice - First aid in the workplace
• Automated External Defibrillators (Public Access) Act 2022

Australian Standards

• AS1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment 

University related documents and resources

• Injury Management Procedure 
• First Aid Knowledge Article in Services Hub
• Emergency safety shower and eyewash testing Knowledge Article in Services Hub
• Unisafe

5.2 Governance 

This protocol is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below. 

6. History of changes

Note on structures, positions and position titles:  

At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions and position titles for Adelaide University have not all been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose position titles in this procedure until position titles for Adelaide University are known.