On Site First Aid Information

PictureImage of onsite First Aid Box












































First Aid Stations
 
This is an update about the First Aid Stations now in situ on all sites (Except Humber Avenue). The boxes (see picture) are padlocked but can be opened with your allotment gate key. There are three stations at West Tarring and Chesswood, while the smaller sites have one. Inside each box are two bottles of spring water, a basic First Aid kit, a laminated poster with basic First Aid information along with a list of items contained in the First Aid case and in an additional plastic box. Creams and sprays are NOT included or recommended because of the risk of allergic reactions to these.
 
Additional items in each box include:
  • St John Ambulance First Aid booklet, describing and illustrating common First Aid injuries and procedures.
  • A foil blanket, to cover a casualty who is in shock, cold or unconscious.
  • Finger bandages, with an integral (rolled) bandage to attach to the finger/hand.
  • Extra triangular bandages, which can be used as wound pads if bleeding is severe. Where this is the case, place extra pads on TOP of the original wound pad to keep the applied pressure and secure with a rolled bandage. Apply PRESSURE unless there is an object in the wound, in this case apply pressure either side of the object but do not pull it out! (This could make the bleeding worse! Hospital staff will remove any embedded object and must be consulted in this sort of case.) ELEVATE the affected limb. If the casualty is able, get them to apply the pressure and raise their own hand/arm/leg affected until bleeding is controlled/slowed.
  • Triangular bandages can also be unwrapped and used to cover burns.
  • A ‘rolled’ comfort bandage is in each box in case extra bandaging is needed, for instance to hold a triangular bandage (used as a wound pad) in place.
  • A roll of sticky tape, this tape is easily torn off and can be used to keep the ends of bandages stuck down. Each kit also contains safety pins for this purpose.
  • Extra disposable gloves which should be worn when dealing with blood and body fluids such as vomit.
  • Spring water for flushing soil/gravel out of wounds and for irrigating eyes from smoke or loose foreign bodies. This clean water can also be poured gently across a burn to cool the area.
  • N.B. If the casualty is taking blood thinning medication bleeding can persist for longer than usual and medical help should be sought if this is the case.
 
Each box also contains various plasters for small cuts and grazes, eye pad dressings, dressing pads medium and large, wound wipes (alcohol free) which can be used to wipe minor skin wounds, these can also be used to cleanse hands.
 
Please remember while on site that your safety (and your family’s) is your own responsibility.

  • Keep your plot tidy and stow away tools securely. Wear suitable footwear and clothes while working, especially if strimming or using other power tools.
  • Make sure children are kept safe and supervised.
  • Avoid possible burns by bringing the correct cooking tools for camp stove cooking or BBQ’s. Extinguish all fires properly and completely.
  • It is advisable to keep a few First Aid items such as plasters in your shed.
  • Report any usage of stock from First Aid stations to your overseer so that items can be replaced in a timely fashion.
  • Keep a mobile phone on your person when on-site.
 
First Aid is the FIRST response to an injury or condition. If you are unsure or unable to help, please call out to others who may possess the skills to deal with the situation. If the casualty requires hospital treatment, providing they are conscious, ambulant, and compilable with this they may be driven to A&E. But if their condition deteriorates then an ambulance/paramedic should be called.
First Aid is an extensive subject but a lot of it is common sense! Please do not call ambulances for minor problems such as splinters or small cuts. If you wish to learn more about First Aid, visit: St John’s Ambulance at https://www.sja.org.uk
Or British Red Cross at https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/book-a-first-aid-course.

(updated June 2020)




Page last checked May 2023