What is the new guidance on catastrophic bleeding for employers 2024

Catastrophic bleeding – the latest update from the Health and safety executive

Article published April 2024

The HSE are now referring to catastrophic bleeding as ‘life-changing bleeding’ and have added guidance for employers on what will be required if during their first aid risk assessments they identify ‘life-changing bleeding’ as a genuine risk within their workplace.

The HSE state that tourniquets, wound packing materials (specialised gauze for example) and haemostatic dressings, maybe necessary in addition to the conventional workplace first aid kit in the workplace.

The HSE also explain that training in the correct application of this additional kit may be necessary in such sectors as, Forestry, Construction and Agriculture and also any work in remote areas. The HSE also go onto to state that employers of people working in sectors such as events or hospitality (large groups of people) should consider additional bleed control training to prepare for such injuries resulting from possible terrorist acts or any other violent incidents.

We at BH training solutions have you covered for any of your additional training requirements relating to these subjects.

We can offer;

Level 3 accredited award in Forestry first aid (RQF)

This qualification has been designed to provide the knowledge and competence for a learner to deal with emergency first aid situations in a forestry/agricultural environment. This qualification is designed to supplement a First Aider’s existing First Aid at Work or Emergency First Aid at Work qualification and covers the recommended topics stated in the Forestry Commission First Aid policy 2015.

Duration of this course is a minimum of 2 contact hours in the classroom, consisting of practical and theoretical activities. This qualification can also be combined with the 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work or 3-day First Aid at Work course, providing the minimum contact hours and assessment criteria has been achieved.

The range of subjects covered are:

• Emergency planning and remote medical assistance

• Catastrophic Bleeding Control

• Crush injuries

• Effects of extreme cold

• Lyme disease

Level 2 non-accredited award in Catastrophic bleed control

This is a 3 hour session practical covering the following modules;

·        Equipment

·        Primary survey

·        Catastrophic bleeding

·        Haemostatic dressing

·        Tourniquets

·        Top – Toe survey

·        Environmental issues

·        Handover to the emergency services

To find out more click this link to the full HSE guidance document