RUN A PTA – First aid FAQs


minimum for a small community event, you need two complete first aid kits and a defibrillator. Note that neither workplace nor home first aid kits are considered adequate for event medical cover.


What services can St John Ambulance offer? We provide skilled individuals who are well equipped and can bring a


defibrillator with them. St John Ambulance is the nation’s leading first aid provider and has many years of experience at all types of events.


First aid FAQs


Sue Hampshire and Mel Greenstock of St John Ambulance answer your questions about first aid for events


What are the most important things about first aid for community event


organisers to consider? All events should have some form of first aid provision in place for


the duration. Even the most carefully planned events can see casualties, but with a thorough risk assessment and careful attention to health and safety, most injuries can be avoided.


What injuries and issues occur most frequently? Common injuries include cuts and grazes, strains and sprains, and


bruises. More severe problems can include allergic reactions and cardiac arrest. In the summer, issues arising from sun exposure, eg, dehydration and heat stroke, are more likely. If you are using a barbecue, it’s important to be aware of burns. The aim of first aid at events is to minimise the impact on the NHS. As far as possible, treat and discharge casualties at the event.


What are the legal requirements for first aid at events? In the UK, first aid legal requirements fall under the Health


and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 and apply to all employers, covering employees and volunteers. As it stands, there are no specific legal requirements


for event attendees. However, this may change following the Manchester Arena Inquiry (2023) recommendations and the introduction of Martyn’s Law. First aid will likely become a legal requirement for all events and be regulated by the Care Quality Commission.


How many first aiders do we need at an event? The Purple Guide, published by the Events Industry Forum, suggests


different levels of first aiders for events. Most small community events are considered low risk. If you anticipate an attendance of fewer than 500 people, we recommend at least two qualified first aiders. Events with more than 500 and up to 2,000 attendees should have four trained first aiders and the consideration of a qualified healthcare professional. Any event with more than 2,000 attendees requires much more planning and consideration.


What facilities and equipment do we need? All events require somewhere clean, well lit, warm (cool and


shaded if the weather is hot), dry and private to treat patients. For smaller events, this could be a small room or a gazebo with sides; chairs, a table and a supply of ice are useful, too. As a


How does St John Ambulance charge for attending events? St John Ambulance has a rate card for community events that we use


as the starting point for quoting for medical cover. As a charity, we have other options available such as our Community Pot, through which we can offer reduced rates for the smallest events with fewer than 500 attendees.


Which first aid courses would you recommend for PTA members


running events? Any courses PTAs choose should cover both adults and children. St


John Ambulance Courses with practical elements and some assessment include: Essential First Aid (All Ages) with Defibrillator Demo; Schools’ First Aid; and Emergency First Aid at Work.


l Sue Hampshire is associate medical director and Mel Greenstock is events operations manager at St John Ambulance.


Find out more


l St John Ambulance sja.org.uk l The Purple Guide thepurpleguide.co.uk l The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 legislation.gov.uk/ uksi/1981/917/contents l Martyn’s Law gov.uk/government/ consultations/martyns-law- standard-tier-consultation l Care Quality Commission cqc.org.uk


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