Forestry environments are typically remote, and it can take time for emergency services to respond promptly.
Workers need to learn basic first aid training courses under Forestry Commission policy.
This brief guide will cover what to expect in these and other workplace first aid courses.
What Is Forestry First Aid?
The remote nature of forestry work means it isn’t a guarantee that dedicated medical services will be able to respond to any workplace injuries or accidents in time.
Workplaces must equip and train on-site first aiders to administer and oversee treatments in an emergency effectively.
Any workers who take the standard First Aid at Work (FAW) course can be further supported by workers who take the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course.
What Should You Expect in a Forestry First Aid Course?
When undergoing this emergency first aid course, you will learn the necessary skills to treat and administer first aid at work quickly.
The short course will cover a variety of emergency first-aid situations, including how to use a first-aid kit and workplace-relevant emergencies.
Some trainers may complete the training period with a multiple-choice question paper and a practical assessment at the end of the course.
Standard Syllabus
The typical topics for a forestry first aid course are as follows:
- Suspension injuries
- Crush injuries
- How to control catastrophic bleeding
- Severe bleeding
- Treating a chainsaw injury
- Lyme disease
- Treating hypothermia and exposure
- Lightning injuries
Note that the above topics are taught in addition to the regular course content.
Forestry First Aid Courses
The forestry industry carries a different set of workplace-related injuries than other industries.
The Forestry Commission recommends that all workers undergo first aid training designed specifically for their industry.
Successful candidates will receive certificates for EFAW and Forestry First Aid (+F).
Any certification earned from first aid courses is valid for 3 years. Anyone who wishes to refresh their certification after this point will have to complete the course again.
Annual refresher training is available to help your workers remain prepared throughout the certification period.
Group bookings are also available for employers and workplaces that wish to avail of a discount.
Forestry First Aid Training
Forestry workers situated in more remote areas need to be prepared to administer first aid at work in emergency situations.
Fortunately, several training companies provide training for workers in forestry or natural environment-related industries, such as Hunters, Arborists, or Civil Engineering contractors.
More training and work courses are available for workers requiring additional training and certification.
These include a Wilderness and Outdoor course to help workers deal with emergencies in remote areas.
Emergency First Aid at Work + Forestry
The FAW and EFAW +F courses are recommended for employers and workers who work in higher-hazard environments.
Several training providers have combined the Emergency First Aid at Work course (EFAW) with the Forestry First Aid training courses for a more inclusive package.
This is the EFAW +F course and can be delivered either at the trainer’s provided facilities or on-site at your workplace.
Employers who wish to have the course delivered on-site must coordinate with their chosen trainer and have their workplace inspected beforehand.
Forestry Commission First Aid Policy
The Forestry Commission policy recommends ensuring that any workplaces that use Forestry Commission land have trained individuals who can provide treatment during emergencies.
This includes providing proper equipment and certifying workers have undergone a short first aid course.
A typical First Aid at Work (FAW) course is often designed in urban environments, where emergency responders can quickly arrive on the scene.
Unfortunately, forestry environments are remote and may be inaccessible to vehicles, requiring first aiders to look after any casualties for longer than in an urban environment.
When asked for their location, forestry workers are recommended to provide a grid reference in place of a postcode. A grid reference will help facilitate a quicker evacuation during emergencies.
Conclusion
Preparedness is essential in the forestry industry, where workplace injuries and accidents must be treated properly long before emergency services arrive.
Employers must ensure their workplaces and employees are properly equipped and their workers are trained to administer first aid during emergencies.
