No first aider

[Lounge Lizard]

I'm sure I've read somewhere comments about small offices not having a first aider always present but is one really necessary when I and most of my colleagues have a good enough idea of preserving life, preventing the worsening of the patient’s condition and promoting recovery and qualified first aiders don't have a monopoly on such common sense ?

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Moved to H&S because its that type of subject.

As to the actual question, its a legal requirement spelled out by the HSE in a few simple words.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As a minimum, a low-risk workplace such as a small office should have a first-aid box and a person appointed to take charge of first-aid arrangements, such as calling the emergency services if necessary. Employers must provide information about first-aid arrangements to their employees.

Workplaces where there are more significant health and safety risks are more likely to need a trained first-aider. A first-aid needs assessment will help employers decide what first aid arrangements are appropriate for their workplace.

So no a small workplace does not need a first aider, but they need someone appointed to look after the box and make a telephone call.

[Lounge Lizard]

Moved to H&S because its that type of subject.

As to the actual question, its a legal requirement spelled out by the HSE in a few simple words.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

As a minimum, a low-risk workplace such as a small office should have a first-aid box and a person appointed to take charge of first-aid arrangements, such as calling the emergency services if necessary. Employers must provide information about first-aid arrangements to their employees.

Workplaces where there are more significant health and safety risks are more likely to need a trained first-aider. A first-aid needs assessment will help employers decide what first aid arrangements are appropriate for their workplace.

So no a small workplace does not need a first aider, but they need someone appointed to look after the box and make a telephone call.

Yes, TBT, a wise move.
And, yes, it's "a legal requirement" but that's not the same as whether one is really necessary.
Before 1988 it was 'a legal requirement' for most pubs to stop serving alcohol at 11pm but that didn't mean it was really necessary or often happened in the best of pubs.