First Aid Training at Rhodes University

In order to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (1993), Rhodes University should have trained First Aiders on campus. Courses in Grahamstown are conducted by a recognised training institution - Grahamstown St John Ambulance Centre (Hill Street; tel 046 636 1650). To attend this course, RU staff should:

1. Submit a completed First Aid Course Application RU Staff + Letter of Designation for a RU First Aider: RU First Aider Agreement - to the SHE Officer (deadline: 10 days before the start of a course)

2. Receive confirmation from the SHE Officer that they have been accepted on the course.

Note: RU staff who undergo first aid training will be placed on the list of RU First Aiders, and will have the following responsibilities:

1. Being a custodian of a first aid box, inspecting it on a regular basis and ensuring that the contents are maintained.
2. Treating all first aid injuries in the workplace.
3. Entering all details into the first aid register. See: First Aid Box
4. Ensuring that the content complies with requirements of General Safety Regulations Annexure. See: First Aid Box
5. Ensuring that access to the first aid box is not obstructed.
6. Ensuring that available first aiders’ names and contact details are prominently displayed. See RU First Aiders 
7. Ensuring that serious injuries are reported to the line manager and to the SHE Officer. See Incidents (including Injury on Duty and Incident Report)
8. Assisting the emergency co-ordinator in the event of an emergency. See EMP

Any employee who receives first aid training through his/her workplace is required, by law, to provide first aid services in the case of an emergency situation in the workplace.

RU staff first aid training

• Complete both forms and submit to the SHE Officer (deadline: 10 days before the start of the course):

  First Aid Course Application RU Staff‌ + Letter of Designation for a RU First Aider: RU First Aider Agreement

• RU Health and Safety Reps have first option. Staff who work full-time and intend to remain at the University for the foreseeable future will also be considered.

• All RU staff who undertake training through the University should read the Protocol for the Use of Training and Development Opportunities, and bear in mind that they will have certain responsibilities in participating in the course.

More info about this course: see below, or contact RU Safety, Health & Environmental Officer, 046 603 7205 or safety(at)ru.ac.za.

Note to RU students:

• RU Pharmacy students receive this training as part of their studies.
• Other students who wish to take part in First Aid training can do so as a paid-up member of the RU First Aid Club (which pays 40% of members costs to attend a 'save a life' course, and RU Sports Administration usually pays the remaining 60%). More info: Sports Officer in RU Sports Admin: 046 603 8366, rhodesport(at)ru.ac.za or g.delong(at)ru.ac.za

Level 1 Training (3 days)

Level 1 training is the minimum level required for workplace first aiders. The Level 1 course runs for 3 days, from 08h30-16h00 daily, at the Grahamstown St John Ambulance Centre. The course culminates in an examination. On successful completion of the course, participants are awarded a Document C accredited Certificate of Competency in First Aid, which is valid for three years. The following are covered:

Emergency scene management; shock, unconsciousness and fainting; breathing and cardiovascular emergencies; CPR (one rescuer) for adult resuscitation; severe bleeding; wound care; burns; bone and joint injuries; head and/or spinal injuries; medical conditions (diabetes, convulsions, asthma, allergies). First Aid Course Application RU Staff

Level 1 + 3 Training (5 days)

Level 3 training is the next level that can be taken. The Level 1 + 3 course runs for 5 days, from 08h30-16h00 daily, at the Grahamstown St John Ambulance Centre. The course culminates in an examination. On successful completion of the course, participants are awarded a Document C accredited Certificate of Competency in First Aid, which is valid for three years. In addition to the above, the following are covered:

Secondary survey; multiple casualty management; CPR (two rescuer); child and infant resuscitation; chest injuries; eye injuries; conditions related to cold and heat; poisons, bites and stings; rescue carries and stretchers; emergency childbirth; Automated External Defibrillator (AED). First Aid Course Application RU Staff

Keep your skills currrent

• Apply for membership of the St John Brigade: St John Brigade membership application

Also visit these links:

• RU First Aiders: List of all first aiders on campus 

• First Aid Box: Guidelines on what should be in your first aid kit

• First Aid Supplies: Guidelines on where to get first aid supplies - full kits and refills

Return to Rhodes University's Safety front page. Questions/Suggestions? Contact safety(at)ru.ac.za