First aid facilities

[Ric]

Hi All,
I've been looking into first aid facilities and was trying to find out what other venues have in place.
At our 477 seat Community Theatre here we have 2 portable first aid kits. One for Backstage and one for Front of House.
This has seemed sufficient, so far, but I do wonder if we are on par with other venues of similar size. I've not yet been able to locate OH&S guidelines/legislation that specifies a number; like a lot of things in OH&S its a bit vague.

I am aware that larger venues have a first aid room, but am not sure at what size of audience/cast & crew numbers this should come into affect.

My questions if you care to answer
What capacity venue do you work at, and what first aid facilities do you have?
Specifically if you have a first aid room, what capacity venue is it?

Thanks in advance,
Ric

[tjrobb]

I'm at a 525 seat community theatre (soon to be more!), and we have one kit FOH, one backstage, one downstairs for dressing rooms and the green room. We also have a random box of "parts" for first aid backstage by the kit.

We are also lucky to have an AED in the FOH area for the BIG emergencies. The AED is designed for use either by trained personnel or the general public (the crazy thing talks to you...).

[cprted]

The problem with OH&S regs (at least in BC) is they only deal with first aid requirements based on the number of employees and ignore the pressence of the general public.

We're a 750-seat road house. We have Level 1 kits in the loading bay and the booth, and Level 2 kits in the Lobby and the TD's office.

[Ric]

The glossary is a wonderful thing (well done to all who contribute!)
I had to look up AED to discover what it was (Automated External Defibrillator)

Thanks for your reply.

[kiwitechgirl]

We have two spaces - a 300-seat and a 125-seat. There is a first aid kit backstage in each space, one in the green room (which is shared) and there is a portable kit at the stage manager's desk in the bigger space but not the smaller one. But the thing I use most often is the cold packs which are kept in the freezer in the SM's kitchen backstage in the 300-seat house....

[Ric]

Originally Posted by cprted

The problem with OH&S regs (at least in BC) is they only deal with first aid requirements based on the number of employees and ignore the pressence of the general public.

Thats what I have found as well. While it's not been an issue so far, I am concerned that we don't have a 'First Aid Room' for incidents with the general public.

[cprted]

Originally Posted by Ric

Thats what I have found as well. While it's not been an issue so far, I am concerned that we don't have a 'First Aid Room' for incidents with the general public.

The specific purposes of a first aid room are to allow employees a place for rest and recovery from minor injuries (no further medical attention required) prior to returning to work and a place to conduct follow-up wound care and the like. These scenarios don't really apply to members of the public. If a patron gets injured or develops a medical condition that in anyway requires more than basic care, they're going to the hospital in an ambulance (or being driven there by family/friend). So long as you have a full compliment of supplies, they're in good condition, and you have appropriate training, I can't see the fact that your supplies are stored in a cabinet instead of a dedicated room ever being an issue.

If you're concerned about liability, I would suggest you consult with your insurance provider. They'll tell you exactly what supplies they want you to have and what level of training.

[mstaylor]

An AED is a VERY good thing to have in your lobby. If you get them, and they are expensive, get one or two employees trained on it. I've used them twice so far. Saved one, lost one but they are good to have.

[tjrobb]

We were lucky enough to have our AED donated from the Auxiliary of the local hospital. Perhaps others on here could talk to a similar group?

[Van]

Ric,
Check ready.gov and the American Red Cross. Both places have excellent resources for tips on stocking and maintaining an adequate First aid kit.

I forgot to look at your location, in the states there are several national companies that specialize in maintaining first aid kits for public and work facilities. the first that comes to mind is a company called CO2 Checking with them might help you devise a good First aid strategy.