To ensure that first aid can be provided in the event of an accident, companies are obliged to have company first aiders trained.

If there are between two and 20 employees in a company, a first aider must be present – regardless of the industry or field of activity. In establishments with more than 20 people, at least 5% must be designated as first aiders in administrative and commercial businesses, and 10% in other types of businesses. Of course, the risk of injury varies, so accidents are more likely to occur on construction sites and in warehouses than in offices. It must also be taken into account that the first aider may be ill or on vacation, so having a certain “buffer” is recommended. These first aiders should also be close by, because every minute counts. We make sure that there are enough trained staff on each floor.

What some employees may not know…

All employees are obliged to undergo training as first aiders and then to make themselves available as first aiders. This obligation arises from Section 16 paragraph 2 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and Section 28 of German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) Regulation 1 and DGUV Rule 100-001 “Principles of Prevention.” As part of their duty of support, employees may not refuse to cooperate with these measures.

If an inspection by the employers’ liability insurance association reveals that there aren’t enough first aiders available in the company, a fine of up to 10,000 euros may be imposed.

Fortunately, Korrodin has enough volunteers, so we have never had to pay a fine.

April 11, 2024 was dedicated to first aid at Korrodin.

According to the Working Hours Act, the company first aid course counts as working time – even if the course takes place on a weekend. When giving the course, no distinction made between weekdays and weekends.

First aiders are allowed to take initial measures to assist an injured person in an emergency, but they are not medically trained professionals. They are therefore prohibited from administering medication or performing actions that require medical expertise.

The employers’ liability insurance association pays for two types of courses:

  • Basic training
  • Required refresher training (every two years)

Prior contact was made with Malteser International. Although the proximity to Hafenstrasse 49 would have made it possible to travel there, in-house training is the preferred solution for all participants.

The meeting room on the first floor (administration) was set up so that there was enough space for practical exercises.

Typically, you see the same familiar faces in first aid training.
However, this time there was a welcome influx of younger participants, as several trainees signed up for this activity.

The seven “long-standing” company first aiders had to refresh their knowledge as part of the regular schedule, and the four “new” people had to acquire the basic knowledge necessary to become a first aider.

Contents of the first aid course

  • Self-protection and safeguarding against accidents
  • Help in the event of accidents
  • Wound care
  • Dealing with joint injuries and bone fractures
  • Burns, heat/cold injuries
  • Chemical burns
  • Poisoning
  • Life-saving emergency measures such as the recovery position and resuscitation (including knowing how to use a defibrillator)
  • Numerous practical exercises (including helmet removal)

The trainer this time was an experienced paramedic who brought a wealth of practical knowledge. This was not a typical lecture with endless, boring PowerPoint slides. The trainer presented the content in a very engaging manner, with a lot of humor (see pictures), so that it was never monotonous. All participants were fully engaged. They practiced diligently in teams of two or three. Even the “old first aiders” were surprised by the new developments.

After the course, all participants agreed: “We want to take the course again next time!”