It was reported by the BBC earlier this week that rail staff at First Capital Connect (St Albans) failed to render first aid assistance to a passenger other than allowing another passenger to call for an ambulance.
The passenger that did go to the other person’s aid complained to First Capital Connect and received the following response that even if they had been trained in first aid “this is only offered to staff and not customers.”
Whilst legally the rail company only have to provide training to cover their staff and employees the HSE strongly recommends that cover for members of the general public ought to be considered when risk assessments are made. One should also consider the moral implications of not providing cover for your customers.
While many may feel that this First Capital Connect’s response is unacceptable from a company which is a ‘public service provider’, it is easy to see why they have taken this stand.
In the first instance, they have huge numbers of staff who would require training (at a not inconsiderable cost) in order to fulfil this need.
Secondly, the logistical issues of reliably scheduling staff for their first aid, as well as job-specific capabilities would be a nightmare – I know, I’ve had to do it.
But the overriding reason for companies such as this to not provide first aid cover for customers, is that they could open themselves up to litigation, should treatment be unsuccessful. While companies are not required by law to offer such cover, why should they put themselves at unnecessary risk?
Should we therefore not look at ways of indemnifying companies who correctly train their staff to deal with emergencies from the unfortunate but real risk of their actions being unsuccessful? That way, first aiders can do what they were trained to do, without fear of legal repercussions.
First Capital Connect have now announced that they are reviewing their procedures to avoid incidents
like this happening again.
The Author
Heather Sawyer is a Registered Nurse, First Aid Trainer and Director of Training at HTS Training Ltd, a specialist provider of first aid training courses for businesses and individuals.
