Emergency and First Aid Policy

Emergency & First Aid Policy

HAUS OF ÄSTHETIK

Safe (Preventing Harm & Protecting Patients)

 

1. Purpose

HAUS OF ÄSTHETIK is committed to ensuring the highest patient safety standards by implementing a structured and effective Emergency & First Aid Policy. This policy outlines the protocols for managing medical emergencies, including anaphylaxis, vasovagal reactions, and other critical events.

This policy is aligned with:

• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) – Safe Care & Treatment

• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Emergency Care Guidelines

• UK Resuscitation Council Anaphylaxis & Basic Life Support (BLS) Standards

• Save Face Clinical Standards for Emergency Preparedness

• General Medical Council (GMC) & Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) Professional Guidelines

This policy ensures that all staff are trained, equipped, and prepared to respond effectively to emergencies within the clinical setting.

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All clinical and non-clinical staff.

• Agency, temporary, and subcontracted personnel.

• Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and Governance Committees.

• All patients receiving treatments within the clinic.

 

3. Legal & Regulatory Requirements

3.1 CQC & Health & Social Care Act Regulations

• Regulation 12: Safe Care & Treatment – Ensures that emergency response measures are in place.

• Regulation 18: Staffing – Requires staff to be adequately trained in emergency care and resuscitation.

3.2 UK Resuscitation Council & NICE Guidelines

• Basic Life Support (BLS) training must be renewed annually.

• Anaphylaxis recognition and emergency management protocols must be followed.

• All staff involved in aesthetic procedures must undergo Immediate Life Support (ILS) training where necessary.

 

4. Emergency Response Protocols

 

4.1 Anaphylaxis Management

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate intervention.

• Recognition Signs:

o Sudden difficulty breathing.

o Swelling of the lips, face, or throat.

o Urticaria (hives), redness, or itching.

o Hypotension, dizziness, or collapse.

 

• Immediate Action:

1. Call 999 immediately – State ‘Anaphylaxis’.

2. Administer Intramuscular (IM) Adrenaline 1:1000:

 Adults: 0.5ml IM into the mid-thigh.

 Repeat every 5 minutes if no improvement, up to three doses.

3. Position the patient appropriately:

 Lying flat with legs elevated unless they have difficulty breathing (in which case, sit upright).

4. Administer supplementary oxygen if available.

5. Monitor vital signs continuously.

 

4.2 Vasovagal Reactions (Fainting) Management

Vasovagal syncope (fainting) can occur due to anxiety, pain, or emotional distress.

• Recognition Signs:

o Sudden dizziness, nausea, or blurred vision.

o Weak pulse, sweating, and pale skin.

o Loss of consciousness.

• Immediate Action:

1. Lower the patient to a safe position – preferably lying flat.

2. Elevate the legs to improve blood flow.

3. Loosen tight clothing to assist circulation.

4. Monitor vital signs until the patient recovers.

5. Reassure and hydrate the patient before allowing them to stand.

6. If the patient does not regain consciousness within one minute, call 999.

 

4.3 Cardiac Arrest & Basic Life Support (BLS) Protocol

If a patient is unresponsive and not breathing:

• Call 999 immediately.

• Start CPR (30:2 Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio):

o 30 chest compressions at a depth of 5–6cm.

o 2 rescue breaths (if trained to do so).

o Continue until emergency medical help arrives.

• Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available.

 

4.4 Severe Bleeding or Haemorrhage Control

• Apply direct pressure to the wound with a sterile dressing.

• Elevate the affected limb to reduce blood loss.

• Monitor for signs of shock (pallor, confusion, fast pulse).

• Call 999 for immediate medical assistance.

 

5. First Aid Kit & Emergency Equipment

5.1 Essential Emergency Equipment

The clinic must have a fully stocked emergency kit, including:

• Adrenaline (1:1000) for anaphylaxis.

• Oxygen supply & mask.

• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) (if required).

• Sterile dressings & haemorrhage control equipment.

• Glucose gel or glucagon for hypoglycaemic episodes.

• CPR face shields & resuscitation masks.

• Eye wash station (for chemical exposure).

 

5.2 Emergency Kit Maintenance

• Monthly inventory checks to ensure all medications are up to date.

• Replacement of used or expired items immediately.

• Record of all emergency interventions for audit purposes.

 

6. Staff Training & Competency Requirements

• Annual BLS & Anaphylaxis Training for all staff (in compliance with UK Resuscitation Council & NICE guidance).

• Quarterly Emergency Drills to ensure preparedness.

• Regular scenario-based training to reinforce emergency response procedures.

• Record-keeping of all completed training.

 

7. Incident Reporting & Audit Procedures

• All emergencies must be documented using the Internal Incident Report Form.

• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to be conducted following serious incidents.

• Findings will be reviewed in quarterly Clinical Governance Meetings.

• Lessons learned will be used to enhance emergency response training.

 

8. Review & Continuous Improvement

• This policy will be reviewed annually or after any significant incident.

• Clinical governance teams will oversee emergency preparedness compliance.

• Feedback from staff & patients will be incorporated into improvements.

 

9. Conclusion

• HAUS OF ÄSTHETIK is committed to ensuring the highest level of patient safety by implementing effective emergency response protocols. By adhering to CQC, NICE, UK Resuscitation Council, and Save Face standards, we maintain a safe and responsive environment for all patients and staff.

• This policy reinforces our commitment to preparedness, rapid intervention, and continuous training to mitigate emergency risks and enhance patient outcomes.