Medical and first aid emergencies

In the event of a medical emergency

  • Assess the situation
  • Phone 111 and ask for an ambulance, stating if it is a serious or life-threatening situation Then call Security on 966 (0800 373 7550 from a mobile phone)
  • If appropriate, send someone to collect the nearest AED
  • If you are trained in first aid, provide emergency assistance until the ambulance arrives
  • If you are not a first aider, summon help so effective first aid can be administered 

Note: Every department has access to a first aid kit containing basic equipment that you can use. It will be in a common shared area (often the kitchen). Alternatively, ask a staff member, your manager or academic supervisor for help in locating one.

First aid and First Aiders

First aid is the immediate and basic care given to an injured or sick person before a qualified medical professional takes over their treatment. It focuses on preserving life and minimising serious injury. For example, maintaining circulation, stopping bleeding, and stabilising broken arms or legs.

First aiders are staff who have undertaken formal NZQA approved training to administer first aid.

During an emergency, designated first aiders may be wearing bright green vests and will be carrying a first aid kit. In addition, all of our security staff are also trained first aiders.

If you are a staff member, get to know who your first aiders and other wardens are, so you know who to contact in an emergency.

First aid training

If you are interested in becoming a first aider, University organised first aid training is available for staff. Please follow this link for further details.

Do I need to have a first aider?

Yes, Line Managers/ Academic Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that at least one first aider is available at all times their building/department is open. This means taking into account, staff leave, breaks and sickness.

They must also consider:

  • the number of people in the workplace at any given time
  • the nature of the work they do and its risks 
  • the likelihood of people being hurt, and how serious the injuries might be
  • the physical size of the workplace and whether people are scattered across different parts of it 
  • the location of the workplace and its distance from ambulance services, medical centres and hospitals        
  • whether other people (for example, students or members of the public) visit the workplace

Resources

Apps are valuable tools for on-the-spot first aid treatment. Please download them before an emergency so they are on hand when needed.

CPR

Accident and emergency centres

For all other injuries/medical emergencies that are not life-threatening, please go to an accident and emergency centre.

The University Health and Counselling Services located on each campus are not accident and emergency facilities and cannot provide this level of support.

If your injury was caused by a workplace accident, please fill out an incident report as soon as you can or when you return to work.

Document Control
Version: 2.1
Last Updated: Apr 2024
Next Review: Apr 2027
Owner: hsw@auckland.ac.nz
Approver: Associate Director, Health Safety & Wellbeing

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