How many first aiders does a licensed premises need?

Sep 27, 20242 min read

How many first aiders does a licensed premises need?- The number of first aiders required for a licensed premises in England is not set by a specific legal requirement but depends on a risk assessment. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 provide general guidance, requiring employers to ensure that adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel are available to give immediate assistance if someone is injured or becomes ill at work.

For a licensed premises, here are some factors to consider in the risk assessment:

1. Size of the Premises

Larger venues, such as nightclubs or pubs with multiple floors, will likely need more first aiders compared to smaller venues due to the higher number of customers and staff.

2. Nature of the Business

Licensed premises that regularly host events (e.g., live music, sports screenings, etc.) or serve alcohol may have a higher risk of accidents or incidents and thus require more first aid provision.

3. Number of Staff and Patrons

The number of staff and customers present at any given time should guide how many first aiders are needed. A general recommendation is:
- Low-risk environment (small pub or restaurant): 1 first aider for every 25-50 people.
- Higher-risk environment (nightclubs, large pubs, or bars): 1 first aider for every 10-50 people, depending on the level of risk.

4. Types of Incidents Expected

Alcohol-related incidents (e.g., falls, altercations, injuries) are more likely in certain types of licensed premises, increasing the need for first aiders.

5. Event-Specific Considerations

For large events, it might be necessary to have designated first aid stations and a higher number of trained personnel on duty. This might also include external first aid services, depending on the size and nature of the event.

6. Shift Patterns

Ensure there are always trained first aiders on duty throughout the premises' operating hours, considering shift changes and staff absences.

7. Local Authority Guidance

Some local authorities or licensing bodies may have additional requirements, so it's advisable to check with them as part of your planning.

Common Recommendations:

Small venues: 1 first aider may be sufficient, especially if the premises is low-risk and doesn’t cater to large crowds.
Medium to large venues: Typically, you would need at least 1 first aider per 50-100 customers/staff present.
High-risk events or large-capacity premises: Consider having more first aiders or hiring additional support for major events.