First aid for the public

Do I need to make first aid provision for members of the public?

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 do not oblige employers to provide first aid for members of the public. However, many organisations provide a service for others, for example places of entertainment, fairgrounds and shops, and HSE strongly recommends that employers include the public and others on their premises when making their assessment of first aid needs.

Do the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 cover large events such as concerts?

Only in so far as employers are responsible for providing first aid for their employees. At an event, for example a pop concert, it is the organiser’s responsibility to ensure that there is adequate first aid provision. HSE has produced guidance, The event safety guide, which provides further details.