Care homes are responsible for the safety and well-being of their residents, many of whom are elderly, frail, or living with complex health conditions. In such an environment, basic first aid training for care home staff is essential. Whether responding to a fall, choking incident, or medical emergency, trained staff can make a life-saving difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of first aid training, common emergencies in care homes, and how staff can be better prepared to handle them.

Why Basic First Aid Training For Care Home Staff Is Essential 

Basic first aid training for care home staff helps employees develop the skills and confidence to act quickly in an emergency. According to the NHS, early intervention can significantly improve survival rates and reduce complications. In care homes, where residents may have limited mobility or underlying health conditions, timely first aid can prevent minor injuries from escalating into serious health issues. This emphasises the need for basic first aid training in care settings. 

Key Benefits of First Aid Training For Carers

• Faster Response Times – Staff can act immediately, reducing the risk of complications.
• Better Resident Safety – A well-trained team ensures a safer living environment.
• CQC Compliance – The Care Quality Commission (CQC) expects care providers to have trained staff to meet safety standards.
• Increased Confidence – Staff feel empowered to handle emergencies rather than panicking.

Common Emergencies in Care Homes & First Aid Response

1. Falls and Fractures

Falls are the most common accidents in care homes, accounting for around 40% of hospital admissions from residential care settings. Elderly residents are at higher risk due to frailty, muscle weakness, and balance issues.

What to Do:

• Keep the resident still and assess for injuries.
• If conscious, reassure them and check for signs of fractures.
• If unconscious or in severe pain, call 999 immediately.
• Apply ice to swelling and encourage gentle movement only if no injury is detected.

Read about the basic steps of first aid to make the right call each time.

2. Choking

Residents with swallowing difficulties (common in dementia and stroke patients) are at risk of choking.

What to Do:

• Encourage the resident to cough.
• If they cannot breathe, speak, or cough, perform 5 back blows between the shoulder blades.
• If ineffective, follow with 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre).
• Call 999 if the airway remains blocked.

🔹 Tip: Thickened fluids and softer food textures can help prevent choking incidents.

3. Heart Attack or Stroke

Heart attacks and strokes require immediate action to improve survival rates.

Heart Attack Symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea, dizziness, or sweating.

Stroke Symptoms (FAST Test):

• Face drooping.
• Arm weakness.
• Speech difficulty.
• Time to call 999 immediately.

What to Do:

• Call 999 without delay.
• Keep the resident calm and seated.
• If unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position.
• If not breathing, start CPR if trained.

4. Burns and Scalds

Hot food, drinks, and bath water can cause burns, particularly in frail residents with delicate skin.

What to Do:

• Run cool (not ice-cold) water over the burn for at least 20 minutes.
• Cover with sterile dressing (not cotton wool).
• Do not apply creams or ointments.
• Seek medical help if the burn is large, deep, or affects the face, hands, or genitals.

Make sure you stock up on the best first aid kits for care homes.

5. Unconsciousness & CPR

Residents may become unconscious due to low blood sugar, heart issues, or other medical conditions.

What to Do:

• Check if they are breathing.
• If breathing, place them in the recovery position and monitor.
• If not breathing, begin CPR immediately:
  • 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
  • Continue until emergency help arrives.

Learn more about NHS first aid guidelines to ensure compliance

How Care Homes Can Improve First Aid Preparedness

1. Provide Regular First Aid Training For Carers

Basic first aid skills should be refreshed every 1-3 years. Ideally, basic first aid training for care home staff should be hands-on and cover CPR, choking response, and injury management.

2. Have First Aid Kits Readily Available

Every care home should have well-stocked first aid kits in key locations. These should include bandages, antiseptics, burn dressings, and resuscitation masks.

3. Develop Emergency Protocols

Each care home should have a clear emergency response plan covering:

• What to do in a medical emergency.
• Who to contact first.
• Location of emergency equipment.

Final Thoughts

Basic first aid training for care home staff is not optional—it’s essential for ensuring resident safety. A well-trained team can prevent minor incidents from becoming major emergencies and, in some cases, save lives.

Care homes should prioritise regular first aid training for carers, emergency preparedness, and a culture of safety. Investing in basic first aid training not only protects residents but also provides peace of mind to families and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.Want to equip your staff with life-saving skills? Explore our basic first aid training course today!