The Seventh-day Adventist Church in York, on its online homepage, describes itself as a welcoming community of believers that reflects God’s character both inwardly and outwardly. As a regular visitor to the church, whether as a lay preacher or an attendee, I have experienced their hospitality first-hand. I was pleasantly surprised when the church invited me to conduct first aid training for its members, aiming to ensure the safety of the entire church family.
The numerical growth of the church in York has brought several challenges, most notably the safety of its worshippers. The church leadership, recognising that safety is paramount for all involved in church worship and other activities, decided to train some members as first aiders.
On Sunday 24th March 2024, ten church members, including two young children, successfully completed a one-day First Aid course. The course began with an overview of the main legislative framework governing the provision of first aid at church. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is the primary statutory legislation governing health and safety in places of worship, setting out several duties, which are supplemented by more specific regulations made under the Act. This act applies to any organisation, including churches, that employs at least one person. Failure to comply with this health and safety law may lead to prosecution. The church, like any entity in society, has a duty of care under common (or civil) law to ensure that its activities do not cause injury or damage to others. If an incident occurs, the church must demonstrate that it has met its duty of care, as individuals may sue for damages due to negligence.
One might wonder, "What about volunteers?" It is well known that many churches rely on volunteers, in addition to employees like ministers. The church should offer the same level of protection to volunteers as it does to its employees. Fortunately, the church is not a factory or construction site; it is a low-risk environment, and thus managing health and safety should not be overly complicated, costly, or time-consuming.
Health and Safety Policy
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 recognises the church as an employer, and volunteers serving the church are considered employees. Any employer with five or more employees (including volunteers) must have a health and safety policy in place. The first step is to assess potential hazards to people attending church and to determine whether existing precautions are adequate. If not, further action may be needed to prevent any danger. This formal process is known as a risk assessment, and it informs the health and safety policy, which helps define responsibilities and clarify the precautions in place. The policy must be in writing, detail specific arrangements for managing health and safety, be dated, adopted at a formal church business meeting, and revised periodically to reflect any new learning experiences. It should cover all aspects of church activities, including those outside the church premises, such as church trips and camporees, but it needs to be proportionate and timely.
First Aid at Church
The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 provide statutory guidance for establishing first aid arrangements and dealing with accidents to ensure immediate assistance is available if someone becomes ill or is injured at your church. First aid can save lives and prevent minor injuries from becoming major ones. The extent of these first aid arrangements depends on your church’s particular circumstances, and a formal assessment may be necessary. The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require the church to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure that employees receive immediate attention if they are injured or taken ill. As a minimum, it is recommended to have a suitably stocked first aid box, a person designated to take charge of first aid arrangements, and provide relevant information to church employees and volunteers. Having trained first aiders is advisable, especially for larger churches or those hosting specific events.
Common Emergencies
Medical emergencies can occur during church services, and it is essential and prudent for church leaders and attendees to have processes in place to handle such situations. These emergencies can vary, but common ones include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, fainting, allergic reactions, and minor injuries such as falls and trips. Symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizure activity, changes in mental status, bleeding, and/or signs of shock require immediate and appropriate action to prevent deterioration. Church leaders and congregants must remain vigilant and be aware of these symptoms to ensure the safety and well-being of their congregation during medical emergencies.
Emergency Procedures
In dealing with emergencies and accidents during church services, designated first aiders on duty must make a rapid initial assessment to determine the severity of the incident and the appropriate course of action. If severe, professional medical attention may be urgently needed by calling 999. While attending to the emergency, leaders should ensure that other worshippers in the congregation remain calm and move away from the area, allowing space for emergency responders to work. In my church, I once had to manage an emergency when a pregnant lady fainted during a service. While our resident pastor continued with the service and prayer warriors interceded in prayer, our first aid team acted effectively and called emergency responders who transported her to the hospital for further medical help.
Reporting
In the event of an accident, you may need to report it to the Enforcing Authority and keep certain records. These accident records help the church identify patterns of accidents and assist in periodically reviewing your risk assessments and when an insurance claim is submitted. Keeping records of the checks you make will demonstrate that you have met any legal duties that might apply to you, and this can be extremely helpful to defend against any claims, particularly if they appear to be fraudulent.
Like the York church, when first aiders have been identified and trained, the church will be fully equipped for such emergencies. It is imperative that our Adventurers, Pathfinders, Youth, and Children’s ministries have thorough risk assessments and first aid policies in place, including trained first aiders, every time they engage in club activities, ensuring that our churches and ministries remain safe for all.
Upcoming First Aid Training Sessions
In a successful collaboration with the NHS Blood and Transplant, the NEC Health Ministries department is excited to offer two free First Aid training sessions. These sessions are scheduled to take place in Birmingham and Manchester in April and May, accommodating 30 participants each. Further First Aid training opportunities are also available upon request at reduced fees. For booking and pricing inquiries, please contact Dr Beatrice Kastrati by emailing health@necadventist.org.uk or calling 0115 960 6312. Don't miss this chance to enhance your skills and contribute to the safety and wellbeing of your church.
