First aid drills
First aid drills test the effectiveness of your first aid procedures. They also give everyone a chance to practise their first aid roles and responsibilities.
As an employer, you are responsible for initiating and documenting first aid drills. You are also responsible for updating your first aid procedures, if needed, after the drill.
At a multiple-employer workplace, the prime contractor is responsible for these tasks.
When to conduct first aid drills
Conduct first aid drills as soon as possible after you implement or update your first aid procedures.
You must then conduct drills at least once per year and whenever there are substantive changes to your first aid procedures. Substantive changes could include changes to:
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How injured workers will be transported to medical care. For example, if switching from using a taxi to using an emergency transportation vehicle.
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How to call first aid attendants. For example, if switching from using a two-way radio to using a flashing light.
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Rescue procedures that affect first aid procedures.
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Your workplace class. You identify your workplace class as part of your first aid assessment.
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The number or levels of first aid attendants required.
What to include in first aid drills
Design your first aid drills to test how well:
- First aid attendants and workers can access the equipment, supplies, and facilities they need
- Workers can call for first aid
- First aid attendants can respond appropriately to both minor and serious injuries
- An injured worker can be accessed and moved, particularly if there are any barriers
- An injured worker can be prepared and transported to an area that an ambulance attendant can access
- First aid attendants can document and report first aid incidents
Do not call 911 as part of your drill. Instead, include what to expect when calling 911. This information is on the BCEHS website.
Keep workers safe during drills
When conducting your drill, make sure it doesn’t present a hazard to anybody. Dummies can be used to simulate injured workers if needed to keep everyone safe.
If your first aid procedures include workers going into a hazardous area, consider using a tabletop simulation to help to evaluate this procedure.
Document and share first aid drill results
A first aid drill helps to identify ways to improve your first aid procedures. After a drill, update your first aid procedures as needed.
Document each workplace drill, including:
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The date and time of the drill
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The names and roles of participants
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A summary of the scenario tested
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A summary of observations and outcomes
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Any changes made to first aid procedures resulting from the drill
Share the results of the first aid drill with:
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All first aid attendants
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Your joint health and safety committee or worker health and safety representative, if you have one
Related resources
Workplace First Aid Requirements: Reviewing Your First Aid Assessment and Conducting Drills
If you are an employer, you need to review your first aid assessment at least annually to make sure your first aid services are still adequate for your workplace. You also need to conduct drills to...
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Please note: The content on this page is intended to help you understand and meet the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. More detailed information can be found in the OHS Guidelines and/or OHS Regulation.