How Often Do Dental Practices Need To Update Their First Aid Training?

How often do dental practices need to update their CPR and Medical Emergency Training? This is a question dental practices ask us at Safe and Sound many times which is why I thought it would be a good idea to write this post.  

Yearly First Aid Updates For Dental Practice Staff

The Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines 2016 advise that all Dental Practices are required to update their CPR and Medical Emergencies skills annually. They state that ‘Primary dental care providers, general dental practitioners and all other dental healthcare professionals should undergo training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) including basic airway management and the use of an AED at least once a year.’  

Why Do They Need To Do It Annually?

Well, a patient could fall ill while at the Practice whether or not they have received treatment, which is why dental practices should be trained in dealing with medical emergencies, including resuscitation. A few years ago, not long after we had delivered training to a North London Dental Practice, their receptionist had a massive heart attack. While it took over an hour to stabilize her and move her to A & E, she fully recovered and is back at work. Dental Practice owner Dr Hagan said: “If we had not been up to date with our CPR training and practised the protocol the outcome may have been very different. The first few minutes are crucial and I believe with the excellent training we received from Safe and Sound we were able to assess the situation and make decisions as a team to start successful CPR and call for emergency backup.”  

Safeguarding Medical Risks In Patients

As well as regular CPR and Medical Emergencies Training dental practices should ensure that: There is a process for medical risk assessment of their patients.

• All equipment and drugs are up to date
• All clinical areas have immediate access to an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• There is a plan of action in the event of a medical emergency.
• Regular practice and teaching using simulation-based cardiorespiratory arrest scenarios.

In addition to CPR and Medical Emergency Training, the CQC expects all  Dental Practices to have regular training in:

• Infection Control
• Adult and Child Safeguarding
• Fire Training.

For more information on all training courses for Dental Practices, both face-to-face and contact Safe & Sound online call 0208 445 8998.