One of the most common sources of confusion around first aid in the UK is who is actually allowed or expected to provide it.
Terms such as first aider, appointed person, trained staff and volunteers are often used interchangeably, even though they have different meanings and responsibilities.
This guide explains who can provide first aid in the UK, how different roles are defined, and where responsibilities begin and end. It is written as a reference guide for employers, managers, schools, small businesses and organisers.
In simple terms, yes. There is no law that prevents a person from giving first aid if someone is injured or becomes ill.
However, in workplace and organisational settings, UK law focuses on planning, competence and responsibility rather than informal assistance.
Employers are expected to make suitable arrangements for first aid, which usually means assigning specific roles rather than relying on chance or goodwill. This is explained in more detail in UK First Aid Law Explained.
A first aider is someone who has received appropriate first aid training and is designated to provide first aid when needed.
In workplaces, first aiders are usually expected to:
The level of training required depends on the risks present. Higher-risk environments may require more advanced or specific training.
For a full breakdown of this role, see Appointed First Aiders: Roles, Training & Duties (UK).
An appointed person is not the same as a trained first aider.
This role is typically used in lower-risk environments where the risk assessment shows that full first aid training may not be necessary.
An appointed person usually:
They are not expected to give first aid beyond very basic assistance unless they have received additional training.
Most employees are not formally responsible for providing first aid.
However, employees are generally expected to:
In some situations, an employee may assist voluntarily, but this does not replace the employer’s duty to provide suitable first aid arrangements.
Self-employed individuals have first aid responsibilities if their work could affect others.
Even where risks are low, it is sensible for self-employed people to consider basic first aid provision appropriate to their activities.
This is particularly relevant for trades, mobile workers and those working in clients’ homes.
Volunteers can provide first aid, but their role should be clearly defined.
Organisations using volunteers should not assume that willingness equals competence. Training and clear instructions are important, especially at events or public activities.
Responsibility for first aid provision remains with the organisation or organiser, not the volunteer.
In schools and childcare environments, staff may have additional expectations due to their duty of care.
However, the same principles apply. First aid roles should be planned, appropriate to risk, and supported by training and equipment.
Practical guidance is covered in School First Aid Kits (UK).
First aid is about immediate, temporary assistance. It does not replace medical treatment.
First aiders and appointed persons are not expected to:
Understanding these limits protects both the person providing aid and the person receiving it.
The choice between first aiders, appointed persons or a combination of both should be based on risk assessment.
Factors include:
This link between risk and roles is explained in First Aid Risk Levels Explained (UK).
Clear role definition helps organisations meet their duties and avoid confusion during emergencies.
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