Access first aid training and defibrillator locations

In an emergency 

You must also report incidents, injuries and illnesses that are work-related or occur in the workplace. 

Follow UQ’s first aid guidelines 

For first aid procedures, see: 

Register for first aid training 

UQ offers first aid training for all staff (staff login required).  

To become a First Aid Officer, you must complete accredited training and meet the induction requirements.

Understand the role of First Aid Officers

UQ First Aid Officers must: 

  • hold current First Aid and CPR certification 
  • provide first aid to staff, students and visitors 
  • maintain local first aid facilities and equipment 
  • record illnesses and injuries requiring treatment.

First aid needs vary across campuses and workplaces, depending on hazards, tasks, size and location. First-aid requirements must be implemented in accordance with the First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice 2021 and the UQ First Aid Guideline. 

The number of First Aid Officers in your area is set by a risk assessment conducted by the head of your area. Appendix A of the First Aid in the Workplace – Code of Practice 2021 outlines the risk management process, recommended officer numbers and standard kit contents. 

See the First Aid Guideline for more information about First Aid. 

Apply for the First Aid Officer (FAO) allowance 

UQ professional staff who are required by their Head of Organisational Unit to hold a current First Aid Certificate may apply for the FAO allowance under the Enterprise Agreement. 

  • Academic staff and professional staff not required to hold a certificate are ineligible 
  • Professional staff required to hold a certificate for short periods (e.g. fieldwork) are eligible only for that period 

Your organisational unit funds the allowance, and it must be applied for annually. 

How to apply 

Discuss your application with your supervisor, then: 

  1. upload your current First Aid Certificate in Workday (see Add Certifications (PDF, 960.40 KB) (staff login required)) 
  2. notify your supervisor once it is uploaded (Workday won’t generate a notification) 
  3. ask your supervisor to submit a payment request in Workday (see the quick reference guide Submit Off-Cycle Compensation Change Request (PDF, 989.48KB) (staff login required) for assistance). 

Once approved, you will receive a confirmation notification. 

Further information is available from your HR Professional Services Team or via AskHR at askhr@uq.edu.au.

First Aid Officer responsibilities 

Staff receiving the allowance must: 

  • respond promptly to requests for first aid, and 
  • provide first aid within the scope of their certified training. 

First aid kits and supplies 

First Aid Officers maintain first aid facilities, equipment and supplies in their area. You can order first aid supplies via the UQeMARKET other preferred suppliers. 

For recommended kit contents, see ‘Example of contents for a first aid kit’ in the Queensland First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice (PDF, 418.3 KB). Contact the Occupational Health Nurse Advisor for further advice. 

Defibrillator considerations 

Having an AED (automated external defibrillator) is good practice, but each organisational unit or location must determine the need through a risk assessment. Consider whether: 

  • the nearest AED is more than a one-minute walk or run away 
  • workers have known cardiac risk factors 
  • there may be delays in trained medical help arriving 
  • the workplace is high-risk (e.g. electrocution hazards) 
  • large numbers of the public are present. 

If a risk of cardiac arrest is identified, the following will help make an AED effective in the workplace: 

  • Location – place in a visible, central, high-traffic area where it can be accessed quickly, including by people with a disability.
  • Set-up – follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use clear signage and consider an alarmed wall cabinet to increase visibility, deter tampering, and alert others in an emergency.
  • Training – while no formal training is required, provide staff with awareness and demonstrations so they feel confident using the AED.
  • Maintenance – carry out regular checks and servicing as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure the AED remains fully operational. 

Defibrillator locations 

St Lucia defibrillator locations are now accessible via UQ Maps (Herston, Gatton and Long Pocket are in progress).