Recommendation 160

This recommendation is assigned to CSNSW.

Recommendation

That: 

a. All police and prison officers should receive basic training at recruit level in resuscitative measures, including mouth to mouth and cardiac massage, and should be trained to know when it is appropriate to attempt resuscitation; and

b. Annual refresher courses in first aid be provided to all prison officers, and to those police officers who routinely have the care of persons in custody.

Context

In the cases investigated by the Royal Commission very few cases involved staff attempting to resuscitate the deceased person upon their discovery. Recommendation 160 is directed at ensuring staff have the skills and knowledge to implement resuscitate when responding to an emergency.

Details of implementation

Trainee Correctional Officers must successfully complete training and assessment for the HLTAID011 Provide First Aid unit of competency within the 10-week face to face Primary Training. This training includes the application of appropriate first aid procedures, including performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in accordance with Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines.

In addition to the above, it is mandatory that Correctional Officers maintain their currency by completing training and assessment for the above unit of competency every 3 years. This training and assessment is provided both at Brush Farm Corrective Services Academy and regional locations.