Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 175
175
Deferred
Mandate consistent and comprehensive training for all frontline staff on responding to medical emergencies.
Recommendation
HMPPS must mandate that all frontline staff receive consistent, up-to- date and comprehensive training in responding to medical emergencies. The current inconsistency in staff preparedness is unacceptable. All staff should be required to complete training on how to identify and respond to drug overdoses and manage seizures. This training should be a compulsory part of induction and be refreshed annually. Given the urgency of the issue, we recommend this training be set up within the next six months. (Recommendation, Paragraph 62) 62
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response discusses strengthening personnel vetting processes, including re-vetting staff every three to five years and improving information sharing, rather than addressing the recommendation for consistent medical emergency training for frontline staff.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
Staff training in emergency medical responses is a vital part of safeguarding within prisons. MoJ, HMPPS and NHSE will work in partnership to deliver training to ensure all frontline staff are appropriately trained and able to work with health teams at an operational level to respond efficiently to medical emergencies. All new prison officers receive Emergency First Aid training, which includes instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Additionally, the use of Naloxone is now embedded into the foundation training for all new prison officers. To determine the sufficient level of provision required to ensure an effective emergency response, every prison conducts a First Aid Needs Assessment in accordance with the First Aid at Work regulations. Within current HMPPS policy, these assessments are required to account for the needs of prisoners and individuals on probation. More widely, we build on staff capability through refresher resources and communication packages. For example, materials such as instructional videos have been developed and are available to staff through the Sphera Safety and My Learning platforms to update and maintain their First Aid knowledge and skills. Additionally, the Drugs in Prison and Probation (DiPP) guide offers accessible information on the most common substances found in custody and probation settings to educate staff at every level and strengthen their ability to responsively safeguard individuals across the estate.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗