HM Prison and Probation Service
Central Government
Action Taken
HMPPS re-issued the First Aid Policy Framework in August 2023, highlighting training requirements and the need for risk assessments to determine adequate numbers of trained staff. HMP Manchester issued guidance and a presentation in December 2023 to all staff on when CPR is appropriate. (AI summary)
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Dear Mr Golombeck
Thank you for your Regulation 28 report of 5 February 2023 addressed to His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). I am responding as Director General of Operations.
I know that you will share a copy of this response with Mr Turner’s family, and I would first like to express my condolences for their loss. Every death in custody is a tragedy and the safety of those in our care is my absolute priority.
Following evidence heard at the inquest, you have raised some concerns regarding the first aid training for staff, particularly in relation to the use of CPR. Thank you for bringing your concern to my attention.
As you are aware, the HMPPS First Aid Policy Framework was re-issued nationally in August
2023. The revised policy highlights the training requirements for Emergency First Aid and First Aid in prisons, including the importance of Governors ensuring that there is an appropriate number of trained staff on duty at all times. To achieve this, a detailed local first aid risk assessment must be produced to determine the number of First Aiders at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aiders at work (EFAW) required at an establishment at any given period, ensuring that they are deployed appropriately.
At HMP Manchester, the requirement is for the provision of 21 trained first aiders and there are currently 39 officers with in-date training. Further to this, 52% of prison staff have received EFAW training within the last three years as part of their initial officer training. This is in addition to the provision of healthcare, which at HMP Manchester is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in line with the Category A status of the prison. As such, healthcare staff are able to provide emergency assistance should the need arise. Regular reviews will continue to be conducted to ensure that the needs of the prison are met.
In respect of the EFAW training that all prison officers receive during their entry level training, all first aid training certificates are valid for three years before they can be renewed and, although not mandatory, staff are always encouraged to undertake refresher training to maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes to first-aid procedures.
In December 2023, HMP Manchester issued guidance as well as a presentation to all staff on circumstances that CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) is appropriate. The guidance is clear in reiterating that all staff must be aware of their responsibilities and of the local procedures that are in place to enable an effective response to medical emergencies.
Thank you again for bringing your concerns to my attention. I trust that this response provides assurance that action is being taken to address.
Thank you for your Regulation 28 report of 5 February 2023 addressed to His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). I am responding as Director General of Operations.
I know that you will share a copy of this response with Mr Turner’s family, and I would first like to express my condolences for their loss. Every death in custody is a tragedy and the safety of those in our care is my absolute priority.
Following evidence heard at the inquest, you have raised some concerns regarding the first aid training for staff, particularly in relation to the use of CPR. Thank you for bringing your concern to my attention.
As you are aware, the HMPPS First Aid Policy Framework was re-issued nationally in August
2023. The revised policy highlights the training requirements for Emergency First Aid and First Aid in prisons, including the importance of Governors ensuring that there is an appropriate number of trained staff on duty at all times. To achieve this, a detailed local first aid risk assessment must be produced to determine the number of First Aiders at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aiders at work (EFAW) required at an establishment at any given period, ensuring that they are deployed appropriately.
At HMP Manchester, the requirement is for the provision of 21 trained first aiders and there are currently 39 officers with in-date training. Further to this, 52% of prison staff have received EFAW training within the last three years as part of their initial officer training. This is in addition to the provision of healthcare, which at HMP Manchester is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in line with the Category A status of the prison. As such, healthcare staff are able to provide emergency assistance should the need arise. Regular reviews will continue to be conducted to ensure that the needs of the prison are met.
In respect of the EFAW training that all prison officers receive during their entry level training, all first aid training certificates are valid for three years before they can be renewed and, although not mandatory, staff are always encouraged to undertake refresher training to maintain their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes to first-aid procedures.
In December 2023, HMP Manchester issued guidance as well as a presentation to all staff on circumstances that CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) is appropriate. The guidance is clear in reiterating that all staff must be aware of their responsibilities and of the local procedures that are in place to enable an effective response to medical emergencies.
Thank you again for bringing your concerns to my attention. I trust that this response provides assurance that action is being taken to address.