First aid and crisis support – workplace preparedness
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All workplaces covered by the Work Environment Act require functioning preparedness for first aid and crisis support. This preparedness must be based on the risks of the operations, the size of the workplace, and how quickly professional help can arrive.
Quick overview
- The rules can be found in Chapter 4 of AFS 2023:2.
- Preparedness must be adapted to the risks and practical circumstances.
- There must be a sufficient number of people who can provide first aid.
- Emergency call routes, addresses, meeting points, and responsibilities must be known.
- Crisis support following serious incidents must be planned – not improvised only after the accident occurs.
| Risk profile | What accidents and acute medical conditions could reasonably occur? |
| Resources | First aid equipment, AEDs where relevant, and trained personnel. |
| Emergency calls | 112, internal emergency numbers, address, gate code, and meeting point. |
| Crisis support | Acute care, management contact, occupational health services, and follow-up. |
| Control | Who checks equipment, contact lists, and training needs? |
Preparedness must be based on risk assessment
An office workplace and a workshop have different needs. Assess injury events, chemicals, machinery, lone working, travel, geographical location, and the time required for an ambulance or other rescue resources to arrive. This affects both equipment and competence requirements.
The emergency call procedure must function even under stress
The procedure should be brief, concrete, and easy to find. Specify who makes the call, what information should be provided, the exact address and meeting point, and how rescue personnel are directed to the right place. In large or remote workplaces, this can be crucial.
First aid competence and equipment
The employer needs to assess how many people must be capable of providing first aid based on working hours, shifts, vacations, and geographical distribution. Equipment must be appropriate, accessible, and regularly checked.
Crisis support after an accident or serious incident
Crisis support may be needed even when physical injuries are minor. The procedure should state who contacts those affected, how acute support is arranged, and how follow-up is conducted in the days and weeks that follow.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Having a first aid kit but no one responsible for its contents.
- Only having one person per workplace trained, without considering shifts and absences.
- Missing an exact address or meeting point in the emergency procedure.
- Equating crisis support with a single debriefing session.
- Never practicing or revising procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Must everyone know CPR?
The rules do not state that absolutely everyone must be trained, but the employer must ensure sufficient preparedness based on the operations and risks.
Are defibrillators (AEDs) required?
It depends on the risk assessment and the nature of the business. If AEDs are provided, their placement, maintenance, and usage must be part of the preparedness plan.
What counts as crisis support?
Psychological and social care following acute crises, accidents, or other serious incidents, including planned follow-up.
How often should the procedure be checked?
When operations change and regularly as part of the systematic work environment management. Contact details and materials also need to be kept up to date continuously.
Emergency preparedness plan, call procedures, and control log
The template package includes risk assessment, first aid preparedness, crisis support, contact routes, and recurring checks.
Sources and further reading
- Swedish Work Environment Authority – First aid and crisis support
- Swedish Work Environment Authority – AFS 2023:2
Last updated: October 5, 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace a site-specific work environment assessment.
