Accidents can occur anywhere for a variety of reasons. Likewise, workplace accidents are common as people are prone to slipping and falling, causing them to succumb to injury. Sometimes, people get sick because of an underlying condition or exposure to an allergic substance. The point is that health-related accidents can happen at the workplace. Thus, employers should take first aid seriously.
First aid refers to the first response you give to a person who has been in an accident. However, an injured person may not get medical attention immediately when an accident happens in a workplace. The immediate employees will probably be the first to respond, so it makes sense that employers train them, however possible, to administer first aid.
First aid provides temporary relief before the medics arrive on the scene. The first few minutes can be life-or-death situations, so any action you make from that point onward will be crucial.
The following are some first aid tips for the workplace you should be mindful of:
- Understand the Three Ps Of First Aid
The whole point of first aid is to save a life. The three Ps sum this up: preserve life, prevent further injury, and promote recovery. In a nutshell, this is what the first responders’ job is.
You need to keep these three Ps in mind because it’s not uncommon for some people to panic and suffer from indecision depending on the situation or scenario. These help you remember that first aid is about saving someone else’s life, and if you have a chance to do it at one point, don’t shy away from doing so. It’s about keeping them alive and helping them heal and recover.
2. Know Common Conditions
If you’re going to be helpful in an emergency, you have to know the usual conditions you may encounter. This helps you as the employer to equip your first aid kits accordingly.
Some of these are respiratory ailments, such as asthma. Such conditions need respiratory management tools that should be in the first aid kit. There could also be allergic reactions, shock, seizure, burns, and fractures. The quicker you’re able to notice the condition, the sooner you can administer first aid.
3. Assess The Scene
Try to proceed with caution before approaching any scene. You need to ensure that you aren’t walking into a potentially dangerous situation. Besides, you won’t be able to help an injured person if you are injured, too.
Analyze the surroundings first. Scout for danger and make sure that the area has no hazards. Don’t approach any space you deem unsafe, so wait for expert help.
Another critical tip would be to try not to move the person away from the scene. You wouldn’t want to move any piece of material that may be considered evidence later on.
4. Refer To The Good Samaritan Law
Should you encounter someone who has injured themselves or has collapsed, your first instinct is to help whichever way you can. The Good Samaritan Law protects you if you’re a first responder. This means that if you’re the first responder at the scene of an accident, you cannot be sued for any injuries resulting from your attempts to rescue the injured party. Keep this law in mind when approaching a first aid response situation, whether in or out of the office.
5. Protect Yourself
Although the administration of first aid allows you to engage in particularly or potentially dangerous situations, make it a rule not to approach an unsafe scene. For example, if a fire has broken out and you see no way into the building, it may be best to desist and wait for help from the fire department.
Moreover, protect yourself by wearing personal protective equipment, such as latex gloves, face shields, and helmets. You can administer help better when you are in a safe position. Additionally, if you’re lucky to have someone with proper training available, allow them to take over the situation and help as and when needed.
6. Have The Right Gear In Your First Aid Kit
Every workplace must have access to a first aid kit. More importantly, this first aid kit should be equipped with the primary things you may need to administer proper care. These include painkillers, antibiotic cream, burn gel, sunscreen, antiseptic wipes, and first aid instructions. At the very least, a first aid kit should have the essentials needed.
Conclusion
First aid can sometimes be the difference between life and death. Collapsing or fainting may occur any time of the day, even in a healthy employee, so a simple training session on cardiopulmonary resuscitation will be beneficial. Furthermore, employers should ensure that their workplaces have first aid kits ready when needed.
