Workplace Medical Emergencies
In the June edition of the HR Future magazine there is an interesting article on Workplace Emergencies. The article written by Dr. Allan Milne, covers some interesting aspects that I would like to mention. “By their very nature, emergencies are usually unexpected and unplanned” says Dr. Milne. The mistake that most companies make is that emergencies consist of the odd nose bleed or the odd person fainting at work. While first aid training prepares and helps people to treat such situations, first aid training is generally in place for more severe circumstances where time is of the essence, such as a “heart attack” more accurately known as a cardiac arrest. Dr. Milne says, “The natural reaction from most of us is to yell, ‘help’ and wait for the professionals to take over.” Someone having a cardiac arrest needs immediate intervention as time wasted waiting for the ambulance can prove fatal. Also, first aid can be of great importance when companies have major disasters, such as a fire where there can be multiple injuries. Treating victims in such situations requires proper training not only for the first aider but also for other employees. This is where induction of all staff is helpful; everyone should know what to do in case of an emergency and understand the role of the first aider in such an instance.
“Firstly, the obvious approach is to prevent the emergency from occurring in the first place.” The problem is that emergencies per se are exactly that, unexpected and unplanned. And thus training is important in order to be able to cope with them. Unfortunately, management see first aid training as an evil expense that is required by law. “From a purely selfish point of view, the fewer accidents that occur, the less likely you are to be saddled with dealing with a crises yourself”, says Dr. Milne. Having Safety Committees are very important practice in realistic terms, it is beneficial for everyone in the company.
Training in first aid and CPR must be fun, stimulating and interesting. Training must be inclusive and interaction with trainees is important. Traditionally, employees are sent on first aid courses, but management and executives must also be involved in first aid training. Ongoing training is also important; most people in the work environment are not medically inclined and therefore will easily forget protocols that are not practiced regularly. Healthcare professionals are required by law to keep up to date by attending training sessions on various topics. Doctors continually practice protocols yet, they require ongoing training, imagine someone who has attended a two day course on first aid. All that is required is a monthly 60 or 90 minute ‘refresher’ talk to re-enforce the training and practice skills that have been learnt.
All that most companies need is a first aider that is well trained and knowledgeable. One requires a contact telephone number for emergencies, protective equipment (gloves and CPR valves). Any first aid equipment should be easily available, not locked away so that no one can get to it. The first aid box must be locked and checked regularly that equipment is in the box. Tablets and other medicines for the treatment for minor injuries should be kept in a separate place to prevent people having access to the first aid box and thus encourage pilferage.
Regardless of the training and prevention strategies, emergencies still occur. However, training and prevention strategies minimise the risk of emergencies occurring. Therefore, attending first aid and basic fire training sessions is not just a legal responsibility but also a moral responsibility that we all have to our fellow man. After all, it could be someone you know…
Workplace Medical Emergencies
In the June edition of the HR Future magazine there is an interesting article on Workplace Emergencies. The article written by Dr. Allan Milne, covers some interesting aspects that I would like to mention. “By their very nature, emergencies are usually unexpected and unplanned” says Dr. Milne. The mistake that most companies make is that emergencies consist of the odd nose bleed or the odd person fainting at work. While first aid training prepares and helps people to treat such situations, first aid training is generally in place for more severe circumstances where time is of the essence, such as a “heart attack” more accurately known as a cardiac arrest. Dr. Milne says, “The natural reaction from most of us is to yell, ‘help’ and wait for the professionals to take over.” Someone having a cardiac arrest needs immediate intervention as time wasted waiting for the ambulance can prove fatal. Also, first aid can be of great importance when companies have major disasters, such as a fire where there can be multiple injuries. Treating victims in such situations requires proper training not only for the first aider but also for other employees. This is where induction of all staff is helpful; everyone should know what to do in case of an emergency and understand the role of the first aider in such an instance.
“Firstly, the obvious approach is to prevent the emergency from occurring in the first place.” The problem is that emergencies per se are exactly that, unexpected and unplanned. And thus training is important in order to be able to cope with them. Unfortunately, management see first aid training as an evil expense that is required by law. “From a purely selfish point of view, the fewer accidents that occur, the less likely you are to be saddled with dealing with a crises yourself”, says Dr. Milne. Having Safety Committees are very important practice in realistic terms, it is beneficial for everyone in the company.
Training in first aid and CPR must be fun, stimulating and interesting. Training must be inclusive and interaction with trainees is important. Traditionally, employees are sent on first aid courses, but management and executives must also be involved in first aid training. Ongoing training is also important; most people in the work environment are not medically inclined and therefore will easily forget protocols that are not practiced regularly. Healthcare professionals are required by law to keep up to date by attending training sessions on various topics. Doctors continually practice protocols yet, they require ongoing training, imagine someone who has attended a two day course on first aid. All that is required is a monthly 60 or 90 minute ‘refresher’ talk to re-enforce the training and practice skills that have been learnt.
All that most companies need is a first aider that is well trained and knowledgeable. One requires a contact telephone number for emergencies, protective equipment (gloves and CPR valves). Any first aid equipment should be easily available, not locked away so that no one can get to it. The first aid box must be locked and checked regularly that equipment is in the box. Tablets and other medicines for the treatment for minor injuries should be kept in a separate place to prevent people having access to the first aid box and thus encourage pilferage.
Regardless of the training and prevention strategies, emergencies still occur. However, training and prevention strategies minimise the risk of emergencies occurring. Therefore, attending first aid and basic fire training sessions is not just a legal responsibility but also a moral responsibility that we all have to our fellow man. After all, it could be someone you know…