It is the employer’s responsibility to provide first aid for workers and others in the workplace in the event of an emergency. Employees need to know what to do if someone is injured or suddenly taken ill.
A sufficient number of first aid kits must be provided in easily accessible and clearly indicated locations around the workplace. A designated space where first aid can be administered must be provided if necessary due to the number of workers, the nature of the work or other circumstances in the workplace. One or more employees must be assigned as first aid coordinators, and these individuals must be properly trained and given any necessary equipment.
An emergency can happen at any time and any place. Many public places have a first aid kit, oxygen, or an AED (automated external defibrillator) to treat people. These items can only save lives if someone knows how to use them. Actions you take in the first few minutes after an injury or other medical incident may save someone’s life.
First aid preparedness planning includes identifying the first aid skills and equipment needed at the workplace. The ability to administer first aid in the event of a major accident must be given special attention. The process also includes establishing a procedure for dealing with post-traumatic stress resulting from work or incidents in the workplace.
Know what to do while waiting for an Ambulance
Call 911 instead of trying to take an injured or ill person to the hospital yourself. It seems like waiting for an ambulance will make it take longer to get help, but ambulance crews can start providing care as soon as they arrive. They can get the patient to hospital quickly, legally, and more safely.
- Stay on the line with 911 and follow emergency instructions.
- Stay calm and try to keep the patient calm.
- Don’t move a patient who was injured in an automobile accident or fall, or who was found unconscious.
- If the patient is cold, cover them with a blanket.
- Don’t give an injured person anything to eat or drink (unless instructed by the 911 dispatcher).
- Have someone watch for the ambulance and show the crew how to get to the patient. (This is especially important in an apartment or office building, or if your address is hard to see from the street).
Get a First Aid Kit
Ready-made first aid kits are available at most department stores or your local American Red Cross chapter. These kits come in a variety of sizes and prices. You can also make your own kit from supplies you probably already have around the house.
Some items that should be included in a basic first aid kit are:
- Adhesive Tape
- Gauze Pads & Roller Gauze (assorted sizes)
- Antiseptic Ointment
- Hand Sanitizer (liquid or wipes)
- Band-Aids (assorted sizes)
- Plastic Bags
- Blanket
- Scissors and Tweezers
- Cold Pack
- Small Flashlight and Extra Batteries
- Disposable Gloves
- Triangular Bandage
Take Training on First Aid, CPR and AED
Helping others in a medical emergency isn’t as hard to learn as you might think. Knowing how to apply a bandage, identify the signs and symptoms of shock, perform CPR or use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) can save a life.
First responders may not be on the scene for five minutes or more. It is up to individuals like you to be ready to help someone who is injured. The person whose life you save may be someone that you love.
RCL Safety Centre offer training on first aid/CPR/AED.
You can get more training from RCL Safety Centre thru https: www.safetycentre.ng/training_register
At RCL Safety Centre this training is also available in different Nigerian languages like PIDGIN,YORUBA,HAUSA AND IGBO
Our company (RCL Safety Centre) is an indigenous company dedicated to Health, Safety and Environment Training and Services.
We are technical partners of the National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria (NISCN) as well as approved training partners of most major International Occupational Safety and Health organizations like NEBOSH, and corporate members of ISPON (Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria) with thousands of personnel trained in various areas till date.
For more information visit our website: www.safetycentre.ng
Email: sale@safetycentre.ng or mma@safetycentre.ng
Contact us on: 08099700070, 09057666623 or 08164363532