How to Administer Basic First Aid For Workplace Emergency

Do you know what to do if someone gets hurt or sick at your workplace? Knowing basic first aid can help you take care of them until medical help arrives. Whether you are a manager, an employee, or just someone who wants to be prepared, this guide will give you the knowledge you need to handle an emergency with confidence.

Workplaces should consider training their employees in first aid through an online course from American Healthcare Academy. Our online CPR/First Aid course is convenient and flexible, allowing employees to learn at their own pace and at a time that works for them. Having employees trained in first aid can help organizations comply with legal and regulatory requirements related to workplace safety. Check out our group discounts. Get in touch with us at 1-888-277-7865 for more details.

Why is the workplace never safe from medical mishappenings? 

Despite safety measures, workplaces are never completely safe from medical mishappenings. Here are five reasons why:

1. Accidents happen: Even with the best safety protocols in place, accidents can still occur. A worker may trip and fall, machinery may malfunction, or a heavy object may fall on someone resulting in injuries.

2. Health emergencies: A worker may have a heart attack, seizure, or allergic reaction while on the job. In these situations, quick medical intervention can mean the difference between life and death.

3. Exposure to hazardous materials: Workers in construction, manufacturing, or agriculture may be exposed to chemicals, dust, or other harmful substances. Long-term exposure to these substances can lead to chronic health conditions.

4. Stress and mental health: Workplace stress can harm mental health. If left unaddressed, stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental or physical health problems.

5. Lack of training: If no one in the workplace is trained in first aid, injuries or health emergencies may not be properly addressed.

What can go wrong when you are working in an office? 

Here are some common medical emergencies that can happen at work:

1. Heart attacks: A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

2. Choking: Choking happens when something gets stuck in the throat, blocking the airway. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, and blue lips.

3. Fainting: Fainting happens when blood flow to the brain is reduced. Symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness.

4. Burns: Burns can happen from hot liquids, chemicals, or fires. Symptoms include pain, redness, and blisters.

5. Cuts and wounds: Cuts and wounds can happen from sharp objects, like knives or broken glass. Symptoms include bleeding, pain, and swelling.

6. Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions can happen from exposure to allergens, like food or chemicals. Symptoms include swelling, hives, and difficulty breathing.

What are other first-aid steps to save lives at the workplace?

Here are some first-aid measures for the common emergencies mentioned above:

1. Heart attack: If someone is experiencing a heart attack, call for emergency medical services immediately. Have the person sit down and rest. If they have medication for chest pain, like nitroglycerin, help them take it. If they become unresponsive, perform CPR.

2. Choking: If someone is choking, encourage them to cough. If they cannot cough, perform the Heimlich maneuver, which involves applying pressure to the abdomen to dislodge the object.

3. Fainting: If someone faints, help them lie down and elevate their legs. If they become unresponsive, check for breathing and perform CPR if necessary.

4. Burns: If someone suffers from a burn, run cool water over the burn for at least 20 minutes. Cover the burn with a clean and dry cloth. Seek medical attention if necessary.

5. Cuts and wounds: If someone has a cut or wound, wash the area with soap and water. Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth for bleeding to stop. Properly cover the wound using a sterile bandage.

6. Allergic reactions: If someone has an allergic reaction, call for emergency medical services immediately. If they have an epinephrine auto-injector, help them use it. If they become unresponsive, check for breathing and perform CPR if necessary.

Conclusion

If someone experiences a medical emergency at work, it’s important to take action quickly. Call for emergency medical services right away and provide first aid if necessary. It’s also important to have a plan in place for medical emergencies, including first aid kits and trained staff.