Would you be able to provide aid to someone in cardiac arrest? Results of a recent survey suggest that for about half of us, the answer is no.
Researchers at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. adults on their ability to help during a medical emergency. The breakdown:
- 56% could help someone who’s choking,
- 51% could perform hands-on CPR and
- 49% said they could help stop serious bleeding.
“Before emergency responders arrive, it’s up to us as the public to initiate care,” said Nicholas Kman, an emergency physician at the center and a clinical professor of emergency medicine at OSU. “For every minute that passes, the chance of survival drops, and if they do survive, there’s less chance of a good neurologic outcome.”
An OSU press release notes that many organizations – the National Safety Council among them – and employers offer in-person and online training on bleeding control, hands-only CPR and first aid for choking. “We’re responsible for each other,” Kman said. “When you’re trained in these lifesaving skills, you’ll know how to recognize the signs that someone needs help and buy time until the responders can get there.”
Where required by some Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards, firms with more than 10 employees must have a written emergency action plan; smaller companies may communicate their plans orally. Top management support and the commitment and involvement of all employees are essential to an effective emergency action plan.
Employers should review plans with employees when initially put in place and re-evaluate and amend the plan periodically whenever the plan itself, or employee responsibilities, change.
Training
Training must be conducted at least annually and when employees are hired or when their job changes. Additional training is needed when new equipment, materials or processes are introduced, when the layout or design of the facility changes, when procedures have been updated or revised, or when exercises show that employee performance is inadequate.
First aid must be available within 3 to 4 minutes of an emergency. Worksites more than 3 to 4 minutes from an infirmary, clinic, or hospital should have at least one person on-site trained in first aid (available all shifts), have medical personnel readily available for advice and consultation, and develop written emergency medical procedures. It is essential that first aid supplies are available to the trained first aid providers, that emergency phone numbers are placed in conspicuous places near or on telephones, and prearranged ambulance services for any emergency are available. It may help to coordinate an emergency action plan with the outsider responders such as the fire department, hospital emergency room, EMS providers and local HAZMAT teams.
First Aid Supplies
The first step in managing first aid supplies effectively is to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of the workplace. Identify potential hazards specific to your environment and evaluate the likelihood of different types of injuries. This assessment will guide the selection and quantity of first aid supplies needed.
Based on the risk assessment, stock your first aid kits with appropriate supplies. Basic items should include bandages, antiseptics, gloves and scissors.
Additionally, consider including items specific to your workplace needs such as eyewash solutions, burn dressings and/or emergency blankets. Kits should be easily accessible, clearly labeled and regularly checked to ensure all items are within their expiration dates and in good condition.
Regular maintenance of first aid supplies and equipment is also important. During these checks, replace any used or expired items and make sure all equipment, such as AEDs, are functioning correctly. Keep records of these inspections to demonstrate compliance with health and safety regulations.
Establish clear procedures for managing and using first aid supplies and equipment. These procedures should include steps for checking and restocking supplies, protocols for handling different types of injuries, and instructions for reporting and documenting incidents. Communicate these procedures to all employees to help ensure they’re easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Encourage employees to report any issues with first aid kits or equipment and participate in regular safety drills. Recognize and reward workers’ proactive safety behavior to reinforce the importance of first aid readiness. There’s nothing more important to an organization than the health and safety of its employees and customers.
A proactive approach to first aid not only meets legal obligations, but it also cultivates a safe, healthy, and productive work environment. By conducting regular risk assessments, stocking appropriate supplies, maintaining equipment, providing worker training, developing clear procedures and promoting a culture of safety, employers can help ensure readiness and compliance with health and safety regulations.
Spencer-SHE has been providing Safety, Health, and Environmental Compliance Guidance since 1980. Our team can evaluate your readiness for many types of emergencies. We can prescribe training to address gaps in emergency preparedness.
Contact us here to help you to develop and maintain a safe and healthy workforce.
Sources:
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<a href=”https://www.readyrating.us/eap-assessment/”>https://www.readyrating.us/eap-assessment/</a>
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/factsheet-workplaceevergencies.pdf
https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/25823-first-aid-compliance