How to Handle a Medical Emergency on Site
Handling a medical emergency requires quick thinking, calmness, and adherence to established procedures to protect the well-being of everyone involved. This guide provides detailed instructions for employees to manage medical emergencies effectively while ensuring safety and compliance with company policies.
Overview
Medical emergencies can occur at any time and may include situations such as sudden illness, injury, cardiac arrest, or choking. It is important to recognise the signs of a medical emergency and take appropriate action without delay. This guide will help employees understand their responsibilities and the steps they should follow when faced with such a situation.
Key Principles in Medical Emergencies
- Stay Calm: Your ability to remain calm will help you think clearly and provide reassurance to the affected individual and others on site.
- Act Quickly: Immediate action can save lives, but always ensure your safety before assisting.
- Follow Procedures: Adhere to company guidelines and emergency protocols to ensure an organized response.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Assess the Situation
- Evaluate Safety: Before approaching the person, ensure the area is safe for you and others. Look for potential hazards such as fire, electrical risks, or moving machinery.
- Check Responsiveness: Approach the person cautiously. Speak to them loudly and clearly, and gently tap their shoulder. If there is no response, the situation may be critical.
2. Call for Help
- Contact Emergency Services: Dial 999immediately if the situation is life-threatening. Be prepared to provide the following information:
- Location: Provide the full address, specific site area, or landmark details.
- Details of the Emergency: Describe what has occurred, the number of people involved, and the severity of the situation.
- Condition of the Person: Mention if they are unconscious, not breathing, bleeding heavily, or showing other serious symptoms.
- Notify On-Site First Aiders: Alert any trained first aiders on site to assist until professional help arrives.
3. Provide Immediate Care
- Use the First Aid Kit: Locate the nearest first aid kit, which should be accessible and stocked.
- Basic First Aid Procedures:If trained, follow these general guidelines:
- CPR: For an unresponsive person who isn’t breathing, perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
- Control Bleeding: Use sterile dressings or clean materials to apply firm pressure on bleeding wounds. Elevate the limb if safe to do so.
- Choking: For a choking person, encourage coughing if possible. If they cannot breathe, perform abdominal thrusts or back blows.
- Shock: Keep the person lying down, elevate their legs slightly, and cover them with a blanket to maintain body temperature.
4. Notify the Supervisor or Manager
- Report the Incident: Inform your supervisor or site manager immediately. This ensures additional support can be arranged and proper records are kept, after 999 has been called call the helpdesk team on. 02393600003
- Record Details: Start documenting what occurred, including the time, location, and actions taken, to assist with post-incident reviews.
5. Comfort and Monitor the Person
- Provide Reassurance: Stay with the affected person and speak to them in a calm and comforting manner. Assure them that help is on the way.
- Monitor Vital Signs: Continuously check their breathing, pulse, and level of consciousness. Inform emergency responders of any changes when they arrive.
6. Guide Emergency Responders
- Meet Emergency Services: If possible, send someone to meet the paramedics at the entrance and guide them to the exact location of the emergency.
- Provide Information: Share any relevant details, such as what happened, any first aid given, and the person’s known medical history, if available.
7. Post-Emergency Actions
- Incident Reporting: Complete the company’s incident report form, providing as much detail as possible about the events leading up to and during the emergency.
- Support for Employees: Arrange for emotional support or counseling for affected employees if the incident was particularly distressing.
- Review and Learn: Participate in debrief sessions to identify strengths and areas for improvement in the emergency response.
Important Contacts
- Emergency Services: Dial 999 for ambulance, fire, or police assistance.
- helpdesk Team: 02393 6000 03
Preventive Measures
- First Aid Training: Employees are encouraged to undertake basic first aid and CPR training to feel confident during emergencies.
- Emergency Drills: Participate in regular drills to familiarise yourself with evacuation routes, emergency equipment, and response protocols.
- Equipment Awareness: Know the locations of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as a medical emergency?
Medical emergencies include, but are not limited to, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, heart attack symptoms, seizures, or suspected spinal injuries.
What if I am not trained in first aid?
Even if you are not trained, you can assist by staying calm, calling for help, and ensuring the area is safe until a trained first aider or emergency services arrive.
How do I handle an uncooperative or panicked individual?
Speak calmly and firmly, offering reassurance. If they are uncooperative, prioritise calling for help and monitoring from a safe distance.