First aid workers at work
An accident or medical emergency can happen anywhere.
Essential for your first aid policy
Table of contents
An accident is closer than you think. Accidents, incidents and medical conditions are sometimes unavoidable and can often take a dramatic turn. Despite strong prevention policies, it is impossible to completely eliminate incidents, as medical emergencies such as heart failure can occur unexpectedly.
As a bystander, you can make a difference by responding in a timely and appropriate manner, greatly increasing the chances of a positive outcome. Taking First Aid training makes this process considerably easier.
Acquiring first aid skills
The contents
Basic training provides prospective emergency responders with fundamental knowledge, supplemented by refresher and in-service training.
To act optimally in emergency situations, a number of crucial aspects are important:
- Adequate knowledge of necessary assistance (stem bleeding, resuscitation/breathing, treatment of burns, etc.).
- Sufficient practice and skills to perform proper actions.
- Maintain composure and set appropriate priorities, such as calling or contacting professional emergency services in a timely manner.
Continuing education is an essential part of first aid training. Repeated practice of specific actions allows the rescuer to hone their skills, allowing them to act more efficiently during emergencies and to be targeted despite any stress.
What does a first aid provider do?
A first aid aide provides first aid for accidents, injuries or other emergencies, regardless of location (at work, at events, at the gym, in government buildings or at home). .
A trained caregiver is skilled in performing essential actions and knows how to perform them in a calm and purposeful manner.
Some examples include:
- Assessing the situation and estimating the severity of injuries and/or the emergency itself.
- Providing first aid to victims, including applying bandages, stabilizing a victim, administering medications, etc.
- Reassuring victims and informing those involved.
- Contacting and communicating with professional emergency services such as ambulance, police and fire departments.
- Incident reporting and record keeping, especially in the case of a workplace incident.
The list above shows that first aid goes beyond applying bandages and putting on band-aids. It fulfills a crucial role in emergency situations where there is a need for a person to remain calm and focused on effective action.
What topics are covered?
First aid training includes both theoretical and practical aspects.
A balanced combination of both is required: one should not only know the most appropriate action for a specific emergency situation, but also be able to apply it effectively and efficiently.
Key themes of such a course include:
- The role of the aid worker
- Preparation for evacuation or further procedures
- Basic hygiene and hygienic practices
- Analyzing emergency situations
- Communication with professional emergency workers
- Support vital functions (respiration, circulation, consciousness)
- Acts on specific conditions (bleeding, burns, poisoning, heart problems)
The link between theory and practice is made by practicing actions such as CPR, applying bandages and treating burns.
Custom content by sector
According to the codex, first aid training must be adapted to a company’s specific risks. The content can be expanded if the basic training does not cover all possible emergencies. This is especially relevant for sectors with specific risks, such as petrochemicals or heavy industry.
It is important to look critically at the work performed.
Some examples include:
- Exposure of an employee to toxic or suffocating gases in a liquid/gas container.
- Chemical bite or burns, some of which may become more severe when flushed with water.
- Eye injuries from unprotected exposure to welding or grinding work.
- Knees and serious injuries to limbs (including in heavy industries).
Every industry has unique examples of such acts. Prevom, as a prevention partner, can support your company by providing customized in-company refresher training, for example. Here, exceptional actions are identified and included in the course content.
Is a first aid kit mandatory?
Employers have legal obligations to take action based on risk assessments.
This includes providing first aid quickly, alerting first aid professional emergency services and transporting victims to care facilities or hospitals.
Meeting legal requirements does not stop at training emergency responders; it remains an essential aspect of a strong first aid policy.
The formula for success
The above obligations should also be able to be applied to persons other than just employees, such as contractors, subcontractors and visitors. To adequately meet these obligations, several measures are being taken:
- Training employees to become emergency responders.
- Compliance with mandatory refresher courses for first aid knowledge.
- Developing procedures in the field of first aid.
- Providing the proper (and sufficient) first aid materials
- If necessary, additional training provided
The correct solution for your business
Prevom offers a comprehensive range of services to meet first aid obligations, including open training, in-company training, customised content for specific sectors and support with planning and administration. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your options and create a safer workplace together.
Looking for clarity?
As a company, do I need to appoint a first aid worker? Is continuing education mandatory? Do I need to have prior education?
Prevom has customised solutions:
We will be happy to inform you about the possibilities!