First aid emergencies are common, especially in the workplace. Working more than 8 to 9 hours a day for the whole week can take a toll on the employees’ health. Hence, a first aid box is a necessity at every workplace. However, having a first aid kit is not enough. It is essential that you have a trained first aider present within the premises who can help with proper suggestions and give first aid during emergencies.
Workplace first aid courses in Essex help train employees and prepare them for emergency health issues. What should be the primary responsibilities of a first aider? To know more, read on.
Primary responsibilities of a trained first aider at the workplace
A first aider is a trained individual who can attend to emergency situations and lessen the risk of fatality. However, they are not doctors and are not certified to prescribe medicines, perform diagnostic tests, or perform any kind of surgery on patients.
A first aider at a workplace should take a few important steps initially to minimise the risk of the incident.
- They are required to assess the incident and identify the health issue accordingly,
- They must act according to the training provided and not endanger anyone else.
- They must prevent cross-infection by washing hands or wearing gloves while treating cuts.
- They must provide mental support to the patient by reassuring them until medical help arrives.
- They must contact a doctor and ask for immediate medical assistance.
How does a first aider behave and respond during any emergency?
Emergency health situations might arise at any time in the workplace. However, it is the responsibility of the first aider to stay calm and handle the situation with utmost care so that the risk can be minimised.
Here’s what is expected from the first aider.
Stay positive
Even if the situation worsens, as a responsible person overseeing the situation, the first aider must stay positive and assure the patient. This fosters a sense of relief among others and acts as a strong mental support for the patient.
Manage under pressure
A first aider is always required to work under pressure. Thus, they should remain focused and make quick decisions under such high-pressure situations. They should also ensure that the productivity of the other employees is not hampered by panic.
If you want your employees to learn workplace first aid, contact MJ Training. We offer a variety of first aid courses for the workplace, individuals, and voluntary organisations.