Safety in the workplace is a subject that should never be ignored. While no one desires accidents, they do happen, and the response to an accident often determines the extent of the resulting casualty. It is the duty of employers and employees alike to have safety measures in place to prevent accidents and should that fail, provisions for first aid should be made available.
The importance of first aid in a workplace cannot be overstated, the quality of first aid or lack of made available could potentially save a life or worsen an injury sustained from an accident and possibly death. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the employer to make sure employees are adequately trained to deliver first-aid in the event of an accident.
There are some myths about first aid in a workplace highlighted below:
1. First aiders cannot administer drugs: Well, contrary to what most people think, there are three drugs that first aiders can give when there is an emergency namely; Aspirin, Asthma Inhaler and Pippen.
2. First aiders shouldn’t use AED: Automated External Defibrillator (AED) or Defibrillators as they commonly known are used when a person goes into cardiac arrest. They are used to help revive the person, the sooner it is used, the better the chances of the person surviving. They have been designed to allow easy use for both medical and non-medical personnel. Should CPR fail all the first aider needs to do is follow the instructions for using AED which can be found in the first aid box.
3. Applying Oil or butter to burn wounds: This is terrible advice and should be ignored. Butter and oil possess properties that will worsen burn injuries, the best course of action is to cool the wound with running trepid or cool water.
Now, because of such myths, it is imperative to find ways to train members of staff on the proper protocols of first aid. Easybook Training offers the following first aid courses to ensure you and your team are fully prepared should the worst happen.
FIRST AID AT WORK COURSE
The First Aid at Work Course is a course that has been designed to introduce potential first aiders to the practical skills required for the modern workplace. The First Aid at Work (FAW) Training is designed to last 18 hours over the course of three days.
EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK COURSE
The Emergency First Aid at Work Course is a one-day training programme that is designed to equip learners with the knowledge of first aid emergency procedures. This training course is perfect for low-risk workplace employees and for meeting the regulations for possible risk assessment. Casual clothing is advised due to the practical nature of the course, and a half-day refresher course is highly recommended.
FIRST AID AT WORK REFRESHER COURSE
The First Aid at Work Refresher Course is specifically designed to help update the skills of previous first aiders whose 3 days First Aid at Work Certificate needs renewal.