First Aid in the Workplace — It’s not what it used to be…

There are many skill levels associated with providing “first aid” in today’s workplace. They can range from basic course components like CPR, controlling bleeding and managing choking to heat stroke, shock and allergic reactions. However, in today’s workplace, Emergency Response Teams have developed a more advanced level of emergency response to aid ill and injured employees by providing emergency oxygen, assessing vital signs and even providing a patient care report to professional responders.

Often advanced medical training can also include wound care, bandaging, and splinting. Some teams are even trained to conduct a SAMPLE history identifying allergies, medications, past medical history and other information to pass on to professional responders.

Depending on the investment of the small business or large corporation, Emergency Response Teams can be trained to numerous levels. A minimum level of training including CPR, First Aid and the use of the Automated External Defibrillator should be provided to employees who want to respond to workplace emergencies. Depending on the size of the employee population, location of nearest fire station or EMS post, and any manufacturing processes of the business, more advanced levels of training may be beneficial.