First aid workers at the workplace
In the event of an accident or illness, immediate intervention can save lives.This is one of the tasks of the first aider at the workplace. Let's take a closer look at this activity. First aid training enables the first aider to help people in emergency situations. The acquired knowledge can also be used in their private lives to help their fellow human beings.
The role of the first aider in the workplace
A qualified first aider is one of the links in the company's rescue chain: he or she must protect the victim and colleagues, provide first aid and call for external help in accordance with the company's emergency plan.The purpose of the first aider's action is to prevent immediate complications of injuries after an accident, not to treat them. That is a job for the nurse or doctor. The first aider must comply with the actions he or she has been taught during training. According to labour legislation, workplaces must be equipped with first aid equipment that is appropriate to the nature of the risks and easily accessible (stretchers, first aid kits or medicine chest). The occupational physician determines the contents of the first aid kit and the procedures for using the products. An organisational protocol must be drawn up. For the administration of the products included in the protocol, the company doctor assumes responsibility for what will happen according to the procedures he or she has established. If the emergency physician administers other medicines or products, he will be held responsible. The emergency doctor may, under his/her responsibility, pass on a prescription to the first aid provider: the communication is recorded and time-stamped.
The first aider at the workplace is also a prevention worker. He or she must therefore know the risks that are typical for his or her company. Their presence (10 to 15% of the workforce) significantly changes workers' behaviour. Their ability to recognise risks also enables them to give indications that allow them to take preventive or protective measures against hazards that have not been recognised or correctly assessed.
Motivating employees to become first aiders
To attract new first aiders at your organisation, communication is crucial. It allows you to highlight those who have already taken the step and encourages thoughts like "Why not me?There are many opportunities to talk about first aiders and these should be exploited as often as possible:
- After an accident or indisposition in which an first aider has intervened;
- After a refresher course;
- After the integration of a new first aider;
- When welcoming a new employee.
The internal newspaper and the intranet are also interesting ways of communicating on this subject.