Preparedness and efficiency are critical in a first aid emergency at work.
Unfortunately, simple errors made in response to a workplace injury or illness can cause more harm or further distress.
Here are seven of the most common first aid mistakes along with tips on how to avoid them and make your work a safer place.
First aid mistake 1: Losing composure
Panicking is one of the most common errors people make in an emergency. It’s crucial to make an effort to maintain your composure. When you’re anxious, your heart rate rises and you may begin to hyperventilate. This can result in disorientation and dizziness, making it challenging to think properly and act. Take a few deep breaths and try to concentrate on the task at hand.
First aid mistake 2: Failing to ask for help
Failure to call for assistance in an emergency is another common error. People often hesitate to dial Triple Zero (000) because they believe they can handle the matter on their own or because they don’t want to bother emergency services. It’s best to seek assistance as soon as you can. Emergency services are trained to handle these circumstances and can provide life-saving first aid.
First aid mistake 3: Lack of first aid knowledge
Lack of first aid training and knowledge is among the most frequent mistakes made in an emergency. Although training is an essential key to responding successfully to an incident, many people lack the most basic first aid knowledge. Keep basic first aid response principles in mind: look for danger to yourself and others, seek assistance and attend to the injured.
First aid mistake 4: Under-stocked first aid kit
Not having a fully stocked first aid kit is another major mistake. A first aid kit is a straightforward but crucial tool in an emergency. Since first aid supplies are a legal requirement in every workplace, the kit must be regularly checked to ensure all items are within their expiry dates and fully stocked so that it’s compliant. Keeping your first aid kit fully stocked means you’ll never find yourself caught short in an emergency or accident.
First aid mistake 5: Ignoring instructions
It’s crucial to follow the instructions given by emergency personnel on the Triple Zero (000) call, and when they arrive on site. Whether they ask for your assistance or request that you vacate the area, emergency responders are skilled and prepared for workplace emergencies.
First aid mistake 6: Leaving the injured unattended
Leaving an injured or ill person alone is a mistake that’s frequently made in an emergency. It’s critical to remain with the patient until assistance arrives, so that you can help emergency responders locate them and describe what’s happened if the patient is unable to communicate. Most importantly, you can apply first aid if you’re able, or even reassure the patient and help them stay calm.
First aid mistake 7: Failing to be prepared
Being prepared is one of the best ways to avoid making mistakes in a first aid emergency. Learn how to administer first aid and handle communications in an emergency. Familiarise yourself with your first aid kit; take out each item and feel it in your hand. Read the first aid instructions and get a good sense of what you’ll need to use in a first aid situation. Regularly update your first aid training, and make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked with the items needed for your workplace’s hazards and risks.
You can make your workplace safer by following these recommendations and avoiding common mistakes when faced with a first aid emergency.