What would you do? That question should make you think. Your answer could mean the
difference between life and death for a co-worker. Are you prepared for the unexpected?
Do you know what to do? Do you know who to call for help? Are you qualified to help? If you
answered "yes' to these questions – Excellent! However, if you answered "no' then you need
to pay special attention to this article.
No matter what your position at the construction project, you need to know what to do in
the event of an emergency. Your life and the lives of your co-workers could depend on your
training and knowledge. If you are the first one on the scene, you need to protect yourself
from any hazards. For example, precautions may need to be taken to deal with blood or
other body fluids, gas leaks, and power lines. You don't want to become another victim.
Stay cool, remain calm, and call for help: contact 911, local emergency officials or a jobsite
emergency response team. You are the main link between the emergency and the outside
world. Secure the area and keep co-workers and others out of the area unless they are
trained to provide assistance.
If you are qualified to give emergency care, protect yourself first. Make sure you wear your
Personal Protective gear. If the victim is conscious talk to him/her; reassuring the victim will
prevent him/ or her from going into shock.
Check your ABC'S:
A - Airway
Open the airway and check for any obstruction
B - Breathing
Check for the rise and fall of the chest while listening /feeling for breath
C - Circulation
Check for a pulse
If the victim is not breathing start CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation). Cardio pulmonary
resuscitation, or CPR for short, is the best form of artificial resuscitation. In the old days we
were taught to use the back pressure arm lift method when someone stopped breathing.
We did not have a method to make the heart keep pumping blood. CPR has been around
for over twenty years now, and yet we still find people who do not know how to use this life
saving procedure. If the person is bleeding provide direct pressure of the womb to stop the
bleeding.
Emergencies are unplanned events. They come unexpectedly and may involve you. What
will you do if an emergency occurs? Find out whom to call and know where a telephone is.
Learn the locations of fire extinguishers and first aid kits, and make sure you know how to
use them. Learn and understand emergency procedures and evacuation routes for the jobsite. Be prepared for the unexpected. Do it now. Don't wait until after the emergency to
learn what to do. Ask your Safety Director if you have any questions.
You may need to help save a life tomorrow! Is your first aid training up to date?
Related Topics: Monthly Safety Topics, Safety Articles