Standard Operating Procedure for First Aid Administration During Emergencies
1) Purpose
The purpose of this SOP is to provide clear instructions for administering first aid during emergencies to minimize injury severity, stabilize affected individuals, and prepare them for further medical treatment.
2) Scope
This SOP applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors at the facility. It covers first aid measures for common emergencies, including cuts, burns, fractures, and other medical incidents.
3) Responsibilities
- First Aid Responders: Provide immediate first aid to affected individuals following this SOP.
- Supervisors: Ensure personnel are trained in first aid and maintain accessibility to first aid kits.
- Emergency Response Team (ERT): Coordinate first aid efforts during major emergencies and call for professional medical assistance when required.
- Safety Officers: Monitor first aid training compliance and ensure the availability and maintenance of first aid supplies.
4) Procedure
4.1 Preparedness for First Aid
- First Aid Kits:
- Ensure first aid kits are available in accessible locations across the facility, including high-risk areas such as laboratories and manufacturing units.
- Stock kits with essential supplies, including bandages, antiseptic solutions, burn dressings, and pain relievers.
- Training:
- Provide first aid training to designated personnel, including CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) usage.
- Conduct refresher courses annually to update skills.
- Emergency
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Contact Information:
- Maintain an updated list of emergency contacts, including local hospitals, ambulance services, and poison control centers.
4.2 First Aid Administration
- Assess the Situation:
- Ensure the area is safe for first aid administration and that there are no immediate threats to the responder or the affected individual.
- Quickly assess the individual’s condition and identify the type of injury or illness.
- Basic First Aid Steps:
- Bleeding: Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding and elevate the affected area above heart level, if possible.
- Burns: Cool the burn area with running water for at least 10 minutes and cover with a sterile dressing.
- Fractures: Immobilize the injured area using a splint or bandage. Avoid moving the individual unless necessary.
- Shock: Lay the individual flat on their back, elevate their legs slightly, and keep them warm and calm.
- Choking: Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if the individual is conscious and choking.
- Unconsciousness: Check for breathing and pulse. If absent, initiate CPR immediately and use an AED if available.
- Use of Emergency Equipment:
- Use the AED for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, following the device’s instructions.
- Call for Professional Medical Assistance:
- If the condition is severe or life-threatening, contact local emergency services immediately.
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4.3 Special Considerations
- Chemical Exposure:
- For skin exposure, rinse the affected area with copious amounts of water for at least 15 minutes.
- For eye exposure, use an eyewash station to flush the eyes thoroughly.
- Electric Shock:
- Ensure the power source is turned off before approaching the individual.
- Check for burns and other injuries, and provide CPR if necessary.
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4.4 Post-Incident Procedures
- Document the Incident:
- Record details of the incident, including the type of injury, first aid provided, and any subsequent actions taken, in the First Aid Incident Log (Annexure 1).
- Restock Supplies:
- Ensure the first aid kit is restocked immediately after use to maintain readiness.
- Review and Improve:
- Conduct a review of the incident to identify any gaps in the first aid response and update procedures as necessary.
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4.5 Training and Awareness
- Awareness Programs:
- Conduct regular awareness sessions to educate employees on basic first aid techniques.
- Simulated Drills:
- Organize simulated emergency scenarios to evaluate the effectiveness of first aid response and ensure readiness.
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5) Abbreviations, if any
- ERT: Emergency Response Team
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
- CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- AED: Automated External Defibrillator
6) Documents, if any
- First Aid Incident Log
- Emergency Contact List
- First Aid Training Records
7) Reference, if any
- OSHA First Aid Guidelines
- American Red Cross First Aid Standards
- ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management
8) SOP Version
Version: 1.0
Annexure
Template 1: First Aid Incident Log
Date | Type of Incident | First Aid Provided | Location | Reported By |
---|---|---|---|---|
DD/MM/YYYY | Burn | Rinsed with water, applied burn dressing | Lab 3 | Jane Doe |
Template 2: Emergency Contact List
Contact Type | Organization/Individual | Phone Number | Alternate Number |
---|---|---|---|
Ambulance | City Emergency Services | 123-456-7890 | 098-765-4321 |