SOP for Handling Medical Emergencies in the Workplace

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SOP for Handling Medical Emergencies in the Workplace

Standard Operating Procedure for Handling Medical Emergencies in the Workplace

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish a standardized process for responding to medical emergencies in the workplace to ensure timely and effective care for affected individuals while minimizing risks to others.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors within the facility and covers procedures for common medical emergencies such as injuries, cardiac arrest, choking, and sudden illness.

3) Responsibilities

  • First Aid Responders: Provide immediate assistance and stabilize the individual until professional medical help arrives.
  • Supervisors: Coordinate the emergency response, ensure first aid supplies are available, and notify emergency services.
  • Safety Officers: Oversee the implementation of this SOP and ensure all employees are trained in basic emergency response protocols.
  • HR Department: Maintain medical records and emergency contact information for all employees.

4) Procedure

4.1 Immediate Actions During a Medical Emergency

  1. Ensure Personal Safety:
    • Assess the scene to ensure it is safe to approach the affected individual.
    • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) if blood or bodily fluids are present.

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  2. Assess the Individual:
    • Check for responsiveness by gently tapping and speaking to the individual.
    • Identify visible signs of injury or distress, such as bleeding, difficulty breathing, or unconsciousness.
  3. Call for Help:
    • Notify a trained first aid responder and call emergency medical services (EMS) immediately.
    • Provide EMS with the following details:
      • Location of the individual.
      • Nature of the emergency (e.g., fall, cardiac arrest).
      • Any immediate first aid being administered.
  4. Provide Initial Assistance:
    • Begin administering first aid based on the type of emergency, as detailed in section 4.2.
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4.2 Specific First Aid Procedures

  1. Bleeding:
    • Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or dressing.
    • Elevate the injured area above heart level if possible.
    • Do not remove embedded objects; stabilize them in place instead.

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  2. Burns:
    • Cool the affected area with running water for at least 10 minutes.
    • Cover the burn with a sterile, non-stick dressing.
    • Avoid applying creams or ointments.
  3. Choking:
    • If the individual is coughing, encourage them to continue coughing to clear the airway.
    • If they cannot breathe, perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) or back blows to dislodge the obstruction.
  4. Cardiac Arrest:
    • Check for breathing and a pulse.
    • Begin CPR (30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths) and continue until EMS arrives.
    • Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available and follow the device’s instructions.
  5. Fainting or Dizziness:
    • Lay the individual flat on their back and elevate their legs slightly.
    • Ensure adequate airflow and loosen tight clothing.
  6. Seizures:
    • Protect the individual from injury by clearing the area around them.
    • Do not restrain the individual or place anything in their mouth.
    • Turn them onto their side once the seizure subsides to prevent choking.
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4.3 Post-Emergency Actions

  1. Monitor the Individual:
    • Stay with the individual until professional medical help arrives.
    • Keep them comfortable and reassured.

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  2. Report the Incident:
    • Complete a Medical Emergency Incident Report (Annexure 1).
    • Notify the HR department and safety officers for further documentation.
  3. Evaluate Response:
    • Conduct a debriefing with first responders and witnesses to assess the effectiveness of the emergency response.

4.4 Preventive Measures

  1. Regular Training:
    • Ensure employees receive regular training in first aid and emergency response procedures.

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  2. Maintain Emergency Supplies:
    • Inspect and restock first aid kits regularly to ensure readiness.
  3. Health Awareness Programs:
    • Organize workshops on workplace safety and common health risks.
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5) Abbreviations, if any

  • EMS: Emergency Medical Services
  • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
  • AED: Automated External Defibrillator

6) Documents, if any

  • Medical Emergency Incident Report
  • First Aid Training Records
  • Emergency Contact List

7) Reference, if any

  • OSHA First Aid Standards
  • American Red Cross First Aid Guidelines
  • ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Medical Emergency Incident Report

 
 
 Date Time Type of Emergency Actions Taken Reported By 
 
 DD/MM/YYYY 10:15 AM Choking Performed Abdominal Thrusts 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