Accidents & Sudden Illness
Potential accidents could include:
- Slips and trips
- Falls
- Sharps injuries (an incident in which a sharp object e.g. needle, blade, broken glass or cannula penetrates the skin)
- Burns and scalds
- Injuries from operating machinery or specialized equipment
- Electrocution
- Accidental poisoning
Sudden Illnesses
The nature of health and social care means that individuals may have existing conditions which can cause sudden illness. You may be faced with sudden illness such as:
- Diabetic Coma
- Epileptic Seizure
- Fainting
- Bleeding
- Stroke
- Heart Attack
- Food Poisoning
- Burns
- Shock
- Choking
- Fractures
First Aid
There are three levels of first aid training:
- First Aider
- Emergency First Aid at Work
- First Aid Appointed Person
Do not attempt any form of first aid without specialist first-aid training as you could make the injury or condition worse but must seek help immediately.
What to do in an Emergency
If an accident or sudden illness happens you must ensure the safety of the individuals concerned and everyone else who may be affected.
All work places will have a health and safety procedure to outline what to do in an emergency.
All workers must ensure that they are familiar with it.
What to do in an emergency
In Emergency situations:
- Remain calm and send for help by shouting, phoning or finding someone
- Observe the individual, listen to what they are saying, try to find out what happened and reassure them
- Stay with the injured or sick individual until help arrives, observing and noting any changes in condition, as you will need to tell relevant medical staff or others what you have seen
- Do as little as you need to do in order to keep the casualty stable and alive until qualified help arrives.
Incident & Accident Reporting
Complete a full written report and follow the agreed ways of working to inform managers, carers or family members who need to know.
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Good Luck 🙂