EMERGENCY! WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

What would you do? That question should make you think. Your answer could mean the difference between life and death for a co-worker. Emergency, Rescue 911, Code Red, Squad 51, and for the old timers Rescue 8 are all TV shows that deal with real life emergencies.

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 – great! However, if you answered “no’ then you need to pay special attention to today’s safety meeting.

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, don’t panic, 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 universal PPE (Personal Protective Equipment – gloves, goggles, and a one way mask.) Talk to the victim. Check your ABC’S: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. If the victim is not breathing start CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation). If the person is bleeding apply direct pressure to the wound. Emergencies are unplanned events. They come unexpectedly and may involve you.

What will you do if an emergency occurs? Find out who 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 supervisor if you have any questions.

You may need to help save a life tomorrow! Is your first aid training up to date? Check for classes in your area today!