Dr Nilofer A R, Assistant Professor in OBG, College of medicine.

overview 1. Introduction. 2. Aims and Principles 3. First Aid Box

INTRODUCTION An emergency is a situation that poses an immediate risk to health, life, property, or environment Types of emergency 1. Dangers to life 2. Dangers to health 3. Dangers to the environment

Session Objectives You will be able to: Identify workplace hazards that could cause an emergency Report emergencies promptly Carry out emergency responsibilities Evacuate quickly and safely Respond to emergency situations effectively

Types of Emergencies You Could Face Fires and explosions Chemical and biohazard incidents Natural disasters Violence

Fire Hazards: Electrical Overloaded electrical systems Damaged wires and cords Damaged plugs Defective equipment

Fire Hazards: Flammable Chemicals Don’t smoke around flammable chemicals Store flammables properly Dispense flammables properly Read MSDSs and labels

Fire Hazards: Smoking And Housekeeping Smoke only in designated areas Make sure cigarettes and matches are completely extinguished Keep your work area clean and neat Properly dispose of fire hazards such as combustible trash

Chemical Release Hazards Look for signs of chemical spills Report leaking containers immediately Don’t attempt a cleanup unless you are trained and equipped

Biohazards Contagious diseases Infectious microorganisms in laboratories Foodborne illness Mold

Natural Disaster Hazards Flooding Tornado Hurricane Earthquake

Violence Hazards Workplace violence Civil disturbance Terrorist acts

Principles of emergency care Mitigation Preparedness Response Recovery

Be Prepared to Respond Effectively to Emergencies Find out what you need to know now Prepare yourself to act correctly Participate in emergency drills Become familiar with emergency plans and coordinators Keep emergency exits clear

Respond Safely to Chemical/Biohazards Evacuate the area Shut doors and windows Notify a supervisor or the emergency coordinator immediately Remove ignition sources (if safe to do so) Do not return to the area until instructed

Key Points to Remember Fires, chemicals/biohazards, natural disasters, and violence can cause workplace emergencies Be sure you know evacuation routes, emergency procedures, and emergency responsibilities Ask if you have questions about emergency preparedness; don’t wait for a real emergency

Why to know first aid procedures? Lives can be saved by the steps anyone can take until medical help can arrive.

First Aid Kits Every office, factory, home and school should have an accessible first aid kit Every kit should have the following items First aid book Band aids of various sizes Elastic bandages Gauze and adhesive tape Antiseptic wipes (alcohol wipes) and cotton wool Safety pins and tweezers Scissors Latex gloves Calamine lotion Clinical thermometer Analgesic tablets (aspirin)

Arm or Leg Injuries Treat by 1. Laying the victim down and if possible, raise the injured part. 2. Press hard on the wound with a clean pad. If the wound is gaping, hold the edges together firmly 3. If there is a foreign body in the wound (glass, metal, etc) apply pressure alongside 4. Take a firm pad and bind it firmly over the whole wound so that pressure is maintained. (A scarf or tie can be used) 5. If blood soaks through the bandage do not remove it. Instead continue to apply pressure to the wound for 7-10 minutes. 6. Seek medical attention

Head Injuries Signs Blood or fluid from the ear Loss of consciousness Wound Sometimes no signs Treatment Very carefully, try to put flaps of skin back into position Press firmly on the wound with a clean, (sterile if possible) pad Hold the dressing in place with more clean cloth If the victim is conscious, lay them with their head and shoulders slightly raised If fluid comes from the ear, cover the ear with a clean pad and lay them on that side to allow free drainage of the fluid from the ear. See medical help immediately

Chest Injuries Cover the wound immediately using the palm of your hand or the victims if they are conscious Place a sterile dressing or clean pad over the wound then cover the pad with a plastic bag, kitchen film or foil, held in place with adhesive strapping or firm bandaging to form an airtight seal If victim is conscious, support him/her in a comfortable position Call 9-1-1

Cuts & Grazes Bleeding usually stops within a few minutes Treat by cleaning the area with a gauze or cotton pad Small cuts heal best if covered Antibiotic ointments may be used

Foreign Body in the Eye Eye When on the pupil or embedded in the white of the eye Never try to remove the object Cover the injured eye with a clean pad Bandage both eyes Take the victim to the hospital When floating on the white of the eye Advise the victim not to rub the eye Have them sit down facing a light so that you can see into the eye clearly Using your finger or thumb gently pull the eyelids of the injured eye apart When you see the foreign body wash it out with clean water If the foreign body has not moved, try to lift it off with a moist swab or the dampened corner of a tissue or handkerchief.