By the end of September 2017, more than 56,100 persons were injured as a consequence of accidents at work. According to the data of the Central Statistical Office, the most accident-prone sectors included industrial processing, trade, transport, storage, and construction. Due to their inability to work, employees collectively spent more than 1.8 million days on sick leaves – this is more than 33 days per one injured person. In many situations, the consequences of the accident could have been much less serious if appropriate aid was provided immediately. Human health and lives frequently depend on whether employees (or witnesses of an accident) are able to react properly and provide first aid.
There is no room for compromise when it comes to safety
Accidents at work are often the result of underestimating safety standards and perpetuating bad habits while performing tasks. Our vigilance is also often lowered by routine and repeatability. Therefore, it is so important to build awareness of potential risks among employees, and a sense of responsibility for their own safety and that of their colleagues. However, this awareness must be accompanied by actual knowledge and practical first aid skills.
Ireneusz Urbanke, Emergency Service and Medicover HotLine Manager
What first aid skills should employees have?
In terms of saving lives, the most important skill is to perform a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedure. This should be done for victims of cardiac arrest. For adults, this involves 30 chest compressions, followed by airway clearance and two rescue breaths. From the moment of cardiac arrest, we have about four minutes to begin CPR – after this time, oxygen-depleted brain cells die. Unfortunately, in Poland the percentage of people who recover from cardiac arrest is very low. This is because instead of beginning rescue operations, witnesses just wait for an ambulance to arrive.
Ireneusz Urbanke, Emergency Service and Medicover HotLine Manager
Training is essential
The training must provide participants with practical skills. Only this way gives a chance that in a real emergency situation they will be able to provide help properly. During the classes conducted at the Medicover Rescue Academy, instructors make use of exercises and simulations that, by imitating realistic events, allow participants to test themselves in action, including the conditions under controlled stress.
Ireneusz Urbanke, Emergency Service and Medicover HotLine Manager
