Accidents and emergencies rarely have the courtesy to strike when we expect them. In the workplace, being prepared to handle these situations means acting immediately, and with the knowledge necessary to provide triage and support. With the most serious emergencies needing to be resolved before paramedics can even reach a site, this early intervention can often be the difference between life and death.
This is where Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) training comes into play. EFAW equips employees with crucial skills, as well as the calmness and confidence to provide immediate assistance and support until professional medical help arrives. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the invaluable importance of EFAW training, and why every workplace should make EFAW training a priority.
1. Rapid responses save lives
In emergency situations, every second really does count. An immediate response from a trained individual can stabilise a victim’s condition, and prevent the situation from deteriorating further. EFAW training empowers employees to recognise problems early, and perform essential life-saving interventions like CPR, managing bleeding, and treating shock.
While any action in the case of a cardiac arrest is better than none, knowing the correct technique – and having the confidence to implement it immediately – can make a huge difference to survivability, as every lost second starves the brain of more oxygen. This combination of both a quick action and a correct one can significantly increase the chances of survival in a range of circumstances, and reduce the severity of injuries, improving long-term outcomes for those affected.
2. Confidence in crisis
Emergencies can be chaotic and overwhelming, leading to panic and confusion. Some people may freeze up, while others may make rash decisions, or argue over what the correct approach to the situation is. This lack of clear leadership and action can delay the provision of proper treatment, and put the ill or injured persons in greater danger.
EFAW training not only imparts practical skills, but also aims to boost confidence in handling critical situations. While it’s impossible to truly emulate a real emergency situation, training staff to assess a situation, make informed decisions, and administer aid can help them keep a level head, and provide effective assistance with minimal delay.
3. Reduces downtime and costs
Your first thought in the event of a workplace accident or illness will never be the cost to the business, but this is an unfortunate reality. Injuries and other incidents can lead to costly downtime, medical expenses, and potential legal repercussions. The staff around the affected persons may also find that their mental health is affected, and the site of the accident could be put out of action.
By having employees with Emergency First Aid at Work training, businesses can help to mitigate these risks. Swift and appropriate interventions can minimise the severity of injuries, which in turn reduces recovery times and associated costs. This in turn can help to ease the worries of other staff members, and limit the overall impact of an incident on the workplace.
4. Compliance with regulations
Many jurisdictions have regulations in place that require businesses to have a certain number of trained first aiders based on the size of the workforce. In the UK, all employers – no matter the size – have a responsibility to plan for first aid in the workplace, including designating at least one person responsible for workplace first aid. They must also provide a first aid kit with adequate supplies for the nature of the work being undertaken.
By training employees in Emergency First Aid at Work, you can help to meet your health and safety responsibilities, and evidence your investment in and commitment to workplace wellbeing. This will not only shield you from potential litigation, but show to employees that you value their wellbeing, and make them less worried about the outcome of any illness or injury at work.
5. Fosters a better safety culture
Health and safety at work is not always a given. While the law makes certain guarantees about safety in the workplace – or at least imposes certain requirements – some organisations feel like they are constantly butting up against these regulations. Laws that are meant to keep people safe can feel like limitations, and lead to a culture where safety is not taken as seriously as it should be.
Prioritising Emergency First Aid at Work training sends a strong message to employees that their safety is of paramount importance. It establishes a safety-orientated culture within the workplace, encouraging staff to be proactive in identifying potential hazards, and addressing them promptly when they are discovered. This culture of vigilance can prevent accidents from occurring in the first place; and make employees feel more valued, and more comfortable in the work that they do.
6. Tailored to workplace risks
Each workplace has specific risk factors, even within the same industry. The most mundane buildings can have unique hazards and safety considerations, from steep staircases to trailing cables and dodgy kettles. While outright dangerous parts of the workplace should always be addressed and fixed, some aspects will require unique consideration.
EFAW training can be customised to address the specific risks associated with a particular workplace. For example, employees working in a construction site might need more specific training on handling injuries caused by machinery or breathing difficulties, while those in an office environment might focus more on responding to medical emergencies like heart attacks or strokes.
7. Team building and employee morale
Team building exercises may have evolved a bit over the years, but the tangible benefits of an escape room aren’t any easier to track. While there’s a sense that they improve relationships and collaboration, the outcomes of that investment can be difficult to track. For many businesses, they’re simply a perk that may have some added benefits.
Participating in Emergency First Aid at Work training is a way to foster camaraderie among employees while also giving them valuable new skills. It promotes teamwork and cooperation as employees learn to support each other in times of crisis. Additionally, knowing that they possess life-saving skills can boost employee morale and job satisfaction, keeping employees together at an organisation for longer.
Emergency First Aid at Work training is an investment that can bring huge returns in terms of safety, confidence, and your workplace’s preparedness for an emergency situation. It equips employees with the skills to take immediate action during critical moments, and significantly increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Beyond compliance and cost savings, EFAW training fosters a workplace culture that prioritises the well-being of its members. In a world where accidents are unpredictable, Emergency First Aid at Work training stands as a beacon of preparedness and hope, showcasing the profound value of each life saved through timely and effective first aid.