Offices and buildings may seem like safe and secure environments, but there are hazards that you are probably unaware of. Because of this, accidents may occur any moment and can result in a disaster when no one is prepared for them. With that, we will be discussing first aid and the benefits of taking a CERT Basic First Aid course in Singapore.
What is the requirement of a building or company to appoint an emergency response first aider in Singapore?
For a building or company with requirement of fire safety manager is required to set up a Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) to comply with the Fire Safety Requirement, the CERT members must also be trained and competent to be a first aider to render basic first aid during an emergency. There are also certain requirements they must meet. These are the following:
- Sufficient full or well-stocked first-aid aid kit, box, equipment in the workplace
- A well-maintained, designated first-aid room if workforce is 500 or more
- An easily accessible water source in the case of flushing of eyes or any body part that has come into contact with corrosive substances
What are the main duties and responsibilities of emergency response team first aiders?
A first aid responder has 3 major responsibilities. These are the following:
1. Managing Casualties
It is a must that a first-aid responder has an extensive knowledge of various workplace hazards. These can be corrosive substances, heavy equipment and the like. Furthermore, they should be able to administer first aid whenever needed.
They must follow these steps when taking care of an injured employee:
- Analyse the situation and ensure your own safety before anything else
- Identify the victim’s injuries
- Administer immediate first aid and prioritise the more severe injuries, if there are several
- Once they have addressed the injuries, arrange for the transfer of the employee to professional medical attention. They can also be brought home, depending on how severe the situation is
- Hand-over any important information about the accident and the victim to the medical attendee. These can be details of the event, the nature of injuries, as well as first-aid treatment given.
The responsibility of the first-aider ends once the victim has been handed over to a nurse or doctor.
2. Maintaining a Treatment Record
It is the first aid responder’s duty to keep track of all kinds of treatment they have administered throughout their appointment. Physical copies must be stored in the office.
3. Maintaining First-Aid Facilities
Another responsibility the first aider has is to keep track and maintain the contents of the office first aid kid. They must check this routinely, and ensure that there is no shortage of any supplies or expiration of items.
What are the benefits of taking basic first aid courses?
You never know when an accident might occur, which is why it is vital that people in the workplace are ready. With that, here are some benefits of taking basic first aid courses.
1. First Aid Saves Lives
While it may seem obvious, it’s important to emphasize that basic first aid saves lives. Despite our best efforts, there are just times when medical respondents take time to arrive at the site of the accident. Because of this, there will be no choice but to wait for them to arrive. But if your employees completed proper training, they can administer first aid without delay. This way you can prevent the situation from worsening, and even save a victim’s life.
2. Confidence Performing First Aid
As this course is recognized by SCDF as one of the First Aid Courses the CERT member should complete, they will be instilled with the confidence to perform first aid. When accidents occur, it is vital not to waste any time. Whether a person survives an accident depends on how fast the victims received immediate attention and care. With that, basic first aid courses equip your employees the skills and confidence to act immediately.
3. Safe Work Environment
When everyone in your workplace receives proper basic first aid training, it ensures a safe work environment. Not only because people know how to act in the event of an accident, but your employees become more aware of their surroundings as well. This then helps prevent further accidents from happening, as it encourages the practice of safe habits.
4. Shorter Recovery Time
There is another way basic first aid training can benefit victims other than saving their lives. When the first responder administered first aid immediately, this can help greatly reduce the recovery time of the patient. This is beneficial not only because it helps reduce the severity of the accident, but they can immediately begin their healing process. With that, this helps them get back on their feet quicker and be eager to return to the office.
5. Improved Personal Lifestyle
While your original intent is to get your employees trained for work, they actually carry these skills with them throughout their lives. Because of this, you are actually training them for any emergency, even outside your office. With that, they can easily attend to anyone in need, with the knowledge and confidence you helped them build. This serves as a great benefit as they can successfully help their family, people in public, or themselves if needed.
Prepare Your Employees With Proper Basic First Aid Training Courses!
Accidents can happen at any given time, and the outcome solely depends on whether a first aider is at the scene. The longer they delay the first aid on the patient, the more their lives are at risk. Having a properly trained employee is a great and efficient way to ensure that these victims are attended to without delay or hesitation. Equip yourselves with the knowledge of first aid training with Advance Safe’s CERT Basic First Aid + AED Course today! Visit our website or call us on (+65) 6252 4456 and take the extra precautions necessary to save lives.
