FEATURES 27
Learn how to save a life
Compiled by
Tanya Olckers
It makes sense for plumbers to get trained in first aid , as accidents are more likely to occur on site .
Plumbers are always working on site , and working on site means that the possibility of injury or medical emergency is greater . It is important for plumbers to get trained in first aid to be able to deal with injury and emergency .
The crucial thing here is to remember that a trained and certified first aider is needed to administer any care required . Injuries can range from something minor , like a cut on a finger , to something more serious such as heat stroke or heart attack . It is essential to be properly trained to deal with emergency situations .
“ As we strive to increase the standard of health and safety in the industry , we highly recommend all plumbers to have basic first aid knowledge ,” says Courtne Coetzee from OHSS Consulting .
While the law requires a first aider to be appointed when there are 10 or more employees in a company , it is worth doing a course in first aid , even if the business is small and consists of one or two employees . First aid is a skill that is valuable both inside and outside of the workplace . A first aid kit is required for a staff complement of five or more .
“ If it was up to me , I would have at least two certified first aiders per floor in , say , a three-storey building ,” says Saroj Rajoo , Director of Training with St John Ambulance . “ This way there will always be someone there to administer first aid in the event one of the other first aiders is not available .”
Because plumbers are not located in an office all day , it makes sense that if they are working in pairs , they are both trained in first aid in case one of them is incapacitated on the job .
Why is first aid important ? The main aims of first aid are to preserve life . This involves protecting yourself and the casualty from infection and injury , as well as to avoid transmitting germs between you and them . It is also used to protect the casualty from further harm , and preventing the injury or illness from getting any worse . The first aider also needs to provide reassurance and promote a speedy recovery .
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Heat stroke can be a danger on hot days .
using the contents of the first aid box . This is why it is important to understand wound care and minor injury first aid treatment .”
First aiders are generally on site in the workplace and available to provide care , or possibly keep someone alive until professional help arrives . They will ensure that EMS are called quickly when needed .
One of the critical steps of first aid is to have the ability to recognise emergency first aid conditions that require immediate attention , such as trying to stop bleeding . By applying direct pressure to a bleeding wound , the patient ’ s blood loss is slowed down or stopped , and this may prevent the condition from getting worse .
If the injury is not minor , the only course of action , then , is to call EMS .
“ According to the law – anything that is not considered a section 24 incident and accident ( requiring the person to go to hospital ) will be considered a minor or first aid injury ,” says Coetzee . “ This is considered the responsibility of the first aider . These will be treated
Keep a first aid kit in the van .
April 2024 Volume 30 I Number 2 www . plumbingafrica . co . za