Fire, Rescue, and Medical Services
Although most of us quickly
move away from the hazardous environments created during
emergency situations, a group of dedicated and well-trained
professional emergency responders and medical service
personnel are tasked with containing and mitigating these
incidents, rescuing individuals at-risk, and providing
medical assistance to the injured. |
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Using
public resources |
Unless you are a large employer
handling hazardous materials and processes or have employees
regularly working in hazardous situations, you will probably
choose to rely on local public resources to provide these
specialized services. If you choose to use external departments
or agencies, such as the local fire and police departments,
medical clinics or hospitals, and ambulance services,
make sure they are prepared to respond as outlined in
your plan. For example:
- Have members of the local fire department
conduct a walk-through of your workplace so
they are familiar with the layout and any potential
hazards.
- Establish a relationship with a local ambulance
service so transportation is readily available
for emergencies.
- Make arrangements with near by medical clinics
or other facilities to handle emergency
cases and to provide medical and first-aid
services to employees.
- If an infirmary, clinic, or hospital is not
close to your workplace, ensure that onsite
person(s) have adequate first-aid training.
The American Red Cross, some insurance providers,
local safety councils, fire departments, or
other sources may be able to provide this training.
Treatment of a serious injury should begin within
three to four minutes of the accident. Consult
with a physician or other professional to order
appropriate first-aid supplies for emergencies.
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