The safety and wellbeing of your employees is always a priority. One way to support this is with the right approach to first aid.
This guide explores tools and techniques that all modern businesses should use with their workplace first aid.
First Aid Kit
Despite the exciting advancements in first aid technology, there’s only one place to start: the traditional first aid kit. In countries like the UK, it is mandatory for these kits to be readily accessible and stocked with essential items. The contents of a first aid kit generally include:
- Adhesive bandages and plasters
- Antiseptic wipes and creams
- Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
- Scissors and tweezers
- Disposable gloves
- Burn dressings
Even when not mandated to do so, it’s important for your business to have on hand adequate, appropriate first aid equipment. For instance, highly rated commercial first aid kits at seton.co.uk are fully equipped with everything you need. The result: you can supply employees with immediate, effective attention should they sustain an injury.
Digital First Aid Kit
Traditional first aid kits are still essential, yes – but digital solutions are also complimenting them. Digital first aid kits are equipped with QR codes and sensors, which supply real-time information on their contents. As a result, these smart kits can alert you when supplies are low or specific items have been used. This helps to keep your first aid kit fully stocked and ready to use.
That’s not all. These kits can also offer step-by-step instructions on how to use each item. Simply scan a QR code, and you can receive a video or guide that details what to do – ideal in high-stress situations where quick, accurate responses are imperative.
Automated External Defibrillators
An automated external defibrillator (AED) has become a staple in the modern workplace. This is for one simple reason: their life-saving potential in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
Thanks to innovations in AED technology, these devices have become more user-friendly, compact, and accessible. This has made them more viable for businesses of all sizes. Newer models also come with advanced features like voice prompts and visual instructions, which guide even untrained individuals through the resuscitation process. Some AEDs go a step further and connect to emergency services, supplying real-time data and reducing the time for professional medical responders to arrive.
First Aid Apps and Online Training
Due to virtually everyone being in possession of a smartphone, this has opened up new avenues for first aid training and assistance.
Take specialist first aid apps as an example. They offer instant access to key information and step-by-step guides on handling various medical emergencies. This makes them particularly valuable in remote work environments where immediate professional help may not be available.
Furthermore, there are various online training programs that are becoming popular – and effective – for educating employees on first aid. These interactive platforms, from courses to VR simulations, create immersive experiences that help the given information stick.
Wearable Health Devices
Wearable health devices, aka smartwatches and fitness trackers, are not only for personal health monitoring anymore. These devices can be important to your company’s first aid goals. Some wearables can detect falls or sudden changes in vitals like heart rate and oxygen levels, which triggers automatic alerts to designated first aid responders or emergency contacts.
This immediate response can truly be life-saving.
