First aid training and emergency response - a wake-up call for companies
The nationwide emergency day on 12 September offers companies an excellent opportunity to put their emergency strategies to the test. Emergencies often occur completely out of the blue - from accidents to health emergencies such as heart attacks - and it is particularly important that everyone is prepared at times when many new or temporary employees are hired. Well-trained employees can play a crucial role in saving lives in such situations. Alarm Day should therefore be used as an opportunity to critically examine and optimise first aid strategies and emergency plans within the company.
First aid training: Why companies should not only pay attention to legal requirements
The organisation of first aid in companies is not just a formal fulfilment of legal obligations, but is crucial for the safety of the workforce. According to the regulations of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), companies with 2 to 20 employees must have at least one first aider on site. For larger companies with more than 20 employees, the requirement increases to 5 to 10 % of the workforce. However, these requirements should not be seen purely as a compulsory exercise.
Reality shows that the rapid and practised deployment of first aiders can be the decisive link in the rescue chain. In the event of a heart attack or serious injury, the first few minutes can make the difference between life and death. That is why it is not enough to have theoretical knowledge - in an emergency, first aiders must be able to act calmly, treat injuries and call for help as quickly as possible. And this can only be achieved by actively practising for emergencies in which everything suddenly has to happen very quickly.
Customised first aid training courses: More than standard solutions
Regular first aid training should be an integral part of every company strategy. It is therefore important to implement practice-orientated training courses that are tailored to the specific risks in the company. For example, if your company works with hazardous machinery or processes chemical substances, the training content should take these risks into particular consideration.
External trainers can help to bring valuable perspectives and up-to-date knowledge from outside the company. They often have a better understanding of new regulations and bring fresh impetus by running through practical scenarios that are specifically tailored to the company. This ensures that employees are not only prepared in theory, but also in practice to act effectively in the event of a real emergency.
We at HSE Health and Safety Experts are at your side and will be happy to support you in selecting and arranging qualified first aid course providers. With our expertise, we can help you find the right training solution for your company so that your employees are optimally trained and prepared.
Emergency plans and warning systems: only effective if they are understood and regularly tested
An emergency plan in the cupboard is useless if the staff do not know it or do not know how to act in an emergency. Companies must therefore ensure that emergency plans are not only in place, but are actively integrated into everyday life. Regular emergency drills, in which the entire workforce practises the procedures, should be indispensable. The nationwide emergency day can be used as a perfect reminder to optimise processes and identify potential weak points.
Modern technologies such as alarm apps or location-based SMS alert systems offer additional support. These systems should be regularly checked for functionality and necessary updates, and it must be ensured that all employees know how the software solutions work and can easily access them in an emergency.
First aid rooms: more than just a room
In companies with a large number of employees or an increased risk of accidents, first aid rooms are not an option, but an obligation. According to the Workplace Ordinance, companies with more than 1,000 employees or companies with an increased risk of accidents must set up a first aid room equipped in accordance with the ASR A4.3 technical rule for workplaces. These rooms not only provide space for the storage of materials, but also for the safe treatment of injured persons. A routine check of the equipment is just as important as ensuring that all employees have access to it.
Special training for temporary and new employees
New and temporary employees are often not integrated into a company's emergency structures to the same extent as permanent staff. This group must therefore be given particular attention, as they have often not yet received comprehensive training on the specific risks and safety precautions. Intensive initial training directly at the start of work, in which the most important emergency measures are taught, helps here. An additional mentoring system, in which experienced employees act as contact persons for new employees, can make it much easier to integrate them into the company's safety structures.
Conclusion: Emergency preparation is active risk minimisation
We hope we have been able to explain to you why preparing for emergencies should not just be a "can do" for your company, but a "must do". With customised first aid training and clearly defined emergency plans, you can ensure that your company is prepared for a wide range of scenarios in the worst-case scenario. The Alarm Day on 12 September is therefore the perfect opportunity to put your safety measures to the test and eliminate any weaknesses. It's not just about fulfilling legal requirements, but actively promoting the safety of your team and saving lives in the event of an emergency - an investment that pays off in every respect.
FAQs
Why is first aid training important in the company?
First aid training in the company ensures that employees can react quickly and correctly in an emergency, save lives and treat accidents at work efficiently.
How often should first aid training courses be held in the company?
First aid training should take place at least once a year to ensure that all employees are up to date and prepared for emergencies.
What are the legal requirements for first aiders in the company?
According to the DGUV, at least one first aider must be available in companies with 2 to 20 employees; in larger companies, 5 to 10 % of the workforce.
Sources
https://www.dguv.de/fb-erstehilfe/themenfelder/erste-hilfe-raeume-in-betrieben/index.jsp
https://topeins.dguv.de/gesundheitsschutz/erste-hilfe-im-notfall-vorbereitet/
https://www.bbk.bund.de/SharedDocs/Termine/DE/2024/09/12-buwata-2024_termin.html
https://publikationen.dguv.de/widgets/pdf/download/article/759
