Assessing the Scene & Basic Emergency Response

Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! This week, we're focusing on one of the most critical safety topics: First Aid & Emergency Preparedness.

Knowing how to respond calmly and effectively in the first moments of an emergency can be the difference between a serious injury and a life saved. The greatest mistake an untrained worker can make is rushing in without thinking.

The Three-Step Emergency Sequence

When an incident occurs, follow this sequence to protect yourself, the victim, and others:

1. ASSESS the Scene: Before you approach the victim, confirm the area is safe.

   • Look for Secondary Hazards: Are there live electrical wires, broken gas lines, unstable structures, or vehicles still in motion?

   • Make it Safe: If possible and safe to do so (e.g., shutting off power, calling for the immediate removal of a vehicle), eliminate the hazard. If you cannot make it safe, you must keep back and wait for professionals. Your priority is not to become the second victim.

2. ALERT Others & Call for Help: Immediately initiate the emergency action plan.

   • Internal Alert: Call for your site supervisor or designated first aid responder.

   • External Alert: Call 911 (or your local emergency number). Clearly state your exact location and the nature of the emergency.

3. AID the Victim: Only after the scene is safe and help is on the way should you begin administering first aid.

   • Check Vitals: Check the victim for consciousness and breathing.

   • Basic Support: Begin CPR if trained and necessary, or apply pressure to control severe bleeding with a gloved hand.

The first few moments following an incident determine the outcome. Stay safe, stay calm, and follow the sequence.

Tomorrow, we’ll cover basic first aid procedures for common construction injuries.

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-The Safety Man