Medical Emergency Policy

Policy

[Company Name] will make every effort to ensure the workplace is safe and healthy for all employees. In this effort we are establishing a protocol for action and who to contact in the event of a medical emergency at the worksite. 

Procedure

Below are the steps and considerations for individuals who witness or respond to a medical emergency.

1^st priority – Call 9-1-1 if severe illness or injury is possibly life threatening. In the event of a possible life threatening medical situation, call 9-1-1 immediately for emergency services first. For example, life threatening emergencies might include, but would not be limited to, severe chest pains, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness or behavior that is violent.

2^nd priority – Contact First Responders. [Insert protocol for contacting any first responders (First responders may include your security personnel, supervisors or other employees who are first aid/CPR trained.  Employers should post updated first responder lists/contact information throughout the facilities especially near emergency phones. Identify if there is a protocol such as paging a certain code name or calling one number to reach first responders on-site)]. First Responders may provide basic first aid or CPR until emergency medical services (EMS) are able to take over. 

3^rd priority – Contact Human Resources. [Insert protocol for contacting HR]. Human resources will station an employee at the building entrance to direct EMS to the location of the medical emergency. Human Resources will then attempt to contact the employee's designated emergency contact person.

Employees can assist in a medical emergency by doing the following:

• Direct someone to call 9-1-1 or clearly state that you will call.
• Direct someone to contact/locate first responders or clearly state that you will do this.
• Identify and/or remove any dangers to the victim or others in the vicinity. DO NOT move the victim unless the person's life is endangered in the current location.
• Attend to the victim as needed/able until someone more qualified can take over. This may just be talking to them reassuringly or holding their hand. If the person is conscious, ask for permission before giving care.
• Direct someone to contact/locate someone in HR or clearly state that you will do this.
• Take note of the specifics such as, who was involved, what happened, when did it occur and where did it occur. This information may be needed by EMS, a first responder or HR.
• Direct someone to verify that a staff member is at the front entrance to meet EMS.
• Reduce unnecessary employee traffic around the area.

An incident report must be completed within 48 hours by the supervisor of the employee involved in the medical emergency. Statements should be obtained by witnesses and others involved.