Emergency Preparedness for the Occupational Health Nurse: Are You Prepared?

Abstract

In the U.S., there are approximately 4.6 million workplace injuries that require emergency medical care. Worksite emergencies can occur at any point of the workday and employers and workers need to be prepared to manage them. Providing additional training to workers regarding potential emergencies is essential and could save lives. Teaching life-saving skills is an important part of worksite training now due to increase in violence at work and in preparation for natural and man-made disasters. The occupational health nurse (OHN), through education and skills training, can prepare the worksite for such events. While OSHA requires an emergency action plan for worksite, the OHN should provide additional training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Stop the Bleed®, and active shooter preparedness. According to the American Heart Association, doubling the number of individuals trained in CPR would double the survival rate for cardiac arrest events inside and outside the hospital. Trauma related hemorrhages can lead to death in a matter of minutes. Stop the Bleed® training empowers bystanders to administer aid during a life-threatening emergency. Workplace violence has increased and being prepared with active shooter training is essential to reduce worker fatalities. These additional life-saving skills are essential to worksite emergency preparation. The OHN is in a crucial position to provide lifesaving skills to their worksite.

Keywords: bleeding control; emergency preparedness; first responders; occupational health nursing practice; occupational injury; occupational safety and health administration.