With the weather really beginning to bite, it’s time to look at a few important ways to prevent and/or respond to first aid incidents in chilly weather.
FIRE ALARMS / BUILDING EVACUATION
You probably have a case or box that automatically goes outside should an emergency require evacuation of a building. Extended periods in cold and/or wet conditions can lead to mild hypothermia; in particular, watch those who aren’t as well protected from the elements or who don’t have as much ‘natural padding’ to keep them warm! If you suspect hypothermia (pale, cold, blue lips, shivering, maybe becoming confused), move them to a warmer location, gently wrap in a couple of layers of warm clothing (don’t overdo it), and call 999 if they do not respond to these measures quickly.
TOP TIP Include foil blankets in the evacuation box to help protect more vulnerable staff and/or clients from the cold.
TOP TIP Ensure asthmatic staff and clients take their inhalers out with them; the transition from warm to cold air is often a trigger for an asthma attack.
RECOVERY POSITION IN THE OUTDOORS
If a colleague should become unconscious outdoors for any reason, the usual action would be to place them in the recovery position unless there is an injury preventing you from doing so. However, if they are lying on cold ground, they will lose heat very quickly through the ground and their head.
TOP TIP If they don’t have a hat on, borrow one from someone else to keep them warm.
TOP TIP If they are lying on cold ground, open out a foil blanket and roll it up halfway.
1. Tuck the rolled edge lengthways underneath their side, making sure it reaches up to the top of their head.
2. Put them in the recovery position, rolling them over the rolled-up foil blanket onto the laid-out foil (this was the day I found out you can’t put a full-sized manikin into the recovery position properly!)
3. Gently untuck the foil from behind them, unroll it and bring it over them. Make sure their head is covered, but that you are able to monitor their breathing until help arrives.
SLIPS AND TRIPS IN ICY CONDITIONS
It goes without saying that entrances and exits from buildings need to be gritted well in icy conditions to help prevent falls. Most people who slip over the ice or wet leaves get away with just damaging their pride, but if they are injured and struggling to get to their feet, or if the fall was potentially caused by something other than a slippery surface, then you will need to call an ambulance. It can be dangerous to lift someone who has fallen for a medical reason rather than an environmental one, so if you are not sure, ask 999 for guidance.
TOP TIP If your casualty cannot get up, make sure you wrap them in foil blankets, outer layers or whatever you have available (static bodies get cold quickly!) and if possible, insulate them from the floor. A hat is also a good idea if you can find one, and consider sheltering them from the elements if necessary with an umbrella or similar cover.
Stay safe this winter with Winterbury Training!
Contact us with any questions and we’ll be happy to help.
