A prompt and effective response to a medical emergency on a construction site can mean the difference between life and death. Heart attacks, severe bleeding, head injuries, crush injuries, and electrocution all require immediate first aid followed by emergency medical services. Every worker must know how to raise the alarm, where the nearest first aid kit and defibrillator are located, and how to direct an ambulance to the correct part of the site. The first few minutes are the most critical.
Key Hazards
Delayed ambulance arrival due to poor site access or incorrect location directions
First aiders unavailable because their identities and locations are not communicated
Incorrect first aid response worsening the casualty's condition before paramedics arrive
Defibrillator not accessible or workers untrained in its use during a cardiac arrest
Control Measures
Know the location of the nearest first aid kit and defibrillator from your work area.
Know who the appointed first aiders are on site and where they can be found during the shift.
Call 999 immediately for any serious injury and provide the exact site address and grid reference.
Send someone to meet the ambulance at the site entrance and guide them to the casualty location.
Ensure site access roads and gates can accommodate an ambulance without obstruction.
Do not move a casualty with a suspected spinal injury unless they are in immediate further danger.
Apply direct pressure with a clean dressing to control severe bleeding while waiting for help.
Use the defibrillator for any casualty who is unconscious and not breathing normally.
Stay with the casualty, keep them warm, and provide reassurance until medical help arrives.
Emergency / Rescue
For a cardiac arrest: call 999, start chest compressions, and use the defibrillator as soon as it arrives. For severe bleeding: apply direct pressure and elevate the limb. For suspected spinal injury: keep the casualty still and do not move them.
Remember
The first few minutes after a serious injury are the most critical for survival and recovery.
Know where the first aid kit and defibrillator are located before you start work each day.
A defibrillator can save a life during cardiac arrest and can be used safely by untrained persons.
Give the ambulance service the exact site address, postcode, and grid reference when calling 999.
Send a person to the site entrance to meet and guide the ambulance directly to the casualty.
Do not attempt to move a casualty with a suspected spinal injury unless their life is in immediate danger.
Applicable Legislation: Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 · CDM Regulations 2015 · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 · Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999