EMG/General/TBT-EMG-004

Medical Emergency Response

Emergency Preparedness › General › Medical Emergency Response

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A medical emergency on a construction site requires immediate response to preserve life before professional help arrives.
Common construction emergencies include cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, crush injuries, falls from height, and electric shock.
The response priority is DRABC: check for Danger, check Response, open Airway, check Breathing, start CPR if needed.
Call 999 immediately for any serious injury — do not delay calling while attempting treatment beyond your training.
Send a person to meet the ambulance at the site entrance and guide paramedics directly to the casualty location.
An AED should be used as soon as available for cardiac arrest — early defibrillation dramatically improves survival rates.
Severe bleeding must be controlled with direct pressure using a clean pad or dressing — do not apply a tourniquet unless trained.
For suspected spinal injuries from falls, keep the casualty still and do not move them unless there is immediate danger.
Electric shock casualties must not be touched until the electrical supply is confirmed isolated — you could become a second casualty.
Post-incident welfare support must be provided for colleagues who witnessed the emergency — traumatic events affect mental health.

Minutes matter	For cardiac arrest, brain damage begins within 4 minutes — immediate CPR and early defibrillation save lives.
Call first	Calling 999 immediately ensures professional help is on the way — delaying the call while attempting treatment costs precious time.
Electrical danger	Touching an electric shock casualty before isolation can electrocute the rescuer — confirm the supply is off before approaching.

Don't

DON'T delay calling 999 — make the call first, then start providing first aid.
DON'T skip the danger check — the scene must be safe before approaching.
DON'T withhold an AED from a cardiac arrest casualty — use it immediately.
DON'T ignore severe bleeding — apply direct pressure with a dressing straight away.
DON'T assume the ambulance will find the casualty — send a guide to the gate.
DON'T move a casualty with a suspected spinal injury unless their life is in danger.
DON'T touch an electric shock casualty until the power supply is confirmed isolated.
DON'T wait for an emergency to learn where the first aid kit and AED are located.
DON'T leave the casualty alone — maintain reassurance and monitor their condition.
DON'T forget the mental health of witnesses — traumatic events need welfare support.

See also: First Aid Response and Triage | Emergency Plan Awareness

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