Responding to Accidents and Sudden Illnesses in Health and Social Care Settings

While basic life support is covered in detail elsewhere in this course, it's important to understand how to respond to other accidents and sudden illnesses that may occur in a health or social care setting.

Common Workplace Accidents

Accidents may vary depending on the nature of the workplace and the people being supported. All care settings should have risk assessments in place. These identify potential hazards and outline steps to reduce the likelihood of incidents occurring.

Common workplace accidents may include:

• Slips, trips, and falls.
• Sharps injuries.
• Burns and scalds.
• Injuries involving machinery or specialised equipment.
• Electrocution.
• Accidental poisoning.

Dealing with Sudden Illnesses

In care settings, you may also support individuals with pre-existing health conditions, which can lead to sudden illness. Situations you may encounter include:

• Diabetic coma
• Food poisoning
• Epileptic seizures
• Fainting
• Bleeding
• Shock
• Choking
• Fractures
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Burns

Steps to Take in the Event of an Accident or Sudden Illness

If an accident or sudden illness occurs, your first priority is to ensure the safety of the person affected and those around them. Every workplace will have a health and safety procedure for emergencies—make sure you are familiar with this, along with the individual’s care plan, especially if they are known to have a condition that could lead to sudden illness.

Three HSE Recognised Levels of First Aid Training

There are three HSE recognised levels of first aid training:

1. The Appointed Person in the Workplace qualification.
2. The Emergency First Aid at Work qualification.
3. The First Aid at Work qualification.

What to Do if Someone Has an Accident or Becomes Suddenly Unwell

If you have not received appropriate first aid training, be careful as you may unintentionally cause harm. For example, placing someone in the recovery position with a potential spinal injury could make it worse. In such situations, your role is to remain calm and seek help immediately.

Here are the key steps to take:

• Remain calm and call for help, this may involve shouting, phoning emergency services, or getting a trained colleague.
• Observe the person carefully, listen to what they say (if they can speak), note what has happened, and reassure them without moving them, unless there is a risk to their safety.
• Stay with the person until qualified help arrives. Note any changes in their condition. These details may be important for paramedics or healthcare staff.
• Only do what is absolutely necessary to keep the person stable and alive until help arrives.
• Once the situation is under control, complete a written incident report and follow agreed workplace procedures to inform carers, managers, or family members if appropriate.

Knowing Your Role and Limits

It is essential that all care workers know their own level of training and do not act beyond their competence. Knowing how to respond safely and responsibly, without attempting treatment beyond your training, can make a critical difference in protecting those in your care.