Initial Response

In any serious emergency, the primary concern is to get care for the victim(s) by calling 911. Know the physical address of the emergency, and provide the operator with requested information. Stay on the line with the operator, and do not hang up unless told to do so.

Once help is on the way, and if the scene is safe for you to do so:

• Get the first aid kit and assist the victim following accepted standards of care, if trained to do so (or following instructions from 911 dispatch). Otherwise, help keep the patient calm until emergency services arrive.
• Do not move the victim unless it is absolutely necessary (as identified in First Aid/CPR training).
• Turn off any equipment or power switches that need to be shut down. Do not move anything in the area.
• Make a note of the people present at the time of the incident. This will include any witnesses and the victim's supervisor. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses should be noted.
• Secure the area.  Use barricade tape or lock doors to keep people out of the area until notified otherwise.
• Notify Environmental Health & Safety, your departmental safety Representative, and management of the incident as soon as possible. There may be official notifications that have to be made to Virginia OSHA within hours.
• Make sure an Employer's Accident Report is completed and filed with Human Resources within 24 hours.
  
• Begin your investigation.