In an adequate safety, health, and well-being management system, risks must be assessed, and preventive, corrective, and protective measures established. However, it is evident that these measures can fail or be insufficient. This is why accidents and other health damages occur in workplaces. This circumstance must also be foreseen. This is where first aid comes in, as a fundamental part of the emergency system.
First aid is the first and immediate assistance given to anyone suffering from a minor or serious illness or injury, with the aim of providing the necessary help to the injured person to preserve their life, prevent the condition from worsening, or promote recovery, prior to assistance from medical personnel.
Origin and History of First Aid
Military Origin of First Aid
At times, the daily struggle on a construction site can be very similar to a battlefield. Well, first aid has existed since humans have been at war, although it is not exactly the same type of battle. What is certain is that in both places, health damages occur, and there is a need to address them for different reasons.
From ancient hieroglyphs, we know that the Egyptians not only used bandages in the mummification process but also used them to heal war wounds.
We know from history that most ancient Greek doctors received their training in Egypt. Classical Greek pottery depicts bandaging and other first aid techniques applied to battle wounds.
First Aid in the Modern Age
Although the Romans already used ambulances and battlefield medics, the credit for creating the first formal ambulance service goes to Napoleon Bonaparte’s personal surgeon, Baron Dominique-Jean Larrey. He created the Volante (flying ambulance) which was responsible for treating and evacuating the wounded on the battlefield. In 1863, this plan was implemented and led to the formation of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the adoption of the Geneva Convention a year later.
In 1870, formalized first aid was introduced into the army by Prussian military surgeon Friedrich von Esmarch, who was responsible for training soldiers in wound care, splinting, and other first aid practices. It was Esmarch who first coined the term erste hilfe (first aid).
In 1872, in England, it was realized that to provide quality medical assistance, they had to be able to treat patients at the scene of the accident. This led to the establishment of the first Ambulance Service in the United Kingdom.
The practice of first aid was first taught to civilians in 1878. The first class was taught at the Presbyterian school in Woolwich and had a specific curriculum. This evolved into first aid as we know it today.
First Aid in the Workplace
Law 31/95 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks establishes that it is the employer’s obligation to adopt the necessary measures “regarding first aid, emergency medical assistance, rescue, and firefighting, to ensure their speed and effectiveness.” These measures can be adopted through external services to the company.
In any case, the employer must internally designate individuals responsible for implementing emergency measures, including the provision of first aid when necessary.
Logically, and as stated in the aforementioned law, “the said personnel must possess the necessary training, be sufficient in number, and have adequate material, depending on the circumstances…”
Royal Decree 1627/97 on safety and health in construction works also establishes the responsibilities in this matter for the employer in compliance with the Occupational Risk Prevention Law. In this regard, the emergency and first aid measures to be adopted must be reflected in a specific document for this purpose. If there is a safety and health study or basic study, they must be included therein and developed in the safety and health plans for the work.
The characteristics that emergency premises must meet are also established. This will depend on the specific activity carried out by each company within the construction site. Likewise, first aid material must be properly managed to ensure its sufficient availability, including first aid kits for those who, due to their work, have to travel or move for work.
