Getting effective first aid at work

This is particularly challenging where the organization operates from a large site which may include numerous buildings and outdoor areas such as storage sites, loading bays, parking areas etc. This creates multiple areas of potential hazard to employees and site visitors alike, should a medical emergency arise suddenly, or an accident occur.

Brabourne Communications, the well-established UK based radio systems integrator have developed a solution which meets this requirement. Called BrabourneCallPoint this is an easy way for an individual to summon assistance. Call points are strategically positioned around the site. These can be located indoors or outside and are easily identified by a large, high visibility green palm switch along with the appropriate signage. The user simply depresses the switch and the call point sends a location message to reception, security and first aiders.

Knowing the exact location of the injured person is paramount to ensuring that the response time is kept to a minimum. But it is only part of the process. Many organizations have evolved first aid procedures that are outdated and can cause confusion regarding the location of the person requiring help, slowing down the response time. 

Many organizations have employed a tannoy system and this in itself can cause unnecessary delays and is distracting to the other employees thus impacting on the business’s other activities. All of these issues are resolved with BrabourneCallPoint.

Integrating call points with modern digital radio systems is just one way of improving both the effectiveness of your first aid response but it also makes the on-site radio system more productive.

A 34-storey office, multi tenanted tower block in London has installed such a system. With a call point on each landing anyone can summon assistance quickly and easily. Such a large building has a full-time security office which coordinates the required response. It also allows for an efficient way of recording the incident should post event action be needed.

Adding a 2-way communication capability to the call point also permits staff who may not have a radio and site visitors to contact security or reception easily. Cost is always a consideration when updating HSE policies. A major restriction to the installation of call points at widespread and complex sites is the extensive cabling required to connect all the call points to a central receiving station. Using a radio-based solution avoids this and provides a low-cost solution for the employer.

Further enhancements have seen BrabourneCallPoint being used by site visitors to activate gates and barriers once permission to enter the site has been received. Although BrabourneCallPoint can be integrated to existing on site radio or pager systems the greatest benefits occur when a digital radio system is employed. Call points can also be used to send text messages to mobile phones ensuring that other interested parties are kept informed of a developing situation.

For more information, email simon@brabournecommunications.com or call 01332 363135