Emergency Personnel
Ideally, an on-site medical professional should respond to heat-related emergencies. If a medical professional isn't available, a supervisor or team member trained in heat illness response must serve as the first responder. This individual must be trained in heat-related first aid, certified in CPR and AED use, and familiar with the emergency action plan. All team members must regularly review the emergency action plan.
Emergency Communication
Effective communication is essential for quick emergency response. The first responder or key team member must have immediate access to a working telephone or communication device, with a backup available. A current list of emergency contacts—including local EMS, hospital, fire station, and police station—must be maintained and stored in the supervisor's phone.
Emergency Equipment
The worksite must have a designated area stocked with extra water, ice bags, cooling fans, towels, and if possible, a cold-water immersion tub or tarp.
First Responder
The first responder must immediately take charge if a worker shows signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, abnormal behavior, pale skin, or rapid heartbeat, and provide appropriate medical care.
Directions to Emergency Site
If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 immediately. Inform the dispatcher that you suspect heat stroke and provide clear directions to your location. Answer all questions thoroughly and stay on the line until instructed to hang up. Assign someone to meet and guide emergency responders to the victim's location, if needed.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
6-2. Which combination of items would be most appropriate in a designated emergency cooling area?
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