I. SAFETY PLANNING

Health and Safety Updates

This document is a general guideline for good safety practices as they pertain to our work environment. A quick reference guide of the Emergency Action Cards are provided in Appendix I for responding to an emergency. However, please review the following college safety plans for further detailed instruction on safe workplace practices. They can be found on the college’s website, under employee forms and publications, then under Facilities (safety plans)

• Hazard Communication
• Blood borne Pathogens (Exposure Control Plan)
• Confined Spaces Plan
• Contractor Safety
• Electrical Safety
• Laboratory Safety (Chemical Hygiene)
• Control of Hazardous Energy (Lock out/Tag out)
• Respiratory Protection Plan
• Personal Protective Equipment Plan
• Fire Prevention Plan
• Asbestos Awareness
• Hot Work Permit
• Hearing Protection Plan
• Powered Industrial Truck
• Pandemic Influenza

The safety bulletin board will have the OSHA workplace poster on display. This informational board is located in the front of the Administration and Education building next the office of the Human Resources Director. The summary of occupational injuries and illnesses will be posted here by the first of February. Other important safety information and labor laws will also be posted there as needed.

 

Training

The college will offer training to all full-time employees through our on-line safety courses and through personalized training sessions. Initial safety training for all new full-time employees is required within the first 30 days. Each hiring supervisor is responsible for making sure that part-time employees hired by their department are given the necessary safety information for their job and information to access all other safety plans via the RCC website.

II. PREVENTING ACCIDENTS

A. Personal Actions

All necessary steps should be taken to prevent accidents. There are many ways that an accident can occur and the best way to avoid accidents is to have a safe attitude at all times and teach safe attitudes to others. Having a safe attitude means to think about safety at all times and be aware of an unsafe condition before the accident happens and correct the condition to make it safe before someone is injured.

Lifting heavy objects and lifting incorrectly can cause back injury and strains. The maximum weight that the average person can lift without risk of injury is about thirty (30) pounds. Lifting any more than this requires the assistance of others or mechanical aid. Lifting less than 30 pounds also requires the correct technique of keeping the back straight, the weight close to the body, not twisting, and lifting with the leg muscles.

There are a variety of situations that may cause slips, trips and falls:

• Wet or greasy floors
• Uneven walking surfaces
• Polished or freshly waxed floors
• Loose flooring, carpeting, or mats
• Transition from one floor type to another
• Missing or uneven floor tiles and bricks
• Sloped walking surfaces
• Shoes with wet, muddy, greasy, or oily soles
• Clutter
• Electrical cords or cables
• Open desk or file cabinet drawers
• Damaged ladder steps
• Metal surfaces — dock plates, construction plates
• Weather hazards — rain, sleet, ice, snow, hail, frost
• Wet leaves or pine needles

Here are six guidelines for a safer working environment:

1. Create Good Housekeeping Practices – Keep your area clean and clear
2. Reduce Wet or Slippery Surfaces
3. Avoid Creating Obstacles in Aisles and Walkways
4. Create and Maintain Proper Lighting – Do not try to navigate in the dark
5. Wear Proper Shoes
6. Pay Attention – Avoid multi-tasking while walking and know your surroundings

 

B. Safe Use of Tools

Hand tools and power tools cause a lot of injuries due to misuse. Everyone who uses tools must be trained in their use and know all of the operational instructions from the owners handbook. Safety glasses and any other recommended protection must be used when persons are using power tools or hand tools that may produce moving chips or particles, or are in an area near where these tools are in use.

All tools will be inspected on a regular basis to ensure they are safe to use and removed from use if they are not safe.

 

C. Safe Use of Powered Equipment

Powered equipment has a lot of potential to injure persons who are operating the equipment and others who are nearby. Therefore, the operator must be constantly aware of the situation and in control of the equipment at all times. Powered equipment includes items such as mowers, fork lift trucks, power saws, and powered hand tools of all types.

When operating power equipment, follow all instructions for operating the equipment and any attachments. Read the operator’s manual, all warning decals, attend any required operator courses, obtain any required certification, follow all verbal instructions by supervisors, and use good judgment at all times. Use any required personal protection such as eye and hearing protection. Powered equipment should be inspected on a regular basis by the person in charge to ensure that all safety devices are in place and being used properly and that the equipment is safe to operate.

 

D. Energy Control and Electrical Safety

Control of Hazardous Energy Source (Lockout/Tag-out):

Employees who are exposed to the potential destructive release of stored energy must practice the procedures that are necessary to disable machinery or equipment and to prevent the release of hazardous energy while maintenance and servicing activities are being performed. Energy can be stored in many ways such as a raised elevator car. These energy sources must be eliminated before being exposed to possible injury by them falling. For examplem the elevator car will be blocked up with material of suitable strength before entering the elevator shaft. These sources of energy are items such as electricity and stored pressure. This procedure is done by isolating the source of energy by using the required Lockout/Tag-out procedures identified in the plan. A copy of the Lockout/Tag-out plan and requirements is available on the college website under employee publications and from the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness. Affected employees are trained initially and evaluated annually in this procedure. Contractors shall review their lockout procedure with Maintenance.

Electrical Safety:

Electrical equipment must be monitored constantly for unsafe conditions. Extension cords can be used only when necessary in temporary applications. All equipment will be grounded according to the manufacturer and the National Electrical Code and have UL approval for its use. All appliances and portable electrical equipment that uses a flexible cord for power will have a three wire grounding cord (plug has three prongs) unless UL approved as being double insulated. All electrical installations will be completed according to code and inspected by the local electrical inspector as required. All electrical equipment, wiring, and devices that have faults will be taken out of service until faults are corrected. Again, all electrical circuits will be locked out and tagged while being worked on as required by the lock out/tag out plan. Only persons designated and qualified will do any work on electrical equipment and circuits.

High Pressures and Stored Energy Hazards:

Sources of high pressure can be compressed air, hydraulic systems, pressurized gases, sudden chemical reactions, water under pressure, and others. High pressure can cause explosions, launch projectiles, cut through objects like a power saw, and be very destructive. Pressure vessels must be secured in brackets or chained to prevent tipping over which can cause severe sudden release of pressure. Incompatible gases must be stored separately. High pressure gases must be used only with an approved, serviceable regulator. Pressure containers can only be transported in an approved manner as specified by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Read the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and follow proper instruction and warnings when working with chemicals. Never mix chemicals without knowledge of the outcome. Sudden reactions can create severe hazards of pressure, chemical and gas release, and high temperatures. Anyone working on a high pressure pipe or device will lock out and tag the pressure source as well as bleed off the pressure in a safe manner before working on the system. All pressure vessels will be inspected as required by the NC Department of Labor and all faults corrected as soon as found. Safety valves will be checked and tested as a part of the weekly Preventive Maintenance program.

Gas Cylinder Handling:

Gas cylinders store gasses under high pressure and can cause severe injuries if mistreated. Cylinders must always be protected from damage since they can explode or become a large projectile. High-pressure gas cylinders such as oxygen and acetylene must be stored in an upright secured position where they cannot tip or fall. Fuel gas and oxidizers will be stored 20 or more feet apart or be separated by a fire rated wall at least 5 feet high. All welding operations will comply with the directives of OSHA standard 1910.253, Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting.

Labeling of Pipe:

All piping that contains a hazardous material or operates at a hazardous pressure or temperature will have proper marking and/or color code and proper inspection before operation.

Pressure Vessels:

All pressure vessels (boilers, air tanks, receivers, etc.) must be inspected by the NC Department of Labor annually and have safety devices checked weekly.

High Pressure Washers and Steam Jennies:

This equipment must be inspected before use to ensure that no high pressure and/or high temperature hazards to personnel exist, and operators will be instructed and/or refreshed on the safe use of the equipment. High pressure liquids can damage human tissue.

 

F. Chemical Control

Every container must be labeled to indicate its contents, the chemical nature of the contents, the specific hazards of the contents, and any precautions needed and protection required.

All chemicals (with the exception of personal items) will have a SDS (Safety Data Sheet) available in the immediate area for anyone to see as needed. Labels on containers must correspond with the information on the SDS.

There will be an index with these SDS and an annual inventory of quantities. Any chemical designated as hazardous by regulation will be reported to the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness as received, indicating the specific chemical and quantity on hand. There is a master file of SDS’s for the college through our online database with MSDS Source. This file is accessible from the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

The instructor or supervisor of each area has the responsibility for ensuring materials are properly labeled, the local SDS file is current and that the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness receives all new SDS sheets. The instructor or supervisor of each area has the responsibility of overseeing the use of chemicals to ensure the health and safety of personnel.

All personnel should know what safety and emergency equipment is available and its location. Also, personnel should maintain safe work practices at all times, which include, but is not limited to:

• WEAR appropriate eye protection any time one is dealing with chemicals. USE other protective clothing as needed. AVOID breathing gases, vapors, or mists which may be toxic by use of fume hood(s) or confinement apparatus. ALWAYS wash exposed skin areas immediately.
• AVOID consuming food, beverages, or smoking in areas where chemicals are being used or stored.
• PLAN in advance to avoid serious incidents. Before starting any procedures (experiments), workers should consider the worst case scenario and be prepared to handle the situation.

Workers have basic responsibility to themselves, colleagues, and students to plan and execute operations in a safe manner. Laboratory experiments and other chemical procedures should be reviewed to see if another experiment or procedure could teach the same principle using less toxic or physically hazardous chemicals. Special attention should be given to eliminate the use of highly acute toxins, carcinogens, and reproductive toxins. Minimize the amount of chemicals being stored by only ordering what is needed for a specific period of time. Again, SDS sheets must be acquired with each new chemical ordered and supplied to the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness and installed in the SDS database.

The primary concerns with storage are avoiding contact between incompatible chemicals, minimizing amounts, and ensuring that dangerous storage conditions (heat, electrical shorts, light, etc.) are not present. All flammable/combustible chemicals (those with flash points below 2000F) must be stored in approved containers and/or cabinets.

All chemical work areas will be equipped with an emergency shower, eye wash station, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit. Personal protective equipment, such as goggles, aprons, gloves, respirators, or lab coats shall be provided to employees and used as needed.

Lab chemical fume hoods will be inspected annually to ensure proper operation and air flow.

Some college areas use drum storage, and serious injuries can result if drums are mishandled and allowed to fall, spill, or roll on someone. Safe drum handling involves using the proper equipment in the correct way. A drum filled with material can be very heavy and cause injury if it falls on a person. Drums should be handled using a special drum type hand truck in the proper way, or they may be moved with a fork truck if secured to prevent movement or falling from the forks. Drums must be properly labeled.

Hazardous Waste:

Materials that are toxic, highly corrosive, hazardous to the environment, or which may react to become such must be disposed of in a controlled manner and according to EPA regulations. These materials must be disposed of or recycled by a licensed waste management firm.

Typical Waste of This Type: Mercury, Batteries, Cafeteria Grease, and Pesticides

Mercury: At most community college campuses, mercury is primarily generated from obsolete or broken equipment. In addition, fluorescent lamps and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps also contain low levels of mercury. The employees of RCC should plan to eliminate these sources of mercury waste as soon as possible. Waste MUST be managed to prevent releases. Waste MUST be specifically labeled and identified.

Batteries: Batteries we must treat as hazardous waste are typically the larger ones used by maintenance and automotive. These contain metals that are considered hazardous to the environment. These batteries can be recycled at most auto supply stores or at the local recycling facility.

Cafeteria Waste: Food waste and grease should not be disposed in the kitchen drain as they will likely contribute to high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and Fats, Oils, and Grease (GOG) in the wastewater. This grease should be recycled.

Pesticides: Anyone using pesticides on campus will be a licensed pesticide operator or under direct supervision of a licensed pesticide operator and follow all directions as printed on the label of the pesticide or furnished with the pesticide as required by federal law. All protective equipment will be used as listed, and care will be taken to avoid exposing others as directed by the label and directions. Unused pesticides must be kept in a locked and labeled container. If pesticides are listed as hazardous, the area of use will be posted as required by regulation.

 

G. Disease Control

The college staff will make sure that we have a healthy environment in which to work and study by keeping the environment as clean and sanitary as possible. Any student or college employee, either fulltime or part-time, or contracted services persons who know or have reasonable basis for believing that he or she is infected with a communicable disease have the responsibility of reporting this fact. Employees or contractual services should report this to the Human Resources Department, and it will be kept confidential. Students should report this to the Vice President for Student Services, and it will be kept confidential.

Persons who know, or have reasonable basis for believing, that they are infected with a communicable disease (such as MRSA, Pandemic influenza—see more detailed individual plan, AIDS, Infectious Mononucleosis, Meningitis, just to name a few) are expected to seek expert advice about their health circumstances. They are obligated ethically and legally to conduct themselves responsibly in accordance with such knowledge, for the protection of other members of the community.

Employees who report having a communicable disease should be medically evaluated and their job duties adjusted as needed to ensure other personnel are not infected and that the affected employee is assigned meaningful work within their capacity. Those involved should use good judgment about keeping information confidential without endangering anyone’s health.

Any instructor or other person using animal carcasses, parts, or any other organic material at the college that may create a health problem will store, treat, or dispose of this material properly and immediately after use, and none will be left in trash cans or exposed in any way. Only approved disposal procedures may be used.

Other Pest Control:

Pests such as mice and other animals will be controlled by trapping them and removing them from campus. Animal control will be called if needed for safe removal.

III. CRIME CONTROL

A. Communicating and Controlling Criminal Activity

Any suspicious actions (such as misconduct, potential criminal activity, potential drug activity) which occur on any Randolph Community College campus should be reported at once to the switchboard operator 336-633-0200 and the SRO 336-633-0220 so that the activity can be monitored. Emergencies can always be reported to 911. If the assigned Resource Officer is not available, the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness will be contacted and if needed 911 will be called so that local law enforcement can control the problem.

Campus Watch: If you wish to report information about criminal activity already committed or other suspicious activity on campus you may do so by calling 336-633-1630.

Please remember, no procedures can clearly prescribe what action an employee should take when first encountering a fight or other disturbance on the campus or at a College function. Staff members should react in a manner consistent with regard for their own safety and that of other students and employees. Confrontations between college personnel and perpetrators should be avoided.

Through cooperative agreements with local law enforcement agencies, the College will be notified of any criminal activities which have occurred in the vicinity of the campus and if there is a recommendation for the campus community to be on alert. Should an alert be necessary, employees will be notified via the RCC Emergency Notification System. Criminal incidents occurring off campus with students participating in a college function should be reported to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction. The Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness should be notified as soon as possible of such incidents by calling 336-633-0210. A report of the incident should be completed and copies distributed to a SRO and the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

 

B. Workplace Violence Prevention and Awareness

Randolph Community College is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment for everyone associated with the College.

The College prohibits any form of violence. For purposes of this policy, violence includes, but is not limited to, harassment, intimidation, threats, physical attack, domestic violence, and property damage.

Randolph Community College will respond to workplace violence promptly and aggressively. This policy includes, but is not limited to, employees, students, visitors, and college officials.

Any individual who commits an act of violence toward other persons or property in the Randolph Community College workplace or at Randolph Community College sponsored events, shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from employment, expulsion from the College, plus any civil and/or criminal penalties that may be pursued.

No existing college policy, practice, or procedure should be interpreted to prohibit prevention of violence as defined in this policy.

Identifying early warning signs of workplace violence could be an individual who:

• makes direct or veiled threats of harm towards another person.
• intimidates a staff member.
• carries a concealed weapon or flashes a weapon to test the reactions of faculty, staff, or students.
• displays paranoid behavior.
• cites righteousness and believes that the College is not following its own rules.
• is unable to take criticism of his or her job or work performance.
• expresses extreme desperation over recent family, financial, or personal problems.
• has a history of violent behavior.
• shows an extreme interest in firearms and their destructive power to people.
• displays a fascination with incidents of workplace violence and approves of such violence under certain circumstances.
• has a blatant disregard for the safety of others on campus.
• displays an obsessive involvement with their job, often with uneven job performance and no apparent outside interests.
• displays a romantic obsession with an employee or student who does not share the same interest.

Identifying an immediate threat of workplace violence could be an individual who:

• uses profanity, a loud voice, makes threats, and/or insistent demands.
• appears anxious, paces, throws items, or displays restless motor activities.
• has ripped or torn clothing and/or has visible signs of bruises and lacerations.

In certain cases, an individual may become violent without warning. It is important for staff to remain calm, evaluate the situation, and summon assistance immediately.

Employees should utilize the safest means available at the time to notify campus security:

• Do not attempt to challenge a violent individual.
• Immediately call the police by dialing 911. Remain calm and listen to the dispatchers instructions.
• When possible, call the main campus switchboard operator (336-633-0200). The switchboard will alert campus security of the situation.
• If engaged in dialogue with the individual, attempt to calm the individual. If the situation escalates, disengage as soon as safely possible.
• Employees should secure themselves in an area removed from the situation and remain there until security advises otherwise.

 

C. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS

For a victim, domestic violence is a very personal issue and can be potentially dangerous. Prompt recognition and assessment of a domestic violence situation is paramount in getting a domestic violence victim help. In the case of domestic violence, the more indicators present, the greater potential for a life-threatening situation.

Any faculty members, staff members, or students who become aware of situations that threaten the safety of the campus community must notify campus security immediately.

Dangerous indicators may be when an individual:

• threatens homicide or suicide.
• is in possession of weapons.
• believes he/she (batterer) has “ownership” over another person (victim).
• believes he/she (batterer) has lost hope for a positive future with the victim.
• is involved in a separation.
• displays signs of depression.
• has gained or seeks access to the battered person and/or family members.
• makes repeated calls to law enforcement.
• engages in actions without fear of consequences.

The following are possible (victim) indicators of domestic violence. An individual:

• presents visible signs of bruises, cuts, burns, human bite marks, and fractures, especially injuries to the eyes, nose, teeth and jaw.
• suffers injury during pregnancy, miscarries, or experiences premature birth.
• allows injuries to go untreated.
• has multiple injuries that are in different stages of healing.
• displays inappropriate clothing or accessories, possibly to cover signs of injury (i.e. long sleeves on a hot day or sunglasses to cover bruises).
• has stress-related ailments (i.e. headaches, backaches, problems sleeping)
• has anxiety-related conditions (i.e. overwhelming feelings of panic).
• is experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, or makes an attempt at suicide.
• displays excessive use of alcohol or other drugs.
• has attendance problems, difficulty concentrating, or problems meeting deadlines/assignments.
• receives repeated upsetting telephone calls at work/ school.
• has withdrawn from co-workers/fellow students.

Discussing a safety plan with potential victims or those who have endured a violent incident should help victims assess his/her circumstance and evaluate whether his/her abuser is likely to injure or kill them, other family members, or police personnel.

Individuals who are victims of domestic violence should:

• immediately make campus officials aware of his/her situation.
• know where phones are accessible inside buildings.
• walk with someone while on campus.
• not isolate him/herself while on campus.
• request a change in his/her class schedule from the appropriate dean.
• switch vehicles frequently (if possible).
• alternate his/her route to the campus.

General safety planning with the victim should include:

• encouraging him/her to have the names and phone numbers of police, community resources, friends, family members, and shelter officials who can assist him/her.
• alerting him/her that while the perpetrator may be removed from the situation due to an arrest, it is likely he/she [batterer] will try to threaten or “sweet talk” their way back into his/her life.
• discussing his /her potential options for temporary living arrangements, (i.e. shelter, staying with family/friend, asking someone to stay with them).
• developing a plan of action in the instance that the batterer returns to the house after being released from custody.
• advising him/her how to find out when their partner will be released.
• explaining how he/she can obtain a domestic violence protective order.

If the victim intends to leave their residence, he/she should:

• develop a list of items he/she will need to take (i.e. money, personal papers, car keys, change ofclothing).
• determine an individual with whom he/she can leave money, an extra set of keys, and extra clothes.
• determine the best scenario for leaving or removing any children from the residence or arrange for someone to care for them in the interim.
• keep the phone number to a shelter along with change or a calling card close at hand at all times.
• review the safety plan in order to plan the safest way to leave.
• understand that leaving the batterer can be the most dangerous time.

If the victim plans to continue in the relationship, he/she should:

• try to have any unavoidable arguments in a room that has access to an exit, avoiding the bathroom(s), kitchen, or any room which has weapons.
• practice how to get out of the home safely.
• have an undisclosed, readily accessible packed bag.
• identify a neighbor that he/she can tell about the violence and ask them to call the police if they hear a disturbance.
• have a plan where he/she will go if they have to leave his/her home.

 

D. WEAPONS ON CAMPUS

It is the policy of Randolph Community College to prohibit the possession, carry, display, and/or discharge of any weapon defined by GS 14-269(a) or firearm on any campus, property, or remote training location of Randolph Community College, with the following exceptions:

• “On-Duty” sworn Law Enforcement Officers when acting in the discharge of their official duties.
• Armed forces personnel, officers, and soldiers of the militia and National Guard and any private police employed by an educational institution when acting in the discharge of their official duties and students and instructors using weapons in college approved instruction may have firearms as required.
• “Off-Duty” sworn Law Enforcement Officers provided they have prior written approval from the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness (if on the Asheboro Campus), the Director of the Archdale Center (if on the Archdale Campus), or the Director of the Emergency Services Training Center (if at the Training Center) and are in uniform or plain clothes with their official agency badge displayed with their weapon. The President can also grant approval.
• Employees of Randolph Community College who are sworn Law Enforcement Officers provided they have prior written approval from the College President or his designee.
• A weapon used solely for educational or school-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, or used in a schoolapproved program with prior written approval from the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness (if on the Asheboro Campus), the Director of the Archdale Center (if on the Archdale Campus), or the Director of the Emergency Services Training Center (if at the Training Center).
• House Bill 937/Session Law 2013-369 enacts: G.S. 14-269.2 (k) a firearm is permissible on a community college campus only under the following limited circumstances:
  • The firearm is a handgun; AND
  • The person has a valid concealed handgun permit or is exempt from the law requiring a permit; AND
  • The handgun remains in either: a closed compartment or container within the person’s locked vehicle or in a locked container securely affixed to the person’s vehicle: AND
  • The vehicle is only unlocked when the person with the permit is entering or exiting the vehicle; AND
  • The firearm remains in the closed compartment at all times.

  In addition to a violation of Randolph Community College policy, in some instances it may also be a violation of a North Carolina General Statute. In such cases, violators will be prosecuted accordingly.
   

  Note: The definition of a student is a person enrolled in a public or private school, College, or university, or a person who has been suspended or expelled within the last five years from a public or private school, college, or university, whether the person is an adult or a minor.
   

  In addition, anyone using the firing range at the Emergency Services Training Center who is not enrolled in a class will be required to sign a waiver of liability, an application for facility use, and a daily log form. The daily log form will state the associated agency, exact time of use on and off the range, and the qualified instructor acting as the supervisor.

IV. RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES

A. ALARMS

Fire Alarm: Alarm with clear strobes - Evacuate the building.

Note – The modular building has a voice with the fire alarm.

Fire Alarm Systems:

All of the major College buildings have an operational fire alarm system. These systems were designed to the current Life Safety Code at the time they were installed. These are activated automatically when smoke is sensed or manually by pulling one of the marked fire alarm pull stations. There are emergency evacuation maps and instructions posted in the buildings for your information. Study these maps so you will be prepared.

When you hear the alarm, exit the building. Do not use elevators. Move away from the building and any fire lanes. Fire alarms must not be turned off unless instructed by RCC Maintenance Staff or local fire officials. Any problems or use of any fire equipment must be reported to the Director of Safety and Emergency Preparedness or to the Director of Facilities, as soon as possible.

Emergency Building Notification: Alarm with amber strobes, followed by voice commands.

If you hear the Emergency Notification Alarm:

• Stop what you are doing and listen to the message.
• Remain calm and follow the instructions.

 

B. EVACUATION CHAIRS (EVAC-CHAIRS)

Evac-Chairs are used to assist those with impaired mobility down stairs and out of buildings during emergencies when elevators are not safe to use.

Instructions for Evac-Chair use are printed on the chair or cover.

Evac-Chairs are located in the Learning Resources Center and the Vocational Trades building beside the elevators. Evac-Chairs are not available in single-story buildings.

 

C. AED OPERATION

Automated external defibrillators can help save lives during sudden cardiac arrest. However, even if you have had training, remembering the steps to use an AED the right way can be difficult. This quick step-by-step guide can be a review of the AED steps any time, at your convenience, and keep them fresh in your memory. These AED steps should be used when caring for a non-breathing child aged 8 or older who weighs more than 55 pounds, or an adult.

After checking the scene and ensuring that the person needs help, you should ask a bystander to call 911 for help, then:

1. Turn on the AED and follow the visual and/or audio prompts.
2. Open the person's shirt and wipe his or her bare chest dry. If the person is wearing any medication patches, you should use a gloved (if possible) hand to remove the patches before wiping the person's chest.
3. Attach the AED pads, and plug in the connector (if necessary).
4. Make sure no one, including you, is touching the person. Tell everyone to "stand clear."
5. Push the "analyze" button (if necessary) and allow the AED to analyze the person's heart rhythm.
6. If the AED recommends that you deliver a shock to the person, make sure that no one, including you, is touching the person – and tell everyone to "stand clear." Once clear, press the "shock" button.
7. Begin CPR after delivering the shock. Or, if no shock is advised, begin CPR. Perform 2 minutes (about 5 cycles) of CPR and continue to follow the AED's prompts. If you notice obvious signs of life, discontinue CPR and monitor breathing for any changes in condition.

 

D. IN THE EVENT OF A SEIZURE

1. If you do not know the medical history of the person, call 911 immediately.
2. DO NOT try to restrain the victim. A seizure cannot be stopped once it has begun.
3. Clear the area around the victim of everything hard or sharp. This will minimize the potential for injury due to violent actions.
4. If the victim starts to vomit, put them on their side, if possible. This will help keep their airway open.
5. 5. DO NOT try to force the victim’s mouth open or put anything in their mouth. This can injure the victim’s teeth or jaw.
6. After the victim regains consciousness, they will be lost and disoriented. This could last for an extended period of time. Stay with the victim and be patient. A cold compress on the neck could help with overheating.