Every workplace, whether it is a business that handles dangerous chemicals, a sports centre or a school, should have a well prepared and stocked first aid room. Accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. Here are some tips on what to include in yours.
Patient couch
A couch is one of your most important pieces of furniture for a first aid room. This is where ill or injured workers can rest, be examined and receive treatment. There are a few things to look for in a patients’ couch:
- Adjustable Height – this is needed so the patients can get easily on the couch and it can be raised or lowered so it is the right height for the examiner
- Reclinable Back – brings more comfort and allows the patient to adjust their position for rest, examination or treatment
- Easy to clean – this is very important as infections can spread from unclean surfaces
Screens
Screens provide privacy. If the room is big enough to have more then one bed, a screen can separate them giving the patient and examiners the privacy needed.
- Height – the screens should be high enough to block the view of a standing person on the other side.
- Width – it should be wide enough to separate two beds and leave some space for movement
- Opacity – to allow for privacy, the screen should be non-transparent.
Trolleys
Trolleys stocked with first aid supplies are a must for a first aid room. The most useful trolley will have wheels, making it easy to move from one side of the room to the other or to take with you from bed to bed. What to look for in a trolley:
- Shelves – the number of shelves is important so you have enough space to stock all you may need and spare space so you can separate used items from new ones. This way you can prevent cross-contamination.
- Maintenance – it should be easy to clean and maintain to avoid infection.
- Movement – preferably it should have wheels to be easy to move.
Stools and desks
A first aid room should have stools for the patients and examiners. They are perfect for some examinations – for example, giving access to a patient’s back, and enabling the examiner to listen to a person’s breathing. What to look for in a stool:
- Adjustability – this is the most important feature of a stool so the patient can be positioned at the right height for the examiner.
- Width – they should be wide enough to sit comfortably on.
A first aid room should also have a desk to help the examiner to keep organised, position their computer there and read patients’ records if needed.
Cabinets and Drawer Chests
Cabinets and chests are great to keep excess supplies, organise patient folders and any other documentation. They can easily be mounted on the walls or fit into corners to make more space for a bed and equipment.
Lighting
Last, but not least, the right lighting should be chosen. It is not enough to have just the regular ceiling light. A light that can be moved and adjusted to different heights and angles is necessary for more precise work.
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