A Step-by-Step Guide to OFA Level 2 and Other Essential Emergency Procedures

You might be enjoying your day out or going about your routine at your workplace when suddenly an emergency occurs. Someone might be choking, having a seizure, or experiencing a serious injury. In those critical moments, knowing key first-aid skills can make a world of difference.

This guide will equip you with essential knowledge for emergencies, focusing on the skills you’ll learn in an OFA Level 2 course, alongside other lifesaving procedures.

Remember, this blog post is for informational purposes only, and it’s crucial to seek professional medical attention whenever necessary.

Mastering Essential Emergency Procedures With OFA Level 2

Let’s have a look at the five essential lifesaving skills you learn from an Occupational First-Aid Level 2 course:

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CPR is a lifesaving technique that restarts a stopped heart. When someone goes into cardiac arrest, their blood circulation ceases. CPR helps pump blood manually, providing vital oxygen to the brain and other organs until medical help arrives.

Here’s how to perform Adult CPR:

• Call emergency services immediately.
• Lay the person flat on their back on a firm surface.
• Locate the center of the chest, between the nipples.
• Place the heel of your dominant hand on the center of the chest and your other hand on top, interlocking fingers.
• Deliver 30 chest compressions with a depth of at least 2 inches. Push hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
• Pinch the nose shut and give 2 rescue breaths, each lasting 1 second.
• Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until help arrives.

Note: This is a simplified overview. For detailed Occupational First-Aid training level 2, consider enrolling in a certified course.

2. Choking

Choking is a scary situation where a foreign object blocks the airway, preventing someone from breathing.

Here’s how to perform the Abdominal Thrusts or Heimlich Maneuver for Adults:

• Stand behind the choking person and wrap your arms around their waist.
• Make a fist with your dominant hand and place it just above the navel but below the ribcage.
• Grab your fist with your other hand and thrust upwards sharply with a quick, forceful jerk.
• Repeat the thrusts until the object dislodges or the person coughs it up.

3. Wound Care

Wounds are a common occurrence in emergencies. Here’s how to provide basic wound care:

• Wear gloves if available to protect yourself from infection.
• Stop any bleeding with direct pressure using a clean cloth.
• Gently clean the wound with clean water or a mild antiseptic solution.
• Apply a sterile bandage to protect the wound.
• Seek medical attention for serious wounds, puncture wounds, or wounds that won’t stop bleeding.

4. Seizures

Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. During a seizure, a person might lose consciousness, experience muscle stiffness, or have jerking movements.

Here’s what to do during a seizure:

• Stay calm and ensure the person’s safety.
• Remove any nearby objects that could cause injury.
• Gently ease the person onto the floor and turn them on their side.
• Don’t restrain the person.
• Time the seizure and watch for breathing difficulties.

Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, the person doesn’t regain consciousness, or it’s their first seizure.

5. Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and a rapid heartbeat.

If you suspect someone is experiencing anaphylaxis:

• Call emergency services immediately.
• If the person has an EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector), help them administer it if they are able.
• Stay with the person until help arrives.

Disclaimer: Administering medication should only be done by someone trained to use an EpiPen.

How to Act During the Initial Stage of an Emergency as an OFA Level 2 Responder

Step 01 – Take Control of the Situation

Before approaching the scene, look for and avoid potential dangers like:

• Traffic accidents and moving vehicles
• Downed power lines, sparking wires, or exposed electrical equipment
• Fire hazards like flames, smoke, or leaking gas
• Unstable structures like buildings with broken windows or leaning walls
• Environmental hazards like flooding, hazardous materials spills, or dangerous wildlife

Assess the following in a rapid but thorough manner:

• Number of Patients: How many people are injured or require assistance?
• Nature of the Emergency: What type of event caused the emergency (e.g., car accident, fall, medical issue)?
• Immediate Threats: Are there any ongoing dangers present that could harm yourself, bystanders, or the patients (e.g., fire, falling debris, hazardous materials)?

Activate the Emergency Response Systems:

• Call 911 or Canadian Employee Emergency Helpline without delay and let them know everything you assessed
• Location of the emergency (including any landmarks or building names)
• Number of patients involved and their condition (if possible)
• Nature of the emergency
• Any immediate threats present
• Stay on the line with the dispatcher and follow their instructions

Step 02 – Assess Patients to Prioritize Care Based on Need

Next, you need to start assessing patients close to you and prioritize care for those with critical issues. You must:

• Check for Consciousness
• Assess Breathing
• Control Bleeding
• Identify Other Injuries
• Maintain a Calm Presence

The response for every patient will depend on the nature of the emergency, as discussed at the start of this post.

Step 03 – Make Critical Decisions

Once you’ve assessed the condition of people close to you, start giving first-aid to the most critical ones:

Life-Threatening Conditions Take Precedence

• Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled with direct pressure
• Difficulty breathing or absence of breathing
• Unconsciousness or no response

By mastering OFA Level 2, your team will be equipped to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies, conduct a safe and thorough scene evaluation, prioritize care for patients based on their needs, and provide basic life support until advanced medical help arrives.

Metro Safety Training is renowned for its comprehensive Occupational First-Aid training courses in levels 1, 2, and 3. With their OFA Level 2 training, your employees can be empowered to make a critical difference in an emergency. Call them now to learn more about their courses!