First aid for chronic conditions at the workplace: what you should do

22-02-24

Certain chronic conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes and severe allergies can trigger an acute seizure. Also at work. When that happens, first aid responders should know how to react appropriately. With the right procedures, a well-equipped first aid kit and the necessary training or refresher training for first aid responders, you are prepared.

Employees who suffer from a chronic condition are not required to disclose this at work. As an employer, you are responsible for the organisation of first aid in your company. This also includes reacting correctly when someone has a seizure. A risk analysis can help you to determine how to anticipate on these events. This may include the level of training of first aid responders, written first aid procedures and the most appropriate transport to the hospital.
 

What about the first aid procedures?

A diabetic, epileptic or allergic attack: each of those requires specific initial care. First aid responders are trained to administer it correctly. In addition, first aid procedures lay down the necessary steps to be followed by first aid responders. It is important that they give the first responder enough freedom to assess each situation personally.

For example, make sure to include when first aid responders should call a private ambulance instead of the 112/100 number. But do not impose restrictions about the first aid materials first responders are allowed to use.

To establish targeted first aid procedures, you can always rely on the advice of the occupational physician.

Medication: who provides what?

Administering medication, is not the task of first aid responders. To the contrary, employers are not even allowed to provide medicines to their employees. According to the letter of the law, a first aid kit must not contain any medicines. An employee who needs to take medication is responsible for having it with him or her. 

However, he or she would do well to share what the medication is for and how it should be administered with an emergency responder or close colleague. If the employee becomes unwell, that person will know what to do. 

In practice, however, some organisations provide over-the-counter medicines, such as painkillers and throat lozenges, in the workplace. The responsibility for taking or applying them lies entirely with the employee himself. 

The main chronic conditions and corresponding initial concerns

  • Diabetes

What happens when an employee has a diabetic attack? He or she will usually slowly lose consciousness. More than half of diabetics feel an attack coming on. Offering the employee sugary food or drink as soon as possible is always the first thing to do.

  • Epilepsy

An epileptic seizure usually results in unconsciousness, convulsions and convulsive movements around the mouth and cheeks. Do you notice these symptoms? Then bear the following in mind:

  • If possible, try to prevent the employee from injuring themselves due to the fall and convulsions.
  • Do not support the body. If the convulsions become chronic, the victim could dislocate a shoulder.
  • Only place a soft object under the head if this does not create additional risks.
  • Never put anything in the victim’s mouth, as this would put both of you at risk of injury.
  • When the convulsions subside, but not before, place the employee in a stable position on their side.
  • Call the emergency centre if the attack lasts longer than 5 minutes.

 

  • ​Severe allergies

Employees with a serious allergy should, in principle, always have an EpiPen with them. They must administer this themselves as soon as possible if they feel an allergic attack coming on.

If they are no longer capable of doing this, then as a general rule only those authorised to do so may administer injections to others. For this reason, contact the company doctor (if present) or the emergency centre as soon as possible in such a case.