Do you have a first aid kit at work?
Here's why you should
By Isabelle Southcott
August 6 began like any other day for Marie Rumley. She arrived at work, walked over to her computer and sat down. When she went to get up out of her chair she caught her foot on the computer cord and fell.
"I should have been more careful," says the branch manager for St John Ambulance in Powell River.
But accidents happen and Marie lost her balance and tripped. "I grabbed the door frame because I thought I'd fall on my face and I hyper extended my fingers."
Marie was by herself in the office that morning. "I went into shock I guess. I felt sick to my stomach."
A few minutes later a customer walked through the door to register her daughter for a babysitting course. "I said, 'I don't think I can wait on you,' and showed her my fingers."
Luckily for Marie, the customer, Michelle Dillon, had her Level 1 First Aid training.
Michelle got a cold pack from the shelf and told Marie to keep her hand up. She helped Marie over to the bed and got her settled.
"She's a very nice lady. She's my guardian angel. What if I'd hit my head and knocked myself out?"
And then, just like you are supposed to do, Michelle stayed with Marie until Marie's husband arrived.
This was an accident that could have been prevented. It also illustrates just how necessary safety checks are in the workplace.
"We do safety checks here," said Marie. "This thing, the computer cord, had recently fallen down."
Marie was lucky that day. Not only did the accident take place at a First Aid office, but soon after it happened a woman with First Aid training walked through her door.
"Every office should have a First Aid kit," says Marie. "They are available through our office and our prices are the best in town."
