SAFETY PRECAUTIONS OF NURSES IN ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY

Protecting health care workers especially nurses who respond in accident and emergency

department involving hazardous substances is critical. Nurses dealing with emergencies may be

exposed to chemical, biological physical and radioactive hazards. Hospitals providing emergency

response services must be prepared to carry out their missions without jeopardizing the safety

and health of their own workers.

Concept of Precaution

Precaution can be defined as the measure taken in advance to prevent something undesirable

happening. This includes:

 ‌Safety to yourself

 ‌Safety to patient

 ‌Safety to other: Co-members of staff and patient relation

How do you then prevent or manage hazards in accident and emergency?

1. Know your facility

i. Always make sure you are thoroughly familiar with the emergency procedure and

equipment in your Emergency department.

ii. Ensure various equipment are kept ready for use and are EASILY accessible. All electro-

medical equipment must be serviced routinely and always tested at the assumption of

duty (DO NOT WAIT TILL THERE IS AN EMERGENCY).

2. Know the proper scope of your emergency care

Basic nursing procedure in an emergency include:

i. Deciding when to call the doctor/managing team.

ii. Performing emergency assessment and intervention procedures.

 iii. Assisting with other emergency procedure.

iv. Coordinating your care with what other emergency team members are doing.

3. Know your patient

Your assessment on every new patient in your ward should include Determination whether

he/she is at risk for a specific emergency. For example, In a patient with recent cerebrovascular

accident an anticoagulant therapy is risk for excessive bleeding. Also, a patient recovering from a

myocardial infarction may suddenly develop chest pain, dysrhythmia or congestive heart failure.

4. Stay Prepared

i. Stay Prepared to guide yourself from harm/assault from patient and patient relative. This

can be done by involving security men when need be.

ii. Stay Prepared to guide patient from harm from other patient, relative and co member of

members of staff of health team.

iii. Stay Prepared to protect fellow health member from harm. This is achieved by

therapeutic information sharing in an ideal environment.

5. Proper care of patients valuable

i. Do not change money

ii. Cut cloth at the seam

iii. Report jewelries as yellow or white metal NOT gold sliver.

Safety to yourself

Safety in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department is paramount. Ensure proper

infection control by using personal protective equipment, maintain a tidy workspace to

 prevent accidents, and communicate effectively with colleagues to coordinate patient care

and respond swiftly in emergencies. Regularly update your knowledge on protocols and

emergency procedures to enhance the overall safety of the healthcare environment.

Safety to patients

For patients in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, safety involves following

staff instructions, providing accurate medical history, and promptly reporting changes in

symptoms. Stay informed about your surroundings, ask questions about medications or

procedures, and use call buttons when assistance is needed. Adhere to infection control

measures, such as hand hygiene, to prevent the spread of infections. Communication is

key; share concerns and information with healthcare providers to ensure the best possible

care and safety during your emergency visit.

Safety to others

In the Accident and Emergency (A&E) setting, safety for others involves being aware of the

environment, respecting patient privacy, and following hospital protocols. Maintain clear

pathways for medical personnel, avoid unnecessary crowding, and refrain from

interfering with medical equipment. If you witness a situation requiring attention,

promptly alert the healthcare staff. Respect confidentiality and refrain from taking
 photographs or videos. Ultimately, creating a cooperative and considerate atmosphere

contributes to the overall safety of everyone in the A&E department.

Safety precautions in A&E (Accident and Emergency) include maintaining a clean and

organized environment, proper disposal of medical waste, following infection control

protocols, ensuring staff wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and

implementing emergency response plans for various situations.

Safety precautions in Accident and Emergency (A&E) are crucial to protect both patients and

healthcare professionals. Here are key aspects:

• Infection Control: Rigorous adherence to infection control measures is paramount. This

involves proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and isolation

protocols for contagious conditions.

• Clean Environment: Regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and equipment help

prevent the spread of infections. This includes maintaining a sterile environment in

treatment areas and regularly disinfecting medical tools.

• Emergency Response Plans: Having well-defined emergency response plans ensures a

coordinated and efficient reaction to various situations, such as mass casualties or

unexpected events. Regular drills help staff familiarize themselves with protocols.
• Patient Identification: Implementing strict patient identification procedures helps prevent

errors in treatment. This includes using wristbands and confirming patient details before

administering any care.

• Safe Medication Practices: Adhering to safe medication administration practices, including

proper storage, labeling, and double-checking procedures, reduces the risk of medication

errors.

• Equipment Maintenance: Regular maintenance and calibration of medical equipment

ensure accurate results and reduce the risk of malfunctions that could compromise patient

safety.

• Staff Training: Ongoing training for healthcare professionals on safety protocols, new

technologies, and updated procedures is essential. This helps maintain a high standard of

care and keeps the team prepared for any situation.

• Patient Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of patients, especially those in critical

condition, helps detect changes in their status promptly. This allows for timely

interventions and prevents complications.

• Communication Protocols: Establishing clear communication channels among healthcare

staff, as well as between different departments, helps ensure that critical information is

conveyed accurately and promptly.

• Security Measures: Implementing security measures, such as controlled access to A&E

areas, helps protect both patients and staff from potential threats. This can include the

presence of security personnel and surveillance systems.