According to recent statistics, more than 4.9 million Britons have diabetes today. Researchers estimate that unless we make drastic changes, over 5.5 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes by 2050.
So, with an ever-increasing number of employees affected by this condition, what is diabetes, and how does it affect your Wirral workforce? Below we provide a guide to workplace first aid to help your team prepare for an unforeseen diabetes-related emergency.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce and respond to insulin. Insulin is a hormone and chemical that regulates your body’s glucose (blood sugar) levels. People with diabetes either have insulin levels that are too high (hyperglycaemia) or too low (hypoglycaemia). Receiving too much or too little insulin can result in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and increased glucose in your blood.
Although diabetes is a common condition, most people know very little about it. Sadly, the lack of knowledge contributes to the increase in diabetes, too, as most people only seriously consider changing their lifestyles or seeking medical help once they are at risk of diabetes.
Diabetes requires consistent management. People with diabetes run the risk of hospitalisation, amputations, and even loss of eyesight. A diabetes emergency can occur anywhere, at any time, which makes accredited workplace first aid training a priority for all Wirral teams.
Which Workplace First Aid Training Courses Prepares for a Diabetes Emergency?
Different first aid qualifications can prepare your team for a diabetes related workplace emergency. The right first aid course for your team will depend on their skill level.
Novice first aiders should complete the One-Day Emergency First Aid at Work course or the Three-Day First Aid at Work course. Both courses will teach basic first aid skills to respond correctly to a diabetes emergency. However, the Three-Day First Aid at Work training course is a comprehensive course that will give first aiders a deeper understanding of different workplace emergencies and how to respond to them.
Experienced first aiders, who have already completed their first aid qualifications, should complete the Two-Day First Aid at Work Requalification or the First Aid Annual Refresher Course.
Refresher courses are essential for all first aiders. Remember, first aid skills are not used regularly. Thus, refresher courses ensure that all the techniques learned during first aid training are still accurate and performed correctly.
What Should You Do During a Diabetes Workplace First Aid Emergency?
At the first aid training course, you will learn how to identify the symptoms of a diabetes emergency, who to contact, and how to support a diabetic casualty while you wait for the medical professionals.
If you suspect that someone is experiencing hyperglycemia, you should call 999 immediately. While waiting for the medical professionals to arrive, you should assess the casualty’s breathing and responsiveness. People with hyperglycemia may have the following symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Excessive thirst
- Sweet breath
- Rapid breathing and pulse
If the casualty becomes unresponsive or loses consciousness at this stage, you should administer CPR immediately.
If you suspect that the casualty is experiencing hypoglycemia, you should first check if they have their own glucose gel, insulin pen, tablets, or a glucose testing kit. If the casualty is wearing a bracelet or necklace, you should follow the instructions as set out in the medical warning.
You should give the casualty something sugary if nothing is available, such as fruit juice or a sugary sweet. If their condition does not improve after resting, you should call 999 immediately.
Why Choose First Aid Training from TL Training in Wirral?
Workplace first aid training courses teach potentially life-saving skills that you can use in and outside the workplace. Employers have a responsibility to create a safe working environment for their employees. In cases of emergency, employees should receive appropriate and effective medical care. With quality first aid training, you will ensure that your employees are safe in any workplace emergency.
TL Training is an accredited training provider that delivers services virtually and in-person in Wirral, Chester, and across the UK. We understand how crucial first aid training is for your workforce. Our first aid training courses ensure that first aiders are prepared for workplace medical emergencies, including those caused by diabetes.
Contact us today to find out more about our comprehensive first aid training courses. You can call us at 0151 343 0588 or email us at [email protected] or book your first aid course here.
