The most recent data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the workplace is a dangerous place, where an average of approximately 10,000 injuries and illnesses are reported every workday in the US. And approximately 20 times each day, emergencies in the workplace lead to death.
When workplace medical emergencies arise, the standard emergency plan is to dial 9-1-1. But experts say companies must do more if they want to address medical emergencies effectively.
“Calling 9-1-1 alone isn’t enough because in many emergencies — especially severe bleeding — the outcome is decided in the first few moments, which is well before responders arrive,” explains Hannah Herbst, Founder and CEO of Golden Hour Medical.
Herbst is one of the inventors behind AutoTQ, the first smart tourniquet built for rapid, reliable bleeding control. Herbst’s inspiration to pursue emergency response innovation began after a mass-casualty event in her community underscored how quickly uncontrolled bleeding can turn fatal. With a passion for practical, accessible solutions, she assembled a multidisciplinary team to design an automated device that could be used by anyone under extreme stress.
“No one should be forced to respond to a workplace emergency, but when a coworker’s life is on the line, most people want to help,” Herbst says. “In those moments, people are grateful to have the skills and resources to act. The expectation isn’t to replace medical professionals — it’s providing initial care until they arrive.”
Equip employees to respond with emergency preparedness training
Training is critical for empowering the initial care Herbst highlights. At a minimum, training content should include information that educates employees on what they could experience and the plan they will be expected to carry out.
For best results, emergency preparedness training should be designed around simple steps that provide confidence as well as clarity. Hands-on practice with procedures like clearing someone’s airway or applying a tourniquet can give employees the level of familiarity they need to be ready to respond to a crisis with speed and confidence.
“While responding is always a personal choice, most people would rather be prepared than helpless,” Herbst asserts. “I’ve never heard anyone regret spending an hour or two learning life-saving skills when they’re later faced with a real situation.”
Improve care capabilities with a modern emergency kit
Companies can further empower their employees to respond by providing emergency preparedness kits that take advantage of advanced medical technology. Smart automated external defibrillators (AEDs), for example, engender confidence by guiding employees through the CPR process and evaluating its impact as the injured person is being helped.
“In an emergency, the right tools matter,” Herbst says. “If someone has to choose between a complex device and an intuitive one, that choice can directly affect survival. Look for devices designed with this reality in mind — reducing steps, hesitation, and error so people can act quickly under stress.”
Keep employees prepared for emergencies with ongoing training
When building an emergency plan, companies should keep in mind that training is most effective when it is reinforced regularly with refresher sessions. An ongoing approach to training helps employees stay confident and ensures new employees benefit. Finding the right rhythm for training depends on a variety of factors, ranging from the amount of employee turnover a company experiences to the types of emergencies they may face based on their regular work activity.
“Training should occur at least annually and not just during onboarding,” Herbst says. “In higher-risk environments — such as construction or manufacturing — or where employees may be the primary responder, more frequent refreshers are appropriate. When safety is a priority, additional training is a great use of time.”
Improve overall risk management with an emergency response plan
Ultimately, the effectiveness of a company’s preparedness strategies will depend on its willingness to invest in training and resources. Companies struggling with the costs associated with such an investment should consider the role emergency preparedness plays in protecting the company from a wide range of threats.
“From a business perspective, preparedness is simply risk management,” Herbst says. “When direct and indirect costs are considered — medical care, legal exposure, lost productivity, and reputational impact — a single preventable workplace death can cost millions of dollars.”
Employees who get the preparation they need to provide care become a valuable part of a company’s risk management strategy. Companies that enable employees with training and the necessary medical tools increase their chances of preventing the type of tragedies that can lead to widespread losses.
“Taking steps to empower employees isn’t about turning them into first responders; it’s about bridging the critical time gap before help arrives,” Herbst says. “Leaders who invest in preparedness rarely regret it — they’re usually grateful they did when it matters most.”
