First aid courses may be particularly important for shift workers

There is always a risk that employees will suffer medical emergencies and so first aid at work training is crucial in all workplaces. However, shift workers may be more likely than most to require first aid at work in relation to heart problems, it has been suggested.

According to research led by Dr Daniel Hackam from Western University in Canada, working unsocial hours can increase the changes of heart attacks by over a fifth. The findings of the study were published in the British Medical Journal.

Evidence from a total of 34 studies involving over two million people was pulled together by the team involved and it was claimed that the chances of “any coronary event” taking place rose by 24 per cent among shift workers, while the risk of heart attacks specifically went up by 23 per cent and strokes were found to be five per cent more likely.

Night shifts were associated with the steepest increase in risk for coronary events. People who work in this way were found to be 41 per cent more likely to suffer such medical complications.

Dr Hackan remarked: “Shift work is associated with vascular events, which may have implications for public policy and occupational medicine,” the Press Association reports.

When medical emergencies arise, whether or not they are coronary in nature or are something else, it is crucial that there are individuals available who have been through the appropriate first aid at work training and who can provide the necessary assistance.

Quick and effective first aid at work can help to minimise people’s suffering and in some cases it can even save their lives. These days, there are a number of courses for personnel to choose from and depending on their existing level of knowledge, they might require full-length versions or simply refresher courses.