Medical Emergency & First Aid

Purpose

Ensure Spartan Plumbing technicians can respond effectively to a medical emergency involving themselves, a coworker, or a customer at a job site.

When to Use

• Any life-threatening medical emergency at a job site
• Customer or coworker collapses, has chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness
• Suspected CO poisoning (headaches, dizziness, confusion near gas appliances)
• Severe allergic reaction, seizure, or stroke symptoms
• Heat stroke or hypothermia in extreme weather conditions

Procedure

Life-Threatening Emergency

Call 911 immediately — do not delay

Provide the dispatcher with the exact address, nature of the emergency, number of people affected, and your name and phone number

Stay on the line with 911 — follow their instructions

If trained in CPR/first aid, begin appropriate care while waiting for EMS

Send someone to meet the ambulance and guide them to the patient

Do NOT move the person unless they are in immediate danger (fire, gas leak, etc.)

Suspected CO Poisoning

If multiple people have headaches, dizziness, or nausea near gas appliances — suspect CO

Evacuate everyone from the building immediately

Call 911 and report suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

Do NOT re-enter the building

Inform EMS about any gas appliances you were working on

Severe Bleeding

Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth

Elevate the wound above the heart if possible

Do NOT remove the cloth if blood soaks through — add more layers

Call 911 if bleeding cannot be controlled

Heat-Related Illness

Move the person to shade or air conditioning

Provide cool water in small sips (if conscious)

Apply cool, wet cloths to the neck, wrists, and forehead

If the person is confused, vomiting, or loses consciousness — call 911 (heat stroke)

First Aid Kit

• Every Spartan truck should have a basic first aid kit — check during daily vehicle inspection
• Kit should include: bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, gloves, cold pack, burn cream, CPR mask
• Report any missing items to the office for restocking

Important Notes

• You are NOT expected to be a paramedic — call 911 first, then provide basic care within your training
• If a CUSTOMER has a medical emergency, you are a first responder until EMS arrives
• Document any medical incident that occurs on a job site, even if the person declines further care
• If you are experiencing a medical issue, stop work immediately and call for help

Related SOPs

• On-the-Job Injury Response — for non-life-threatening workplace injuries
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection & Response — CO-specific emergency
• Emergency Contact List & Reporting Chain — who to notify