Abstract

The medical services provided by employers for the immediate management of on-site accidents and emergencies in a heavily industrialized area have been reviewed by examining the medical records of the employees and of the local hospital. The services provided on-site varied considerably and were not closely related to the frequency or type of accident. In general time off work after industrial accidents was not influenced by the extent of follow-up facilities at work, although more reviews were undertaken by firms with good medical facilities. Large firms can justify the full time employment of nurses to deal with emergencies only if they are given greater clinical freedom than at present. First-Aiders are as effective in other settings. Establishing clinical and educational links with the local hospital would help to define the limits of responsibility of First-Aiders and improve patient care.

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