The most common mistakes in first aid at work: how to avoid them with IAS 1 and IAS 2 training

In the workplace, a simple reflex can save a life… or make it worse. All too often, when an accident occurs at work, the first steps taken are poorly executed: poor positioning, failure to raise the alarm or unnecessary haste can turn a manageable situation into a critical emergency.
First aid at work is not just a legal obligation: it is a vital skill that every employee should possess. That is why the IAS 1 and IAS 2 training courses, recognised by the Interassociation de Sauvetage (IAS) and the Swiss Resuscitation Council (SRC), provide a solid foundation for acting calmly and effectively.

This article, inspired by the expertise of SafetyFirst, guides you through the most common mistakes in workplace first aid and explains how to avoid them. The aim is to strengthen the culture of safety in the workplace, develop the right emergency reflexes and remind everyone that every action counts, especially when it is properly learned and practised.

Understanding first aid in the workplace: a cornerstone of occupational safety

First aid in the workplace is based on a simple principle: being prepared to respond immediately to an accident or medical emergency. In a professional environment, where risks vary depending on the job — falls, burns, choking, electrocution — speed and precision in responding can save a life.

Why every employee should know first aid

First aid is not just for professional rescuers. Every employee, whether they work in an office or on a construction site, must be able to recognise an emergency situation, secure the area, alert the emergency services and take effective action. Simply applying pressure to a wound or performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) correctly can make all the difference before the emergency services arrive.

Legal obligations and IAS 1 / IAS 2 training courses recognised in Switzerland

In Switzerland, occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation requires companies to ensure protection and risk prevention. IAS 1 and IAS 2 training courses, which are eduQua certified, meet this requirement precisely: they prepare employees to respond in accordance with protocols approved by the SRC and the cantonal authorities.

• IAS 1: introduction to first aid, learning basic procedures and recognising vital signs.
• IAS 2: in-depth study and refinement, including complex scenarios and knowledge recycling.

The key role of the company rescuer and first responder

Appointing a company first-aider is essential for any organisation: this trained person becomes a first responder capable of ensuring the immediate safety of victims while waiting for the emergency services to arrive. Beyond technical skills, they are a true prevention agent. Through regular training, they develop their emergency reflexes, remain calm in the face of panic and embody collective responsibility within the company.

First aid at work is therefore not just a training module, but a genuine culture: one of respect for life, solidarity and responsiveness.

The most common first aid mistakes in the workplace

Even with the best intentions, a poorly executed action can have serious consequences. In companies, certain mistakes are often repeated during workplace accidents. Identifying them allows you to adopt safer reflexes and prevent an emergency situation from worsening.

Failure to secure the accident area before taking action

One of the first mistakes observed is rushing. Instinctively, we rush towards the victim without assessing the dangers. However, securing the scene is the absolute priority. Before providing assistance, it is necessary to check for any ongoing risks: traffic, electricity, fire, falling objects, chemicals, etc.
A company first-aider trained in IAS 1 learns how to protect without putting themselves in danger, how to establish a safety perimeter and how to alert their colleagues. This simple reflex often prevents a second accident.

Forgetting to check the victim’s level of consciousness and breathing

Many people believe that a victim who is not speaking is necessarily unconscious. This is not true. The IAS 1 training course teaches participants to carry out a systematic check: talk to the victim, gently stimulate them, then check their breathing and vital signs.
Ignoring these steps can delay cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or lead to inappropriate actions. The initial assessment is therefore the basis of all effective first aid at work.

Incorrectly alerting the emergency services or providing incomplete information

Another common mistake concerns alerting the emergency services. Calling for help is good; giving them the right information is vital. A clear message should always include:

• the exact location of the accident;
• the nature of the incident (illness, fall, electrocution, bleeding, etc.);
• the number of victims and their condition;
• the actions already taken.
  Emergency numbers to remember in Switzerland: 144 (medical assistance), 118 (fire brigade), 117 (police) and 112 (European number).

Performing inappropriate first aid measures

Approximate movements are among the most common causes of complications. A few examples:

• In the event of choking, blows to the back should be firm but controlled; there is no need to strike violently.
• For heavy bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound and avoid using improvised tourniquets.
• In the event of a cardiac emergency, the priority is to call 144, use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and begin chest compressions according to the CPR protocol.

These errors illustrate how risky it can be to practise without training. Only certified training, such as the IAS 1 and IAS 2 courses offered by SafetyFirst, guarantees that you will learn the correct procedures and gain the confidence you need to act effectively in the workplace.

False beliefs in first aid: when good intentions become a risk

At work, as elsewhere, emergencies are often accompanied by preconceived notions. For fear of doing the wrong thing or relying on distant memories, many employees repeat inappropriate actions. These misconceptions about first aid are one of the main causes of errors during workplace accidents.

“I don’t intervene, I’m not trained”: the fear of taking action

This phrase is often heard, especially when someone is feeling unwell or has fainted. However, doing nothing is sometimes more dangerous than acting cautiously. The IAS 1 training course helps to overcome this fear by teaching the basics: protect, alert, rescue.
Even a simple action, such as securing the area or calling 144, can save a life. First aid at work relies above all on responsiveness and composure, not technical perfection.

“I remember my training ten years ago”: the lack of refresher courses

Emergency reflexes are quickly forgotten. According to the recommendations of the Swiss Resuscitation Council (SRC), it is advisable to take an IAS 2 refresher course every two years to keep your skills up to date.
Procedures evolve, techniques change, and regular practice helps maintain the coordination needed during resuscitation or massive bleeding. Updating your knowledge ensures safe, accurate and effective techniques at the crucial moment.

“I’ll do what I’ve seen in the films”: spectacular but dangerous stunts

Lifting a victim, slapping them to “wake them up”, or giving them water after a shock… these actions are still too often observed. In reality, they make the situation worse.
First aid training in the workplace teaches people to assess the situation calmly, respect the victim’s physiology and avoid any risky manipulation.
The company first-aider must rely on simple, scientifically validated actions: recovery position, chest compressions, breathing checks. Nothing spectacular, but everything needed to save a life.

Freeing yourself from preconceived notions also means recognising the importance of continuing education. This is what distinguishes a good instinct from false confidence.

How to avoid these errors with IAS 1 and IAS 2 training

Acting at just the right moment cannot be improvised. The IAS 1 and IAS 2 training courses enable participants to learn safe, validated procedures that are adapted to all situations encountered in the workplace. These modules, offered by SafetyFirst, are based on the official standards of the Interassociation de Sauvetage (IAS) and the Swiss Resuscitation Council (SRC) to ensure comprehensive and rigorous training.

Certified and recognised training courses: IAS, SRC, eduQua

The IAS 1 and IAS 2 courses are not just awareness-raising sessions. They are nationally recognised and eduQua certified, a guarantee of quality for vocational training in Switzerland.
The programme includes:

• a clear theoretical approach, based on the recommendations of the SRC;
• practical exercises supervised by certified instructors;
• official validation of the level achieved at the end of each module.

These training courses guarantee real mastery of first aid techniques, adapted to each professional context.

A practical approach focused on real reflexes

SafetyFirst emphasises practical training. Participants are placed in realistic emergency situations: electrocution, choking, cardiac arrest, bleeding or falls. Each scenario helps to reinforce emergency response reflexes, stress management and team coordination.
This immersion creates solid automatic responses: checking safety, assessing the victim, alerting others, and intervening. These steps become ingrained reflexes, which are essential in first aid at work.

The role of retraining and skills upgrading

First aid skills cannot be learned once and for all. IAS 2 training courses include regular refresher courses, which are essential for maintaining the confidence and effectiveness of first aiders.
Updates include the latest recommendations from the SRC, technological developments such as the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), and feedback from the field.

By completing these training courses, each company first-aider becomes a key link in the safety chain: capable of acting with precision, calm and efficiency in the most critical moments.

The tangible benefits for the company and its employees

Training employees in first aid at work is not just about complying with the law: it is an investment in safety, cohesion and trust. A well-prepared company responds better to emergencies and significantly limits the consequences of an accident.

Fewer serious accidents, greater collective responsiveness

Every minute counts in the event of an accident at work. An employee trained in IAS 1 or IAS 2 knows how to quickly assess the situation, raise the alarm effectively and administer life-saving first aid.
This responsiveness reduces the risk of complications and allows professional emergency services to intervene in the best possible conditions. A trained team is a fluid chain of action where everyone knows their role.

A climate of trust and security reinforced

When employees know they can count on each other, a lasting sense of security takes hold. First aid training creates a culture of mutual support and shared responsibility.
Employees become more attentive to their environment, calmer in crisis situations and more supportive of one another. This translates into a better working atmosphere and increased commitment to the company.

Ensured compliance with health and safety requirements

Swiss companies must comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards and the Occupational Health and Safety Model (MSST).
Based on IAS 1 and IAS 2 certified training courses, SafetyFirst helps organisations remain compliant with legal requirements while enhancing their prevention approach.

First aid procedures cannot be improvised: they must be learned, practised and perfected. Thanks to IAS 1 and IAS 2 training courses, every employee can become a key player in workplace prevention.
By investing in these skills, companies do more than just avoid mistakes: they develop a genuine culture of safety based on responsibility and solidarity.

SafetyFirst supports this approach with professionalism and commitment.
➡️ Discover the IAS 1 and IAS 2 training courses to transform every reflex into a life-saving action.