3. Medical Services

3.1 Responsibilities of the Institute and Personnel

The Weizmann Institute performs check-ups for medical profiles at the Institute Medical Clinic, and provides first-aid services in conjunction with outside medical and ambulance services.

Off-campus Emergency Services

In emergency situations, injured persons should be taken to Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot. Ambulance services are provided through the Israel "Red Cross" - Magen David Adom.

Magen David Adom (Red Cross):	08-101
Kaplan Hospital - Emergency:	08-944-1267
Fire Department:	08-102
Police Department:	08-100
National Poisons Center *:	04-854-1900
Environmental Emergency & Information Center:	08-925-3321 (Open 24 hours)
* Will not give information to non-medical personnel

3.2 Medical Examinations of Personnel

The Weizmann Institute monitors the health of faculty, staff, students and any other persons on campus exposed to hazardous materials and situations, in accordance with law and Institute policy. All new employees must undergo a health examination, and persons whose work involves hazardous substances or procedures are required to undergo special medical tests at regular intervals, in accordance with Ministry of Labor guidelines. Special medical examinations are required if a significant risk of excessive exposure to a hazard exists, and for work-related health problem. Designation of the individuals for medical examinations is made by the supervisor and the Safety Commissioner, in agreement with the Industrial-Hygiene/Medical Doctor. Any person suspecting adverse health affects from a substance or procedure in their work environment, is entitled to consult the Doctor, who will decide if further testing is required. Noncompliance with the medical examinations is a disciplinary transgression and can bring disciplinary punishment.

The Safety Unit maintains health records and monitors the medical surveillance program. The individuals are summoned to the examinations by the Personnel Department or the Safety Commissioner, who coordinate with the health authorities performing them. This includes any measurements taken to monitor exposures, medical consultations or examinations, and tests or written opinions. The Industrial-Hygiene/Medical Doctor enters the test results in the workerís medical file, and deals with any cases requiring a second test, medical treatment, or change in work conditions. The employee may ask to see and receive a copy of their personal records.

3.3 First-aid equipment and Services

An Israel Defense Forces-type first-aid kit is found in the safety cupboard at the entrances to all buildings. The kit includes a closed respiratory system and additional equipment. A stretcher for emergency use is nearby. A general purpose first-aid kit is available in every department and on every floor.

3.4 Medical Scenarios - What to Do  (see Section 1: Emergency Response)

Depending on the severity of the incident, call for the Magen David Adom ambulance service; or accompany the injured person (associate or Institute employee) to Kaplan Hospital. The Department Head must be informed of the incident and treatment decision immediately, and will notify the casualty's family and the Safety Unit.

3.4.1 Heat Burns

Severe or very extensive burns are likely to cause acute shock, and proper medical assistance must be provided immediately. Request medical aid.

First-aid: A trained respondent may apply burn-spray, depending on the severity of the incident. Cover the burn with a dry bandage (e.g. sterile pad or clean cloth) for transfer to a medical facility. Do not perforate blisters.

3.4.2 Chemical Burns

All corrosive acids and alkalis should be immediately washed off the skin, using large quantities of water (shower and eye bath), for at least 10 minutes. Request medical aid. Cover skin wounds with a dry bandage and take the casualty to the Emergency Department of Kaplan Hospital.

In the case of eye injuries, any chemical entering the eye is rinsed in the eye-bath continuously, and the rinsing should be continued even in the treatment room in the Institute Medical Clinic. In severe cases, rinsing is continued while awaiting and during transport to the hospital.

3.4.3 Cuts and Abrasions

The wound should be covered loosely with a dry bandage or in cases of heavy bleeding, using pressure. Request medical aid.

3.4.4 Breaks and Sprains

Call for medical aid.

3.4.5 Poisons

Correct and rapid action in giving first-aid can save lives in many cases. The director of the team working with gas, liquid or solid poisons must ensure:

• Workers are aware of the dangers involved.
• The procedures employed are as safe as possible.
• Individual protective measures and proper safety instructions have been issued, especially with reference to the respiratory system.

3.4.6 The Casualty is Conscious / Unconscious

The casualty is conscious:

1. Remember! Poisoning demands urgent medical attention. Bring the patient to fresh air. Call for medical assistance, or arrange for transport to the hospital. There must be no delay in taking the necessary action!
2. The doctor should be provided with as much information as possible about the type of poison, dose, route of entry, health of the patient, and any relevant information concerning the poison (e.g. MSDS sheet, antidote, and a labeled container with the poison). Poison information is available to medical personnel only, at the Poisons Center, Rambam Hospital, Haifa, Telephone 04-8529205.

The casualty is unconscious:

Request medical assistance immediately, while taking the following steps:

1. Bring the injured person to fresh air.
2. Lay the injured person down, with the mouth open and head to the side and unsupported to facilitate vomiting and prevent entry of vomit to the trachea and lungs.
3. Cover the injured person with a blanket.
4. Artificial respiration is commenced by a qualified person if the victim ceases breathing, or if respiration is weak, slow or irregular in any way.
5. Artificial respiration is maintained until treatment has been taken over by an accepted medical authority.
6. Do not give anything to drink, or insert anything into the mouth.

3.4.7 Heat Stress

Heat stress can cause physical or mental changes. Persons unaccustomed to the climate in Israel and ease of dehydration here are especially vulnerable. If you or your co-worker exhibit signs of heat stress, go to a cool area, rest and drink small sips of water or other non-alcoholic beverage. Your colleague should arrange for or help you to obtain medical help.