Emergencies in Optical Practice

Emergencies are rare but expected. Plans should be simple, practised and visible. Staff need confidence to act, clear roles, and quick access to equipment and emergency contacts.^[1][3]

Fire and evacuation

A fire risk assessment underpins routes, alarms and extinguishers. Drills on a schedule with recorded times, issues and fixes build readiness. People who need assistance should be identified and personal emergency evacuation plans prepared. Doors and signage can be checked during opening checks.^[8][5]

Medical emergencies

Training in first aid and basic life support at intervals builds competence. First-aid kits should be stocked and an eye-wash station accessible. For anaphylaxis, teams should know how to use adrenaline auto-injectors where supplied and follow national guidance. For chemical eye injuries, immediate irrigation with sterile saline and the COSHH sheet guidance apply.^[2][3][4][9]

• Emergency readiness list: current emergency numbers by each phone; roles during fire and medical events; location of kits and oxygen if held; and a script for directing 999 callers to the entrance.^[2][3]

Escalation and communication

999 should be called when a life-threatening emergency is suspected.^[3]

For non-urgent clinical issues, local referral pathways are used. One person can be nominated to meet the ambulance and one to document times, observations and actions taken.^[3]

After the event, a brief debrief captures what worked, what needs to change, and who owns each action. Procedures and training are updated if gaps were found.^[1][8]

Records that help later

An emergency log with date, scenario, people involved, times, actions, and outcomes is useful. Storing it alongside incident records keeps learning connected. Personal data should be proportionate and secure, with enough detail for learning and defence.^[7][6]

Recording emergency actions

In an emergency, records should capture not only what happened but also the registrant’s professional judgement about urgency, the actions taken within their competence, and how the patient was referred or signposted for further care. Entries should include the time of onset or discovery, observations made, immediate interventions (such as irrigation or CPR), escalation steps (999 call, urgent referral), and the names and roles of those involved.

Where the registrant’s own scope was limited, the record should show how this was recognised and how safe transfer of care was ensured. Clear, factual documentation supports learning, provides medico-legal defence, and demonstrates compliance with Standard 12.

References (numbered in text) Why we include references

1. Standards for optical businesses (effective from 1 January 2025) — General Optical Council Find (opens in a new tab)
2. First aid in work: What to put in your first aid kit — Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
3. Adult Basic Life Support Guidelines — Resuscitation Council UK (2021) Find (opens in a new tab)
4. Adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs): new guidance and resources for safe use — GOV.UK / MHRA (15 August 2017) Find (opens in a new tab)
5. Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (Residential PEEPs) factsheet — GOV.UK (4 July 2025) Find (opens in a new tab)
6. Data protection and workers’ health information — Information Commissioner's Office Find (opens in a new tab)
7. RIDDOR – Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations — Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
8. Planning for incidents and emergencies — Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)
9. How to carry out a COSHH risk assessment — Health and Safety Executive Find (opens in a new tab)