August 3, 2026
Medical emergencies can happen anywhere; it is important to stay vigilant and know what to do in case of emergency. For postal workers, one of the most important things to remember is that every employee has the right to call 911 during an emergency.
Remember – it is not just medical emergencies. In any case of emergency, postal workers can and should call 911 for fire, police, or emergency medical assistance. The Administrative Support Manual “Article 273.133 Emergency Actions” says that you can and should call for fi re or police assistance in an emergency. The Employee Labor Relations Manual “Article 866.3 – Emergency Procedures” says that the recommended first step for handling medical emergencies is to call 911. After emergency services have been contacted, you can also notify management or other parties who may be able to help.
In an emergency, every second counts. Delays in contacting emergency responders can reduce the chances of a positive outcome for someone experiencing a heart attack, stroke, cardiac arrest, severe injury, or other serious medical conditions.
Emergency medical services have the training, equipment, and experience to provide advanced care that cannot be administered on the scene by coworkers or bystanders alone.
Knowing that you have the right to make the call empowers workers to act quickly. Rather than waiting for someone else to respond, workers can ensure that professional medical assistance is on the way as soon as possible.
If a person is unresponsive, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can play a critical role in helping someone survive until emergency responders arrive. Once you have called 911 and requested assistance, put your phone on speaker— the 911 dispatcher is specifically trained to walk you through exactly what to do.
CPR Certification Is an Additional Safety Precaution CPR is one of the most valuable emergency response skills a person can learn. CPR is a lifesaving technique used when someone’s heart stops beating, or they stop breathing due to cardiac arrest, drowning, choking, electrocution, or other medical emergencies. By performing chest compressions and, when appropriate, rescue breaths, CPR helps maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs until professional medical assistance arrives.
Immediate CPR can significantly improve survival rates and reduce the risk of permanent brain damage. Since many cardiac arrests happen outside of hospitals, bystanders are often the first people available to help. Learning CPR also increases confidence and preparedness, enabling people to react quickly and effectively in stressful situations.
Becoming CPR certified is a simple process that is available to most individuals. Certification courses are offered by organizations such as the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, hospitals, community centers, and workplace safety programs and can be completed in a single day. These courses teach participants how to recognize emergencies, assess a victim’s condition, perform high-quality chest compressions, provide rescue breaths, and respond appropriately until emergency medical personnel take over.
CPR certification is generally valid for two years and should be renewed regularly to ensure skills remain current. By learning and maintaining CPR certification, individuals gain the ability to provide immediate assistance during life-threatening emergencies and make a meaningful difference in their communities.
