Basic First Aid Awareness
Unfortunately, accidents happen at work. However, understanding basic first aid and having the right medical supplies on-hand are key to preventing situations from going from bad to worse.
First aid care is critical in the moments following an injury. It is important to stay calm if an injury occurs and assess the situation before acting.
WHAT IS FIRST AID?
First aid is generally defined as “Medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred.”
- First aid DOES NOT take the place of proper medical treatment, if needed.
- All workplaces in the U.S. not located within “near proximity” of a medical facility must have trained first aid providers (OSHA First Aid standard 29 CFR 1910.151). OSHA defines near proximity as the ability of medical professionals to respond and begin first aid in 3-4 minutes.
Most Canadian provinces and territories require that at least one person with first aid training be available on each shift at each workplace.
HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN GIVING FIRST AID
Your safety is just as important as the safety of the ill or injured employee! Here are tips to keep in mind:
- Stay calm. Even though you need to act quickly and decisively, don’t panic. Use a few deep breaths and exhales to calm down. This not only ensures better decision making but also helps whoever you’re treating stay calm and prevent further injury.
- Assess the emergency. Stop and take account of the situation. Is immediate medical care needed? Will an
ambulance be required? - Scene safety and body substance isolation. Do not create a triage situation. Ensure that rendering aid will not injure you or other responders, and be aware and cautious of any bodily fluids at the scene.
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens by wearing disposable gloves, eye protection. If possible, use CPR breathing barriers and protective clothing.
FIRST AID FOR…
Cuts/Scrapes/Lacerations
- Apply direct pressure on the wound with gauze pads until bleeding stops.
Clean with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.
Elevate body part (if possible).
If the skin is broken, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment, then cover with a bandage or gauze and adhesive tape.
If shock is occurring, lie victim down, keep calm, do not give food or drink. Call 911.
Fractures/Dislocations
- Immobilize the affected area and elevate it, if possible.
Apply ice and compression to the area to reduce swelling.
Splint the injured body part.
Never move the injured employee if a neck or back injury is suspected.
Strains accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or discoloration may require a trip to the hospital.
Burns
- Immerse burned skin in cold water or apply a cold, wet towel until the pain subsides.
If there are small blisters on the burn, (2nd degree) cover with a loose bandage or gauze and tape. Do not pop the blisters.
Do not apply butter or ointments, which can cause infection.
Electric Shock
- Turn off the source of electricity, if possible. If not, move the source away from you and the person, using a dry, non- conducting object made of cardboard, plastic, or wood.
If the employee shows no signs of circulation, such as no breathing, coughing, or movement, call 911. While waiting for emergency responders, if you are properly trained, you may administer CPR.
Cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a clean cloth.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
- Symptoms include headache, light-headedness/dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
BASIC FIRST AID AWARENESS
- If victim is conscious and alert — move to fresh air immediately.
Heat Injury/Illness
Heat-related injuries can be caused by working in high temperatures (above for a long period of time, which may cause the body to overheat. The problem can be exacerbated by physical or strenuous activity and high humidity.
The illnesses that can result due to the body overheating range from mild to severe: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Some basic mitigating steps are to ensure that you stay hydrated. Stop what you’re doing and take breaks in the shade to cool down every 2 hours if working an 8-hour day.
Common symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Fainting
- Sweating
- Dark-colored urine
Heat Injury/Illness
Heat-related injuries can be caused by working in high temperatures (above for a long period of time, which may cause the body to overheat. The problem can be exacerbated by physical or strenuous activity and high humidity.
The illnesses that can result due to the body overheating range from mild to severe: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Some basic mitigating steps are to ensure that you stay hydrated. Stop what you’re doing and take breaks in the shade to cool down every 2 hours if working an 8-hour day.
Common symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Fainting
- Sweating
- Dark-colored urine
FIRST AID KITS IN THE U.S.
Filling a first aid kit with appropriate supplies can be challenging. While the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Z308.1 standard provides a regularly updated recommended minimum fill requirement, their recommendations may only account for some of the needed items at your facility. Your facility should complete a first aid hazard assessment to determine what types of supplies you may need based on the hazards at your facility. Consider these:
- Take stock of the types of injuries that could happen at the facility. What type of first aid items would you need to assist injured personnel? Some examples include special ointments or gels for high-hazard chemical exposures or sting relief items for outdoor employees.
- Does your facility have multiple buildings? Multiple floors? Consider having multiple first aid kits throughout the property or even within the same building.
- Supply enough of each item. If you have a lot of employees at your facility, a minimum fill may not be enough. Commonly used items like bandages, antibiotic cream, or antiseptic wipes may need to be stocked at a higher amount.
- Do you have mobile employees? They should have adequate first aid supplies they can take with them in their work vehicles or to their worksite. Portable first aid kits should be sturdy and able to withstand weather exposure.
Reviewing your first aid kit hazard assessment regularly and as new hazards arise helps keep your first aid supplies adequate and relevant to the risks at your workplace.
FIRST AID KITS IN CANADA
The requirements for first aid kits vary among provinces and territories. In Ontario, for example, there are three levels of kits required, depending on the number of employees in the workplace. A workplace in Ontario with 16-199 employees requires a first aid kit containing the following:
Caution: Consult your local and provincial requirements to ensure that your workplace has the correct first aid kits and contents.