First aid is the immediate care provided for injuries or sudden illnesses immediately after they occur. The goal of first aid is to prevent the condition from worsening and promote recovery until medical services arrive. It can include actions such as cleaning minor cuts and burns, applying bandages, using over-the-counter medications, draining blisters, removing foreign objects from the eyes, and administering fluids to address heat-related stress.
Accidents can happen at the most unexpected times, so learning basic first aid is important in changing the outcome of injuries or medical emergencies. This guide provides essential first-aid tips based on OSHA guidelines to help you respond effectively and safely to workplace incidents.
Immediate treatment must be applied for any injury, no matter how minor it seems. Even the smallest wounds can lead to serious infections or complications if left untreated.
To control bleeding, apply direct pressure on the wound with a clean cloth and elevate the body part if possible.
For severe bleeding, apply pressure to an artery (pressure point) to slow the blood flow to the wound. The body has two major pressure points:
Tourniquets should only be applied when severe external limb bleeding cannot be controlled with direct pressure.
Use wound packing gauze to control bleeding in situations where direct pressure or tourniquets are not viable. Wound packing can also be used alongside a tourniquet if necessary. This technique is especially helpful for deep wounds in areas like the groin or armpit, where tourniquets cannot be applied. However, wounds in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis should not be packed.
In the event of a sudden drop of blood flow resulting from blood loss or allergic reaction, prevent shock from worsening by keeping the victim lying still and flat on the ground. Keep their airway open, elevate their legs, control the bleeding of any wounds, and keep them warm. Do not give any food or drink to the affected person. This may also apply to circulatory failure caused by heat stroke, severe infection, poisoning, or burns.
It is not advisable to move an injured person because there is a risk of aggravating injuries in critical areas such as the spinal cord. Only move an injured person if there is danger in the immediate environment, such as a chemical leak, explosion, or fire. If the area of the accident is free from potential hazards, perform first aid on the spot and wait for professional medical services to arrive on the scene. In situations where moving the injured person is needed, drag them by their clothing or pull them to a blanket before relocating them to avoid worsening their injury.
If a worker cannot cough, speak, or breathe, perform the Heimlich maneuver by applying quick, upward thrusts to dislodge the obstruction.
For burns, especially thermal, chemical, or contact burns, run cool water over the affected area for at least 30 minutes. Do not remove stuck clothing or apply ointments. For electrical burns, the affected person should be far away from any power source before treatment.
Heat stroke, exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses must be treated by relocating the affected worker to a cool, ventilated area and giving them water to drink. Use active cooling techniques such as ice baths, wet towels, and electric fans to prevent the victim from overheating while awaiting medical help.
Remove the victim from the poison source and provide appropriate treatment based on the poison type.
OSHA Standard 1910.151 requires employers to provide first aid supplies. The following list specifies the minimum number and type of supplies required for first-aid kits in small worksites (two to three employees).
For larger or multiple operations at the same location, additional first-aid kits or increased quantities of supplies should be provided.
Document every incidence of injury and report it to your supervisor. This ensures that any unsafe conditions or practices that may have contributed to the incident can be investigated and addressed.
First aid techniques are primarily used to preserve life, prevent injuries from worsening, and help injured persons recover. Effective first aid can stabilize an injured person until professional medical help is available.
Providing first aid can be hazardous if the rescuer is exposed to potential dangers like infectious diseases, hazardous materials, or unsafe environments. Always ensure your safety first and use protective gear if available.
A first aid kit should include gauze pads, large gauze pads, adhesive bandages, a gauze roller bandage, triangular bandages, wound cleaning agents, scissors, a blanket, tweezers, a splint, adhesive tape, elastic wraps, latex gloves, resuscitation equipment, and an emergency assistance manual.