First Aid Basics

First aid is the initial assistance given to someone who suddenly falls ill or gets injured before professional medical help arrives. Having basic first aid knowledge in the workplace can make the difference between life and death in emergency situations.

The Goals of First Aid

1. Preserve life - Keep the person alive
2. Prevent deterioration - Stop the condition from worsening
3. Promote recovery - Help the person recover
4. Protect the unconscious - Ensure breathing and circulation

Emergency Response Steps

Check, Call, Care

1. Check the scene and the person

   • Is it safe to approach?
   • What happened?
   • How many people are injured?
   • What are their conditions?

2. Call for professional help

   • In most locations, call 911 or local emergency number
   • Speak clearly and provide exact location
   • Describe the emergency situation
   • Follow dispatcher's instructions

3. Care for the person

   • Provide appropriate first aid based on the situation
   • Stay with the person until professional help arrives
   • Reassure and comfort the person

Common Workplace Emergencies and Basic First Aid

Bleeding

For severe bleeding:

1. Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth
2. Elevate the wounded area above the heart if possible
3. Add more cloth if blood soaks through (don't remove the first cloth)
4. Use pressure points if necessary
5. Apply a tourniquet as a last resort for life-threatening bleeding

Burns

For thermal burns:

1. Cool the burn with cool (not cold) running water for 10-15 minutes
2. Cover with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth
3. Do not apply ice, butter, or ointments directly to the burn
4. Do not break blisters

Fractures and Sprains

1. Rest - Stop using the injured area
2. Ice - Apply ice wrapped in cloth for 20 minutes each hour
3. Compression - Use an elastic bandage to reduce swelling
4. Elevation - Raise the injured area above heart level when possible
5. Immobilize the injury until professional help arrives

Choking

For conscious adult or child:

1. Give 5 back blows between the shoulder blades
2. If unsuccessful, give 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
3. Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled

Heart Attack

Signs include:

• Chest pain/pressure
• Pain in arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness

Actions:

1. Call emergency services immediately
2. Have the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position
3. Loosen tight clothing
4. Provide aspirin if available and not allergic
5. Be prepared to perform CPR if necessary

Stroke (F.A.S.T.)

Remember F.A.S.T.:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulty
• Time to call emergency services

Workplace First Aid Kit

Every workplace should have a well-maintained first aid kit that includes:

• Adhesive bandages of various sizes
• Sterile gauze pads and rolls
• Adhesive tape
• Elastic bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Instant cold packs
• Disposable gloves
• Scissors and tweezers
• CPR face shield
• First aid manual

Important Reminders

• Always ensure your safety first before helping others
• Only provide care within the scope of your training
• Always get professional medical help for serious conditions
• Maintain and regularly check first aid supplies
• Encourage employees to get first aid and CPR certified

Remember: First aid is not a substitute for professional medical care but can be critical in the initial minutes after an injury or medical emergency.