Guide to First Aid
In an emergency situation, being prepared with first aid techniques can be crucial. Learning simple signs, symptoms, and procedures can help to save someone’s life. Check out PE Facts to find out what you can do to help in an emergency and why first aid certification is so important!
It is frequently the job of a Certified First Aid Provider to help an injured or ill person and try to keep them stabilized until professional medical help arrives. A Certified First Aid Provider is someone who is trained and certified to a certain extent in first aid and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). As stated in 29 CFR 1910.151(b), "In the absence of an infirmary, clinic or hospital in the near proximity of the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available."
First Responder is a trade name for a 40-hour certification course in advanced first aid and CPR. This course is provided by many hospitals, technical colleges and fire departments, and you must get recertified biannually. Generally, basic First Aid and CPR classes last eight hours, and are certified through several national organizations such as The American Red Cross, The American Heart Association and The National Safety Council. These certifications also should be updated biannually.
Educated, trained citizens are absolutely crucial when it comes to helping people in emergencies. Due to the increased demand for first aid services, EMS (Emergency Medical Services) stations have been established in many communities. Although an EMS team can arrive quickly, it is still important for citizens to be trained in first aid and learn what to do until emergency medical professionals get there.
First Aid and Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases are diseases that can be passed from one person to another. They are most commonly referred to as airborne or bloodborne pathogens. In first aid, airborne and bloodborne pathogens are frequently passed along through touching, biting, or breathing. People can become infected if touched by an infected person, or if the germs in that person's blood or other bodily fluids pass into the other person’s body through breaks in the skin, or through the lining of the mouth, nose or eyes. The greatest risk of infection is, therefore, in directly touching a sick person’s blood or bodily fluids without protective gloves or some other protective barrier. Below are some basic guidelines to follow that will help to reduce the transmission of body fluid when rendering first aid care.
- Avoid direct contact with blood and bodily fluids whenever possible.
- Use barriers, such as gloves or a clean, dry cloth, between the victim's bodily fluids and yourself.
- Wear protective clothing, such as disposable gloves, to cover any cuts, scrapes or skin conditions you have.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water directly after giving care.
- Do not eat, drink or touch your mouth, nose or eyes when giving first aid
- Do not touch objects that may be soiled with blood or other bodily fluids.
- Be prepared by having a first aid kit stocked and easily accessible.
Following these simple guidelines can help you reduce the risk of getting or transmitting infectious diseases.
Good Samaritan Laws
Good Samaritan Laws have been established in many states to encourage people to help others in emergency situations. These laws provide legal protection to those people who help an ill or injured person in an emergency. They require that the "good samaritan" use common sense and a reasonable level of skill, equal to the level of the individual's training in emergency situations. If you would like to learn more about the Good Samaritan Laws in your state, contact a local legal professional, or check your local library.
Basic First Aid Procedures
Below are some basic first aid procedures for treating shock, bleeding and wounds, burns, choking, electric shock, eye injury, fainting, heat stroke, hypothermia, and unconsciousness. These methods can be used at home, in the workplace, or whenever you find yourself in an emergency situation.
Shock
If someone goes into shock it can be fatal. Symptoms include irregular breathing, cold sweat, chills, weakness, pale or bluish lips and fingernails, rapid weak pulse and nausea.
- Call 9-1-1 or seek medical help immediately.
- Do NOT give the victim anything to eat or drink.
- Lay the victim on their back, but do not move them if he or she has back or neck injuries. If the victim in unconscious, vomiting or has severe injury to the lower face or jaw, lay them on their side and be sure they are getting adequate air.
- Keep the victim warm (not hot) by use of blankets or clothes.
- Raise the victim's feet and legs with a pillow. (Only do this if it does not cause the victim any pain.)
Bleeding and Wounds
- Place a clean cloth or gauze and gloved hand over the wound; apply firm steady pressure for at least 5 minutes.
- Call 9-1-1 or other emergency personnel if bleeding is severe.
- If possible, elevate an injured arm or leg above the level of the victim's heart.
- When bleeding stops, secure the cloth with a bandage. Do NOT lift the cloth from the wound to check if bleeding has stopped. Be sure the bandage is not so tight that it is cutting off circulation.
- Check the victim for shock.
Never use a tourniquet unless you cannot control the bleeding. Tourniquets may result in subsequent medical amputation.
Burns
I. Chemical or Compressed Gas Burns
- Use a hose, shower or faucet for at least 15 minutes to rinse away all traces of chemicals while removing any contaminated clothing from the victim. (See illustration 1.)
- Cover the burn loosely with a clean, dry cloth.
- Check the victim for shock.
- Call 9-1-1 or seek medical attention as soon as possible.
II. Heat or Electrical Burns
- Use water to stop actual burning of skin if necessary.
- If the skin is not broken, immerse the burned area in cool (not ice) water, or gently apply a cool compress until pain is relieved. Bandage with a clean dry cloth.
- Do not break a blister if one forms. Do not apply ointments or creams.
- If skin is broken, or if burns are severe:
- Call 9-1-1 or other emergency personnel.
- Do not clean the wound or remove embedded clothing.
- Cover the burn loosely with a clean, dry cloth.
- Expect shock and treat accordingly.
Choking
Note: These instructions are intended to be used for choking victims over one year of age. There are different guidelines for the treatment of infants choking that are not outlined in this document.
If the victim can speak or cough forcibly and is getting a sufficient amount of air, do not interfere with his attempts to cough the obstruction from his throat. If the victim cannot speak or is not getting enough air, have someone call 9-1-1 while you perform abdominal thrusts.
1. Stand directly behind the victim and wrap your arms around his stomach.(See illustration 2.)
2. Make a fist with one hand and place that fist just above the navel and well below the ribs, with the thumb and forefinger side toward you. (See illustration 3.)
3. Grasp this fist with the other hand and pull it quickly toward you with a slightly upward thrust. Repeat if necessary. (See illustration 4.)
If the victim becomes unconscious:
- Lay the victim on his back.
- If the object is visible, use your forefinger to reach deeply into the victim's mouth (along the inside of the cheek) and try to sweep the obstruction out of the victim's throat. (This should only be performed on someone 9 years of age or older.)
- Even if this is not successful, attempt rescue breathing.
- If rescue breathing is not working due to the obstruction, sit straddling the victim's thighs and perform abdominal thrusts by pushing onto the victim above the naval below the ribs with the heel of the hand five times from this position.
Electric Shock
- Do NOT touch the victim until electrical contact is broken.
- Unplug or switch off the source of electricity if possible.
- If the victim is not breathing and has no pulse, call 9-1-1 or seek medical attention immediately.
Eye Injury
I. Chemical
- Hold the eyelids open and flush the eyeball with lukewarm water for at least 15-30 minutes. Be careful not to let runoff water flow into the other eye.
- Place a gauze pad or cloth over both eyes and secure it with a bandage.
- Get to an eye specialist or emergency room immediately.
II. Cut, Scratch or Embedded Object
- Place a gauze pad or cloth over both eyes and secure it with a bandage.
- Do not try to remove an embedded object.
- Get to an eye specialist or emergency room immediately.
Fainting
Note: Fainting victims regain consciousness almost immediately. If this does not happen, the victim could be in serious danger and you should call 9-1-1 as soon as possible.
- Lay the victim down on her back and make sure she has plenty of fresh air.
- Reassure the victim and apply a cold compress to her face.
- If the victim vomits, roll her on her side and keep her windpipe clear.
- Report the fainting incident to the victim's doctor.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke can be life threatening. Symptoms can include a body temperature of 105°F or higher; unconsciousness; rapid pulse; dry, hot, flushed skin; and lack of perspiration.
- Get the victim out of the heat and into a cooler place.
- Place the victim in the shock position, lying on his back, with his feet up.
- Remove or loosen the victim's clothing.
- Cool the victim by fanning and applying cloth-wrapped cold packs or wet towels.
- Treat for shock.
Hypothermia (Prolonged exposure to the cold)
Hypothermia can be life threatening. Symptoms include shivering, lower than normal body temperature, drowsiness, disorientation, apathy, and eventually unconsciousness.
- Immediately move the victim into the best available nearby shelter.
- Get the victim out of wet clothes and replace with dry clothes, sleeping bag or blankets.
- Have the victim drink a warm, non-alcoholic beverage if possible.
- Seek medical help.
Unconsciousness
- Determine responsiveness by gently tapping the victim's shoulder and asking, "Are you O.K.?"
- If there is no response, shout "Help!" and look for a medical alert tag on the victims neck or wrist.
- If victim is not breathing and has no pulse, begin CPR.
- Call 9-1-1 or seek medical aid as soon as possible.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. What can I do to best prepare my workplace for an emergency?
A.
- Always keep a stocked first aid kit and emergency equipment handy.
- Establish an emergency responder program in the workplace.
- Establish a safety program. In doing so you can keep work-related accidents to a minimum.
A. People rarely sue someone for helping in an emergency, but occasionally it does happen. However, if you act as a reasonable and prudent person would under these conditions; you should be protected under Good Samaritan laws.
Q. When should I call for assistance?
A. If the victim is unconscious, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. If the victim is conscious, call an ambulance unless they ask that an ambulance not be called; call 9-1-1 or an ambulance anyway IF the victim:
- Is or becomes unconscious.
- Has trouble breathing or is breathing in a strange way.
- Has chest pain or pressure.
- Is severely bleeding.
- Has incessant pressure or pain in the abdomen.
- Is vomiting or passing blood.
- Has seizures, a severe headache or slurred speech.
- Appears to have been poisoned.
- Has injuries to the head, back or neck.
- Has possible broken bones.
Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.
