First Aid Safety

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First Aid Safety

• Basics of First Aid . Hypothermia
• Heat Stress

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Workplace First Aid

• Tragedy has struck your co-worker. He lies
  on the floor, unconscious. The first few minutes
  after an accident are critical for his survival.
  If you can provide prompt and proper first aid
  while waiting for medical assistance to arrive,
  you greatly increase your co-worker's chance for
  a complete recovery.

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First, make sure the person is breathing. If
necessary, and if you are trained, start the
ABCs of first aid Airways, Breathing and
Circulation. This may include either rescue
breathing or cardiopulmonary resuscitation
(CPR).
Be prepared to treat every victim for shock
because it can be a life threatening condition.
Look for symptoms such as pale, clammy skin and
rapid, shallow breathing. Make the person
comfortable, either lying down or in a
semi-sitting position, and keep him warm.
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If Bleeding Remember The 3 Ps

• Position the limb higher than
• the heart and apply pressure
• on the wound

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• Position the person lying down, To slow or stop
  the bleeding

• Protect yourself from
• contact with blood

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Broken Bones
Elevate the limb slightly if possible and apply a
wrapped ice pack on the swelling
Support in a comfortable position using pillows
or rolled blankets.
Don't move the person unless he is in immediate
danger.
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Burns
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• Soak small heat burns in cool water for 20
  minutes and protect with a light, lint-free
  dressing.

• Serious burns can be fatal and need prompt
  medical assistance. With all burns, don't break
  blisters, don't apply oil, lotions, butter, or
  ice and don't remove charred or melted clothing.

• For burns caused by chemicals, immediately
  place the person into an emergency shower. Make
  sure the victim continues showering for a minimum
  of 15 minutes while he removes all of his
  clothing.

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Frostbite And Hypothermia Hazards
The air temperature doesn't have to be
particularly low to cause hypothermia just
getting wet and chilled can do the same thing.
Hypothermia is a dangerous lowering of the body's
temperature by exposure to cold or wet conditions.
Hypothermia and frostbite can be two of the
serious consequences of working outdoors in
winter weather
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Chemical eye injuries should be irrigated for
at least 20 minutes in an eye wash and while the
person is being transported to medical aid.
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A puncture wound to the chest or lungs is
life threatening injury. Quickly seal the wound
by placing your protected hand, plastic, foil, or
a credit card over the injury. Have someone else
send for medical assistance. Place the person in
a comfortable semi-sitting position.
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Loss of consciousness
Inability to think straight or speak coherently
Irrational behavior
Poor coordination
Chills and shivering

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia
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Prevention of Hypothermia

• Dress warmly. Wear a hat, waterproof boots
  and gloves. Dress in layers so you can add or
  remove clothing as the temperature changes or you
  get warmed up.

• Keep your clothing dry. Put on waterproof
  gear before you get wet. Carry replacement
  clothing, such as socks, in case your clothing
  does get wet or sweaty.

• Eat regular meals with enough carbohydrates and
  fats so that your body can keep producing the
  heat you need.

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It is an injury which occurs when the body tissue
freezes.
Frostbite
Fingers, toes, face and ears most likely
damaged.
Skin numb, giving it a white and waxy appearance.
If frostbitten, it is better to have it thawed at
a hospital
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Frostbite


Do not thaw the tissue if there is a chance it
will be refrozen before you reach safety.
Do not use hot water or direct heat.
If medical help is far away, warm the frostbitten
area gradually with body heat or tepid water
Do not rub the affected area with your hands
Do not thaw the tissue if there is a chance it
will be refrozen before you reach
safety.
Medical Considerations
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Carry spare mittens, liners and socks in case
yours become wet
Keep all of the extremities covered
Check for frostbite by making sure you can move
your fingers and toes
Prevention of Frostbite
Make sure you can still feel your feet and hands
Gloves and footwear should be snug, not tight.
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Heat Stroke
Temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism
fails, body is unable to cool down
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Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke
An extremely high body temperature (above 103F)
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Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse and nausea
Throbbing headache and dizziness
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WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE SOMEONE EXPERIENCING HEAT
STRESS
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Heat Exhaustion

• Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related
  illness that can develop after several days of
  exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or
  unbalanced replacement of fluids.
• Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly
  people, those with high blood pressure, and those
  working or exercising in a hot environment. 

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Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
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WHAT STEPS CAN BE TAKEN TO COOL THE BODY DURING
HEAT EXHAUSTION
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Heat Cramps

• Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms usually
  in the abdomen, arms, or legs that may occur in
  association with strenuous activity.
• People who sweat a lot during strenuous activity
  are prone to heat cramps. This sweating depletes
  the bodys salt and moisture.
• 
  

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Workplace allergies are on the rise. They can be
triggered by substances such as mold, dust,
natural rubber latex and others. Knowing how to
recognize and deal with a severe allergic
reaction - called anaphylaxis - can save a life.
Workplace Allergies
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Swelling of lips, tongue, mouth, face, and ears
A tingling sensation in the mouth or throat
Wheezing and or difficulty breathing
Blue or purple skin color
Sudden severe hives

Signs and Symptoms Allergic Reaction
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Persons with allergies may wish to inform the
first aid attendants and co-workers of the
condition so everyone can respond more quickly in
an emergency. Supervisors should definitely be
made aware of any allergic condition you may
have.
If you suspect a severe allergic reaction, call
for emergency help immediately. Keep the victim
quiet and in a comfortable position. Look for a
medical alert bracelet which may tell of
allergies. If the victim stops breathing,
administer artificial respiration if you know how
and call for help immediately.
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As always be safe!