The following information contains notes on practise which are not compulsory but which you may find helpful in considering what you need to do.
Please check the expiry dates on individual components within your first aid kit regularly and replace anything going out of date. Do not use date expired dressings.
The text below contains advice on basic first aid for untrained people to use in an emergency. It is not a substitute for effective training. First aid is a skill requiring training and practice.
You should not attempt to give more than this basic first aid if you have not been trained. When giving first aid it is vital that you assess the situation and that you:
1. Take care not to become a casualty yourself while administering first aid (use protective clothing and equipment where necessary);
2. Send for help where necessary. Don’t delay;
3. Follow the advice given below.
What to do in an emergency
Check whether the casualty is conscious. If the casualty is unconscious ore semi-conscious; check the mouth for any obstruction;
1. Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin using the tips of two fingers.
2. If the casualty has stopped breathing and you are competent to give artificial ventilation, do so. Otherwise send for help without delay.
Unconsciousness
In most work-places expert help should be available fairly quickly, but if you have an unconscious casualty it is vital that his or her airway is kept clear. If you cannot keep the airway open, you may need to turn the casualty into the recovery position. The priority is an open airway.
Wounds and Bleeding
Open wounds should be covered – after washing your hands – if possible.
Apply a dressing from the first aid box over the wound and press firmly on top of it with your hands or fingers. The pad should be tied firmly in place. If bleeding continues another dressing should be applied on top. Do not remove the original dressing, seek appropriate help.
Minor Injuries
Minor injuries of the sort which the injured person would treat themselves at home, can be treated from the contents of the first aid box. The casualty should wasj his or her hands and apply a dressing to protect the wound and prevent infection. In the work-place special metallic and/or coloured or waterproof dressings may be supplied according to the circumstances. Wounds should be kept dry and clean.
Suspected Broken Bones
If a broken bone is suspected obtain expert help. Do not move casualties unless they are in a position which exposes them to immediate danger.
Burns
Burns can be serious – if in doubt seek medical help. Cool the part of the body affected with cold water until the pain is relived. Thorough cooling may take 10 minutes or more, but this should not delay taking the casualty to hospital.
Certain chemicals may irritate or damage the skin – some seriously. Treat in the same way as for other burns. It is important that irrigation continues, even on the way to the hospital if necessary. Remove any contaminated clothing which is not stuck to the skin. Make sure that you avoid contaminating yourself with the chemical.
Eye Injuries
All eye injuries are potentially serious. The casualty will be experiencing intense pain in the affected eye, with spasm of the eye lids. Before attempting to treat, wash your hands.
If there is something in the eye, irrigate the eye with clean, cool water or sterile fluid from a sealed container to remove loose material. Do not attempt to remove anything that is embedded.
If chemicals are involved, flush the open eye with water or sterile fluid for at least 10-15 mins. Apply an eye pad and send the casualty to hospital.
Special Hazards
Electrical and gassing accidents can occur in the work place. You must assess the danger to yourself and not attempt assistance until you are sure it is safe to do so. If the casualty has stopped breathing and you are competent to give artificial ventilation and cardiac resuscitation, do so. Otherwise, send for help without delay.
Illness
Many everyday ailments can arise at work. Giving medicines is not within the scope of first aid at work. Application of common sense and reassurance to the casualty is the most valuable help that you can give. If in any doubt about the seriousness of the condition, expert help should be sought. If the casualty has his or her own pain relief tablets, they may take these as appropriate. People assisting should not offer medication of their own or belonging to others.
Record Keeping
It is good practice that any injuries or cases of illness which have been treated are recorded in a book. Include the following information in your entry;
- date, time and place of incident or treatment
- name and job of injured or ill person
- details of the injury/illness and treatment given
- what happened to the person immediately afterwards (e.g. went home, went back to work, went to hospital)
- name and signature of the person providing treatment
This sort of information can help identify accident trends and possible areas of improvement in the control of health and safety risks.
