Safety and risk management

Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. Preparing to handle these emergencies is essential because your actions and decisions in such stressful situations could save someone's life. Taking this course will help you manage these cases and help you make the difference between life and death.

In this lesson, first aid will be defined and the OSHA standards that must be met when undergoing first aid training. Aside from that, the purpose of first aid training will be explained along with some examples. 

Welcome to OSHA First Aid Training and Standards
This type of training is one of the most essential kinds for workers especially in the healthcare industry.


First aid training gives you the capability to provide immediate care to victims, patients, and even your coworkers in the event of an accident.


Lesson Objectives:
In this lesson, we will define:
first aid;
OSHA standards for first aid training; and
the purpose of first aid training.


Disclaimer
The following guidance is designed to give a brief overview of the training for First Aid Standards.
This material should NOT be used as a replacement for proper OSHA accreditation.
It should be referenced in conjunction with the guidelines provided in your country or be modified to suit the specific requirements of your industry and worksite.


Scenario:
A bus crashed on the freeway and caused a massive pile-up.
At least 30 people sustained injuries.
Being the closest hospital to the freeway, many of those injured were rushed to your emergency room.
The emergency room is overwhelmed with patients needing immediate medical attention.
Doctors prioritize those in critical condition.
Those with minor injuries can only be given first aid for the time being.
Based on the given scenario, what is first aid?


What is First Aid?


OSHA is the governing body for protecting the health and safety of employees in the United States.
Their first aid safety standards ensure that you are fully prepped to handle emergencies.


The OSHA First Aid Standard
(29 CFR 1910.151)
This standard specifies that a workplace must always have first aid providers if there are no available hospitals or clinics within the vicinity.
As part of the healthcare industry, you must always be prepared to handle all types of emergency cases.


The OSHA CPR Standard
(number varies for each industry)
OSHA has standards for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and it varies for different industries. CPR is the first aid technique to handle sudden cardiac arrest.


Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens
(29 CFR 1910.1030)
First aid providers must also undergo training for such situations wherein a patient or victim may get cuts or scrapes which may get infected with microorganisms that may cause sepsis or the like.


First aid can prevent death in which of the following situations?


The Standards

Without risks, there would be no need for first aid. This lesson will help you understand the risks and conduct risk analysis so your decisions and the actions you take during emergencies can save and prolong someone's life.

Welcome back!
This is the second lesson of the OSHA First Aid Training and Standards.


The previous lesson defined first aid, listed some OSHA standards for first aid training, and explained the primary purpose of first aid training.


Lesson Objectives:
In this lesson, we will explain:
non-life-threatening emergencies;
life-threatening emergencies; and
preventing risks from occurring.


Caution
The following pages will display photos of injuries or illnesses that may be remedied through first aid.
Images of this nature may be disturbing to some users.
Take note of the information and try to identify which injuries or illnesses may be life-threatening or non-life-threatening.


The Risks

After understanding the risks and how to conduct a risk assessment, this lesson will explain how to respond to the threats. Preparation, the equipment needed, and the actions to perform can mean the difference between life and death.

Welcome back!
This is the last lesson of the OSHA First Aid Training and Standards.


The previous lesson explained the kinds of emergencies that could be handled through first aid and how to prevent the kinds of emergencies.


Lesson Objectives:
In this lesson, we will explain:
victim assessment;
the contents of a first aid kit; and
first aid techniques.


Assessing the Victim
Victim assessment and checking of the environment is as crucial as performing the first aid techniques.


Call emergency services
When handling emergencies, it is important to stay calm and call emergency services before attempting to perform first aid on a victim.


Check the surrounding area for danger
Before offering first aid, inspect the area where the victim is located. Check if there are dangerous substances that may affect you and make the situation worse for the victim.


Victim responsiveness
If the victim is awake and is able to talk, ask them what happened or what caused their injury or illness. Take their history in great detail.
If the victim is unconscious, assess them from head to toe and take note of any injuries. Check their pulse, their breathing and airways, and for any broken ribs and other bones.


Reaching for the First Aid Kit
It also helps if you have a first aid kit of your own. It is best to carry it with you at all times.


Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is performed if a victim is unresponsive and not breathing. Remember the ABC's of CPR.
Airway: tilt the victim's head back and lift the neck to clear their airway.
Breathing: pinch the victim's nose and blow into their mouth.
Circulation: check the victim's pulse in the wrist, the carotid artery in the neck, or the heart.


Compressions
Compressions could be done to help the victim's breathing.
Place two fingers on the area where the lower ribs meet (sternum). Put the heel of your other hand next to your fingers.
Put your hands one on top of the other and compress the victim's chest. You can perform these compressions to the beat of Staying Alive by the Bee Gees.


Choking
To aid someone who is mildly choking, encourage them to cough. For someone who is choking severely, perform back blows or abdominal thrusts.
Abdominal thrusts (or the heimlich maneuver) are done by putting your arms around the victim,


Controlling an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
AEDs are devices which can treat people with sudden cardiac arrest.
To use an AED, first you remove the victim's clothing around the chest area, place the pads on the upper right chest and the lower left chest.
It detects the victim's heart rhythm then it gives the victim an electric shock.


In addition to those already mentioned, there are techniques than can be used to remedy simple injuries or illnesses.
For Musculoskeletal Injuries
Fractures: try not to move the victim unless absolutely necessary.
Wounds: if the wound is bleeding, apply a tourniquet and keep it elevated (above the heart).
Arm or shoulder injuries: help the victim into a sling to stabilize the fractured or broken bones.
Bruises on the head: observe the victim for concussions or head trauma.
Bruises or bumps on other parts of the body: apply an ice bag to reduce swelling and minimize pain for at least 30 minutes.
For Burns
First-degree: cool the affected area by running it through cool flowing water. Keeping the area cool can minimize pain and swelling.
Second-Degree: keep the affected area cool and the open wounds clean, if there is blistering, clean the area carefully with soap and water then apply antiseptic cream.
Third-Degree: Do not remove any articles of clothing that may be covering the wounds as they can serve as extra protection and wait for emergency services.
Other first aid techniques can be used to handle accidental poisoning, open wounds, and bites and stings.


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