First Aid Basics for the Jobsite: Emergency Response Skills
Overview
First aid basics provide essential skills for responding to common workplace injuries including cuts, burns, sprains, and more serious incidents until professional medical help arrives at the jobsite.
Why This Is Important
Quick, proper first aid response can prevent minor injuries from becoming serious, reduce recovery time, and potentially save lives in critical situations. Every worker should know basic first aid techniques.
In remote job locations or during off-hours, coworkers may be the first and only help available until emergency medical services arrive.
Emergency Response Steps
Assess the Scene
Ensure area is safe before approaching injured person. Don't become a second victim by rushing into danger.
Call for Help
Contact emergency services immediately for serious injuries. Provide clear location information and injury details.
Use Universal Precautions
Wear gloves when possible and avoid direct contact with blood or bodily fluids to prevent disease transmission.
Monitor Vital Signs
Check consciousness, breathing, and pulse. Be prepared to perform CPR if trained and necessary.
Common Injury Treatment
Cuts & Lacerations
- Apply direct pressure with clean cloth to control bleeding
- Elevate wound above heart level if possible
- Seek medical attention for deep cuts that may require stitches
- Don’t remove embedded objects from wounds
Burns
- Cool with running water for 10-15 minutes to reduce tissue damage
- Never use ice which can cause additional tissue damage
- Cover with sterile non-adhesive dressing
- Seek immediate medical care for severe burns
Sprains & Strains
- Use R.I.C.E method: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
- Avoid weight-bearing on injured area until assessed
- Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time
- Seek medical evaluation for severe pain or inability to move
Eye Injuries
- Flush with clean water for 15 minutes for chemical exposure
- Don’t rub eyes or attempt to remove embedded objects
- Cover both eyes to prevent sympathetic movement
- Seek immediate medical care for all eye injuries
Shock
- Keep victim lying down and elevate legs if no spinal injury suspected
- Keep warm and calm until help arrives
- Monitor breathing and consciousness level
- Don’t give food or water to unconscious victims
First Aid Supplies
Basic Kit Contents
- Adhesive bandages in various sizes
- Sterile gauze pads and medical tape
- Elastic bandages for sprains and strains
- Disposable gloves and face shields
Emergency Equipment
- Emergency contact numbers posted prominently
- AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available
- Emergency blankets for shock treatment
- Instant cold packs for injuries
Medication Considerations
- Don’t administer medications unless specifically trained and authorized
- Know allergies of team members when possible
- Document all treatments provided for medical professionals
- Follow company policies regarding medication administration
Discussion Questions
- Supply Availability: What first aid supplies are available at your work location?
- Trained Responders: Who are the trained first aid responders in your work area?
- Remote Locations: How would you handle a serious injury in a remote location?
- Training Needs: What first aid training would be most valuable for your job duties?
Remember: Basic first aid knowledge is essential for every worker, providing critical care when seconds count. Regular training and familiarity with available supplies ensure we can respond effectively to workplace injuries and potentially save lives.