First Aid in the Workplace

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing what to do in the wake of a health emergency can literally mean the difference between life and death. That’s especially true in the workplace, where things like fires can lead to devastating injuries and potential liability. Implementing a workplace first aid plan is crucial. Learn the ins and outs of basic workplace first aid following a fire damage and what you can do to keep your staff safe.

What Is First Aid?

First aid involves providing help to a person before medical personnel can arrive to take over.

Types of burn first aid include:

Administering CPR

Applying pressure to a wound

Putting bandages on a wound

CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is among the most important forms of first aid. During a fire, smoke and toxic materials can be inhaled, causing breathing difficulty that can get serious fast.

Businesses should invest in basic CPR training well before a fire to learn how to respond. In general, CPR involves alternating between pushing on one’s chest 30 times and giving rescue breaths. Even without training this can be helpful until help arrives.

Applying Pressure

Bleeding wounds are often an unexpected side effect of fire damage, be it from efforts to put out the blaze or from escaping. First plug the wound to promote clotting. This can be done by applying clean gauze and holding it steady. Next elevate the wound above the heart to slow down blood flow.

Applying Bandages

Burns are vulnerable to infection and need to be cleaned and covered fast. Wash out burned areas with cool water and use clean gauze to cover them. Never break any blisters or apply butter or folk remedies to a fresh burn as it can cause more harm than good.

Fire damage can have impacts well beyond property. When facing fire injuries, call 911 first, then take the above steps to minimize both damage and discomfort.