By Quill Safety like most workplaces are required to have a first aid kit accessible in cases of emergencies or workplace injuries. The ability to administer basic first aid is a valuable skill, and it is best to be prepared for the unexpected injury. Basic first aid is a compelling skillset as you will be able to respond in times of high stress and need. Injuries occur unexpectedly and understanding these necessary first aid skills can prove critical in the time of need.
1. Minor Cuts
Before you attempt to treat any cut or scrape, you should first wash your hands. Cleaning your hands first is critical because you want to minimize the chances of infection when treating the wound. After you have cleaned your hands, focus on cleaning the wound, either with hydrogen peroxide, water or a mild soap. If there is still bleeding, apply pressure to slow or stop the bleeding. Next, use an antibacterial cream or ointment and a bandage.
2. Injury from foreign objects
When treating wounds from foreign objects, the first step is to wash your hands. Next, remove the foreign object from the body. After the object is removed, apply pressure to stop any bleeding. Apply antibacterial cream or ointment and a bandage.
3. Blisters
When dealing with blisters, you have to assess if it is worth treating. If it is small and isn’t causing any pain, you can probably leave it alone and place a bandage on it to prevent irritation. If the blister is massive and causing pain, you should drain it using a sterilized needle. Make a small puncture close to the edge of the blister and apply slight pressure to drain the fluid. Next, administer antibacterial cream or ointment and a bandage.
4. Bee Stings
Bee stings are painful and frequent injuries, and for people who are allergic to them, they can be fatal. First, you want to remove the stinger as fast as possible. If the person being treated is allergic, administer an EpiPen and call 911. Next, apply an ice pack to minimize any swelling. Next, give the person medication to aid with swelling or irritation from the sting. Keep an eye to ensure no further adverse reactions occur, such as rashes, swelling, or irritation.
5. Broken Bones or Sprains
The first mistake to avoid is attempting to straighten out the suspected area of concern. Ensure as little movement as possible occurs by using a splint to make the area immobile. Next, cover the area with a cloth and place a cold pack to minimize swelling and pain. Try and keep the limb elevated, as this will help reduce swelling. Also, give the person ibuprofen, which will reduce pain.
6. Head Injuries
If a person has suffered a blow to the head, from a fall or being hit with an object, there are necessary steps that should be taken. First, if the person has not lost consciousness, ask them basic awareness questions, which will make clear the severity of the head injury. If the injured person answers the basic awareness questions successfully, allow them to relax until the pain subsides. If the injured person faints, vision is blurred or if there is liquid coming from the nose or ears take the person to the hospital immediately.
7. Burns
When treating burns, there are specific steps to take depending on the type of burn suffered. The first step in treating injuries is to flush the area with cool water, which will help relieve some of the pain. Never apply creams, or ointments as they will trap the heat and prevent the burn from healing correctly. After the water has helped ease the pain, place gauze to the burned area. In some cases, blisters may be found at the burned location, avoid popping them. Take a pain reliever to further aid with the pain.
8. Heat Exhaustion
When treating heat exhaustion, you should move the person to a shaded area or block the sunlight from directly hitting them. Next, make sure the victim begins to hydrate themselves, so give them water and allow them to relax. Finally, place a cold towel on the person’s forehead as this will help lower their internal body temperature.
By: Eric Reyes
