First Aid in the workplace - Basic equipment methods and techniques that are used by every First Aider. The need for a trained First aider is growing and their equipment is basic yet effective in handling first on-site treatment, in emergencies.

1. First Aid
IN THE WORKPLACE

2. In every first aid box there are a set of minimum contents.
+ Wound cleaner / antiseptic (100ml)
+ Swabs for cleaning wounds
+ Cotton wool for padding (100g)
+ Sterile gauze (minimum quantity 10)
+ 1 pair of forceps (for splinters)
+ 1 pair of scissors (minimum size 100mm)
+ 1 set of safety pins
+ 4 triangular bandages
+ 4 roller bandages (75mm x 5m)
+ 4 roller bandages (100mm x 5m)
+ 1 roll of elastic adhesive (25mm x 3m)
+ 1 Non-allergenic adhesive strip (25mm x 3m)
+ 1 Packet of adhesive dressing strips (minimum quantity 10 assorted sizes)
+ 4 First aid dressings (75mm x 100mm)
+ 4 First aid dressings (150mm x 200mm)
+ 2 Straight splints
+ 2 Pairs large and 2 pairs medium disposable latex gloves
+ 2 CPR mouth pieces or similar devices
+ An adequate supply of absorbent material for the absorption of blood and other body fluids spilled
+ Disinfectant to disinfect the area after cleaning up blood and other body fluids spilled.
+ 2 Pairs large and 2 pairs medium disposable rubber household gloves.
+ A suitable sized impervious bag for the safe disposal of blood and other body fluid contaminated biohazard materials

3. PPE for first aiders
How many and how the components are used is often determined
by regulations or the infection control protocol of the facility in
question.
Many or most of the items listed above are disposable to avoid
carrying infectious materials from one person to another person
and to avoid difficult or costly disinfection.
We will discuss different types of methods, techniques, and
equipment that protect the first aider during the treatment of a
casualty or casualties.
Components of personal protective
equipment (PPE) include :
disposable surgical gloves, gowns,
bonnets,
shoe covers,
face shields,
pocket masks,
or CPR masks,
goggles, etc.
Hand hygiene is very important
because a first aider can spread
germs as well if he/she does not
follow proper procedures to wash the
hands.

4. Different types of methods, techniques, and equipment
that protect the first aider during the treatment of a
casualty or casualties.
▪ Hand cleaners and technique
before handling the casualty
▪ Unfortunately, soap and water are not always
available. Make sure your medical supplies
include a form of waterless hand cleaner.

5. Methods, techniques, and equipment that protect
the first aider
Disposable surgical gloves
▪ First aiders must wear disposable surgical
gloves when handling a casualty to protect
himself/herself against infections or
bacteria.
▪ Surgical gloves provide comfort and
sensitivity while providing protection to the
first aider and the casualty during an
emergency. Surgical gloves are made from a
range of materials, which include latex,
polyisoprene, neoprene, and nitrile.

6. Methods, techniques, and equipment that protect
the first aider
▪ Mouthpieces for first aiders
First aiders must use a pocket
mask, a face shield or cover the
mouth with a hanky or a piece of
plastic with a hole in it if you do not
have a mask available.

7. Methods, techniques, and equipment that protect
the first aider
Face Shield:
▪ The first aider must use personal
protective equipment to be
protected from splashing,
spraying, or splattering of blood
or other potentially infectious
materials.

8. Methods, techniques, and equipment that protect
the first aider
The purpose of a pocket mask:
▪ The pocket mask is a small device that can be
carried on one's person. Air is administered to
the patient when the first aider exhales through
a one-way filter valve. Modern pocket masks
have either a built in one-way valve or an
attachable, disposable filter to protect the first
aider from the casualty’s infectious bodily
substances like vomit or blood. Many masks
also have a built-in oxygen intake tube,
allowing for administration of 50-60% oxygen.
Without being hooked up to an external line,
exhaled air from the first aider can still provide
sufficient oxygen to live, up to 16%.
▪ A pocket mask is not as efficient as a bag valve
mask but is has its advantages and is
recognised for its portability, when only one
first aider is available. Because the bag valve
mask requires two hands to operate, one to
form a seal and the other to squeeze the bag,
the pocket mask allows for both of the first
aider’s hands to be on the casualty’s head.

9. Methods, techniques, and equipment that protect
the first aider
Eye shields
▪ Transmission of infectious
diseases can occur by having
bodily fluids penetrate your eyes.
In order to protect your eyes from
disease exposure, you should
wear protective shields or
goggles.
▪ It is important that these devices
have side shields, as the fluid
may not always come head on. If
you wear glasses, side shields
can be added to them.

10. Methods, techniques, and equipment that protect
the first aider
Full-body Gowns
Full-body gowns are not used very
often outside of the hospital. There
is no good reason for this; it is just
common practice across the
country. Put the correct gown in
your first aid kit and avoid the need
to dispose of your favorite shirt or
blouse.
Biohazard waste
Waste products should be disposed of
appropriately. Containers should be
designated for contaminated waste, so that
they can receive the proper transport and
method of disposal.

11. Methods, techniques, and equipment that protect
the first aider
Sharp containers
▪ Contaminated sharps must be deposited into a puncture proof
container. These containers protect sanitation workers from injury as
well as the first aider. (i.e. needles)
Sharps precautions
▪ All first aiders should take precautions to prevent injuries from sharps,
which include: broken glass, scalpels, needles, or any object that can
puncture the skin and that has potentially been contaminated with
blood or bodily fluid. If possible, avoid the use or handling of sharps.
▪ Avoid potentially risky practices, such as re-sheathing needles,
carrying sharps around when not in immediate use, laying a sharp
near you when finished using it instead of immediately disposing of it,
or attempting to retrieve an item from within a sharps container.

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