Will you know what to do in an emergency situation at work? Get the proper training for every employee is critical. Nothing will take the place of a full First Aid training program. Here are a list of things never to do in a first aid situation.
Never rub your eye when you get a particle in it! This could cause the particle to embed in the eyeball or scratch the surface of the eye. Lift the top of the eyelid and the particle should drop down to the point where you can take it out of the eye with a clean handkerchief or a tissue.
Never try to pull an embedded object out of an eye. Cover the eye with a paper cup and bandage both eyes. The employee should then immediately see a medical professional.
Never hesitate if you think someone is having a heart attack. Many heart attack victims think they are simply have indigestion. Immediately seek medical help and error on the side of caution.
Never hesitate if an employee is having trouble breathing or not breathing at all. Administer the heimlick maneuver or rescue breathing or CPR as soon as possible. A person can die in a matter of minutes if they don't have oxygen.
Never apply water to a burn that has open blisters or actually charring. Also, never apply ointments or salves to a burn without a doctor's consent. Cover the burns and seek medical attention.
Never wait to apply water to chemical burns or chemicals in the eye. Immediately put water on the effected area and rinse for at least 15 minutes.
Never try to push a compound fracture broken bone back into the skin. Immediately call for medical assistance. Don't move the victim unless you absolutely have to.
Never touch blood without latex gloves or similar protection. Blood carries infectious disease and should be avoided if at all possible.
Never drink alcohol and avoid caffeinated beverages on hot and humid days. They will dehydrate you and could lead to heat stroke.
Never hesitate to get all the safety training you can. Learn CPR and how to use an AED. You may save a life someday.
First aid is all about preparation. If you are prepared, you can think and act quickly in an emergency and maybe even save a life. Just get the training as soon as possible.
Charlie Bentson King is a Vice President for Workplace Safety Videos - a distributor of safety video and safety DVD training.
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