Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace

Emotional Aspects of Providing First Aid Virus (HIV) are the two diseases commonly addressed by health and safety standards.5,6,7,8 “Universal Precautions” is a way to limit the spread of disease by preventing contact with blood and certain body fluids. To “observe Universal Precautions” means that whether or not you think the victim’s blood or body fluid is infected, you act as if it is. This training guide is provided online for individual use only. Reprinting for classroom distribution is prohibited. Traumatic incidents cause emotional distress. Both the first aid provider and the victim may suffer emotional distress during and/or following a traumatic incident.2 The seriousness or horror of the incident will be a factor in determining the amount of emotional distress. It may be worse in human-made events; for example, a terrorist attack or mass shooting. Providing first aid care for a seriously injured or ill child is generally more emotionally difficult than caring for an adult. Symptoms of a traumatic stress reaction include a pounding heartbeat and fast breathing which may begin during or within minutes of the traumatic event. Feelings of guilt for not having done more, worrying about the safety of loved ones, nightmares, and thinking about the event repeatedly may follow the incident. Stress reactions are a normal, human response to a traumatic event and are usually temporary.3 With the help of family and friends, most people gradually feel better as time goes by. If you feel you need extra help coping after a traumatic event, call your doctor or ask friends if they can recommend a mental-health professional. The organization you work for may have an Employee Assistance Program available to assist you.4 Blood Personal Protective Equipment Personal protective equipment provides a barrier between you and a victim’s blood or body fluid. Disposable gloves are the most recognized barrier and should always be worn whenever blood or body fluids are or may become present. Disposable Gloves Remove gloves carefully. Infectious Diseases The risk of getting exposed to a disease while giving first aid is extremely low. Even so, it is prudent to protect yourself from any exposure. Bloodborne pathogens are viruses or bacteria that are carried in blood and can cause disease in people. There are many different bloodborne pathogens, but Hepatitis B (HBV) and the Human Immunodeficiency When using gloves always quickly inspect them before putting them on. If a glove is damaged, don’t use it! When taking contaminated gloves off, do it carefully. Don’t snap them. This may cause blood to splatter. Never wash or reuse disposable gloves. If you find yourself in a first aid situation and you don’t have any gloves handy, improvise. Use a towel, plastic bag, or some other barrier to help avoid direct contact. Make sure there is always a fresh supply of gloves in your first aid kit. Introduction 2 Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace

Basic First Aid for the Community and Workplace Contents Basic First Aid Emergency Action Steps Severe Bleeding and Shock Major Wounds Minor Wounds Burns Bites and Stings Dental Injuries Eye and Nose Injuries Injuries to Limbs Injuries to the Spine Head Injury Sudden Illness Specific Conditions Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Endnotes About This Program

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