Week 1 of National Safety Month is dedicated to Emergency Preparedness. The main goal for this week is to promote first aid since the first week of June is CPR and AED Awareness Week.
First aid can include a variety of things such as:
- Cleaning minor cuts, scrapes, or scratches
- Treating minor burns
- Applying bandages and dressings
- The use of non-prescription medication
- Minor eye injuries
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
First Aid Kit
It is important that all workplaces have a first aid kit available for all employees. All employees must be aware of the location of the kit. Employers must re-stock the kit when needed to ensure all essential items are inside. Some essential items of a first aid kit include:
- 2 absorbent compress dressings
- 25 adhesive bandages
- 1 adhesive cloth tape
- 5 antibiotic ointment packets
- 5 antiseptic wipe packets
- 2 packets of aspirin
For a full list of first aid kit contents, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Must-Haves for Your First Aid Kit” webpage.
CPR vs. AED
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure used if someone’s heart stops or if breathing ceases. When performing CPR, check if the person is breathing and responsive. If the person does not respond, call 911, place the person on a flat, firm surface, give 30 chest compressions, and 2 breaths, and continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths. If the person does not respond to CPR, the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be used. An AED is used to help those who experience sudden cardiac arrest. An AED is a medical device that is used to analyze the heart rhythm and if needed, deliver an electric shock or defibrillation to help the heart re-establish a rhythm.
Training
It is important for people to receive first aid training to understand how to administer first aid correctly and effectively. There are several classes and online training programs that can help someone achieve certification and training. The American Heart Association, American Red Cross, National Safety Council (NSC), and private institutions can be a resource for first aid and AED training.