Lesson Summary

• First aid refers to the emergency or immediate care you should provide when someone is injured or ill until full medical treatment is available.

•  A first aid kit contains the following: bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes and swabs, burn ointment, eyeshield and eyewash and first aid reference guide that includes local phone numbers.

• First aid basics: recognize the problem and call for help and activate EMS by calling 911, the operator will ask you a series of questions to determine the seriousness of the illness or the injury, remain on the line until more advanced help arrives or until the operator instructs you to hang up.

• Emergency System Dispatchers can guide you through the steps of delivering basic care, performing CPR or using an AED until additional help arrives.

• Always know where the first aid kit is kept, be familiar with its contents and know how to activate the Emergency Response Systems and be aware of any policies within the workplace regarding medical emergencies.

• Handwashing is essential in the prevention of diseases and illness. Completely wash your hands and generously apply soap. Rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds, then rinse your hands with water and dry your hands with a towel or air dryer.

• If a sink is not available then use hand sanitizer as a substitute, wash the individual’s hands at the first opportunity and your own hands after each removal of gloves and/or first aid care. Personal Protective Gear is an important strategy to minimize the risk of blood or a bottled liquid exposure.