| Department | Environmental, Health and Safety | Document no | EHS-030 | ||
| Title | First Aid Procedure | ||||
| Prepared by: | Date: | Supersedes: | |||
| Checked by: | Date: | Date Issued: | |||
| Approved by: | Date: | Review Date: | |||
Document Owner
EHS Manager
Affected Parties
All Site colleagues
Purpose
The purpose of this SOP is to formalise the role of the nominated site first aiders, and to provide a clear understanding of the first aiders responsibilities and provide first aiders with information relating to the delivery of first aid.
Scope
All nominated first aiders/personnel are to follow the requirements set out in this procedure.
Definition
| Nominated First Aider | An employee nominated to provide first aid treatment to site employees, contractors and visitors. The holder of a current First Aid Certificate or an equivalent accredited first aid training provider. |
| Analgesic | Only tablets or capsules containing not more than 500 milligrams of Paracetamol shall be dispensed as an analgesic for the relief of mild to moderate temporary pain. |
| Clinical Waste | Any material used by the nominated first aider in first aid treatment that has been in contact with body fluids, particularly blood. This would include using disposable gloves, disposable forceps and wound dressings. |
| Medical Treatment | Treatment, which can only be given by a medical practitioner or other health professional (e.g. Dentist, Physio.). |
| Lost Time | Unable to return to work for one full shift (or more), from time of absence due to injury. |
Related Documents
| Form-575 | Incident Investigation Form |
| Form-580 | Incident Communication Form |
| Form-585 | Contents of First Aid Emergency Kits |
| EHS-015 | Waste Removal Process |
| EHS-025 | EHS Incident Management |
EHS Statement
Any person endeavouring to assist during the management of an accident must first ensure his or her own safety. Consider ALL human blood, other body fluids and tissue as potentially infectious. The following safe working procedures should be observed:
Cover open cuts or sores that you may have with a ‘water-proof’ bandage.
Disposable gloves must be worn.
The hands and other surfaces of the body splashed with blood or other body fluids should be washed with soap and water as soon as possible.
Resuscitation masks are provided in First Aid room and kits. However, resuscitation should not be delayed to look for a mask.
1. Primary Responsibility of the First Aider
1.1. The primary function of the First Aider is to respond to emergency first aid situations on sites efficiently within their current level of competence.
1.2. In the event of an injury or illness to a site employee, visitor or contactor, the nominated First Aider shall:
Make a first aid assessment within their competency level.
Treat and manage all minor injuries, e.g. abrasions, small lacerations, minor burns, minor eye injuries, soft tissue injuries.
The First Aider shall refer all other injuries, or injuries where there is a likelihood of the injury worsening to outside medical agencies.
Arrange appropriate transportation of ill or injured employee to outside medical agency.
Accompany the injured or ill employee requiring off-site treatment where appropriate.
Note: Line Managers are responsible for organising transport and MSDS for injuries requiring off-site treatment.
Where injury management is outside the scope of the nominated First Aiders, contact is to be made with the appropriate manager immediately.
1.3. Record all first aid treatment by filling out the Incident Investigation form (Form-575).
Note: Even if no treatment is given, the injury or illness should be stated as “reported” on the Incident Investigation Form raised.
1.4. Communicate the incident and respective preventative actions with other departments through ‘Incident Communication form” (Form-580).
2. Maintenance of First Aid Rooms and Emergency Kits
2.1. The nominated First Aider shall ensure that the First Aid Rooms and Emergency Kits contains nothing except items as listed “Contents of First Aid Emergency Kit” (Form-585). If additional supplies are required, the first aider shall make the person responsible for ordering such items aware of what items are required.
3.1. Each nominated First Aider shall possess a current First Aid Certificate and shall renew that certificate at three yearly intervals.
3.2. Each nominated First Aider shall receive training in relevant procedures for first aid management of injury and illness regularly.
4.1. A nominated First Aider shall be designated to dispense Paracetamol.
4.2. Analgesia (Paracetamol) is to be held in the EHS Office under the supervision of authorised EHS staff.
5.1. The nominated First Aider shall place all clinical waste in the yellow container provided in each First Aid Room. (See SOP EHS-015).
5.2. When the container is filled to “full” level, it is to be securely capped using the lid supplied. It is the responsibility of the person responsible for waste disposal on each site to identify the appropriate “contaminated waste” disposal service provider for their site.
6. Scope of First Aid Activities
The following procedures have been written for injuries and illnesses that may commonly occur in an occupational setting.
An accredited First Aid Manual should also be consulted if in doubt.
7.1. Treatment
In an occupational setting, employees may suffer burns from:
7.1.1. Chemical exposure to skin,
7.1.2. Heat (hot surfaces, naked flames, steam).
7.1.3. Remove the person from the danger of further injury if able. Re-assure the person.
7.1.4. Cool the burn by irrigation with water for at least 20 minutes.
Chemical burns: Remove all contaminated clothing, including shoes and socks. Discard appropriately. DO NOT APPLY ICE PACKS TO BURNS.
7.2. Thermal Burns
Remove clothing or articles, which could constrict the damaged area before tissue swells (boots, belts, rings, etc).
DO NOT REMOVE MATERIAL STUCK TO BURNS.
7.3. Prevent Infection
7.3.1. By not touching the area of burn with hands or contaminated clothing. DO NOT apply any creams or ointments if the injured person requires more than first aid attention.
7.3.2. Cover the burn area with a clean non-stick dressing, Bandage. Elevate the area if possible.
7.4. Dressings in Burns Management
DRESSINGS are to be kept clean and dry. The dressing should be changed each day by the first aider, if available, using sterile dressing material.
7.5. Referral
Referral to medical attention is required when:
The burn is deep;
Superficial, blistering and larger than 20c;
Involves airways, hands, genitals;
You are unsure how serious the problem is.
8.1. Foreign Body in Eye(s)
8.1.1. Ask how the accident happened. This will assist to identify what may be in the eye.
8.1.2. Wash hands and put on disposable examination gloves.
8.1.3. Use sterile eyewash to irrigate eye and dislodge foreign body.
8.1.4. If the foreign body is not dislodged, refer to an Eye Specialist, or after hour’s local hospital.
NOTE: A FIRST AIDER SHOULD ACCOMPANY A CASUALTY WITH A FOREIGN BODY IN THE EYE TO THE DOCTOR/HOSPITAL.
IN ALL CASES THE INJURED EYE IS TO BE PADDED UNTIL SEEN BY THE DOCTOR.
8.1.5. If the foreign body is sticking out of the eye, a small disposable mixture cup may be gently placed over the affected eye and secured with a crepe bandage. Both eyes should be covered and the person transported to hospital via ambulance.
8.2. Chemical Splashes to the Eye(s)
8.2.1. Immediately commence irrigation to the eye(s) with copious amounts of clean running water, using eyewash station if available. Continue irrigation for at least 15-20 minutes.
8.2.2. Obtain details of which chemical or finished product entered the eye, and arrange for appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to accompany the injured person (if available).
8.2.3. Pad the eye and arrange for transportation to Doctor or local hospital after hours.
8.3. Blows to the Eye
8.3.1. Obtain an accurate history of the incident.
8.3.2. Examine the eye area and treat any soft tissue bleeding.
8.3.3. If you are able, have the person open their eyelids and with the use of good light examine the eye closely. Note whether the pupils are different sizes and if there is any bleeding into the white of the eye.
8.3.4. Ask the person if their vision is blurred.
8.3.5. Where the injury is suspected, refer to Eye Specialist or local hospital after hours.
9. Sprains, Strains and Bruises
9.1. The objective of first aid treatment to sprains, strains and bruising is to:
9.1.1. Provide pain relief.
9.1.2. Minimise swelling and dysfunction.
9.1.3. Support injured muscle area.
9.1.4. In the case of strains, gentle movements will reduce muscle spasm.
9.2. Treatment
9.2.1. Remember R.I.C.E.
– Rest
– Ice (never directly applied, but wrapped in cloth)
– Compression (support bandage)
– Elevation (where applicable).
9.2.2. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes, checking each five minutes for discomfort, then every two hours for the first 24 hours, then every four hours for the next 24 hours.
9.2.3. DO NOT use creams or massage the affected area for the first 48 hours.
9.2.4. In all cases of sprains or strains, the Return to Work Coordinator is to be advised as soon as practicable to determine if alternative duties are required.
9.2.5. If, following treatment, there is no improvement in minor sprain or strain injuries within 24 hours, refer to the local medical practitioner.
NOTE: IF IN DOUBT as to the SEVERITY of the INJURY, TREAT AS A FRACTURE and REFER to MEDICAL HELP.
10.1. These may be:
Abrasions.
Lacerations.
Penetrating wounds.
Incision wounds.
The first aid treatment is the same, as follows, for all of these.
Note: DISPOSABLE GLOVES TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.
10.2. Control the bleeding by the application of a pressure dressing and by elevation if necessary.
10.3. Clean the wound if necessary either using sterile saline, sterile water or antiseptic.
10.4. Apply a sterile dressing and secure.
10.5. Advise the injured person to keep the dressing clean and dry.
10.6. The dressing should be changed at least every 24 hours or when dirty or wet.
Note: ALL DIRTY DRESSINGS AND MATERIALS USED TO CLEAN AND TREAT WOUNDS MUST BE PLACED IN THE CONTAMINATED WASTE CONTAINER.
10.7. Referral will be required if the wound:
Appears to be deep (particularly on the hands);
Does not stop bleeding;
Has a foreign body that remains in place when the wound is cleaned.
11.1. With modern techniques in microsurgery, limbs and digits can often be restored with good function. Efficient first aid is vital.
11.2. Respond immediately.
11.3. Stop the machine if this is the cause of accident.
Note: DISPOSABLE GLOVES TO BE WORN AT ALL TIMES.
11.4. Apply DIRECT PRESSURE to control bleeding.
11.5. REASSURE the injured person.
11.6. Note the amount of blood loss; check pulse.
11.7. Call the ambulance.
11.8. Apply clean dressing to wound; maintain pressure.
11.9. Elevate the limb, keeping casualty flat.
11.10. Collect the severed part and place in clean dry sealable plastic bag. Place sealed plastic bag in another plastic bag and seal. Place the sealed bag into a container containing water and ice cubes.
Note: DO NOT ALLOW THE SEVERED PART TO COME IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH WATER OR ICE.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO WASH OR CLEAN ANY SEVERED PARTS.
11.11. Label the bag with severed part with injured persons name and date of birth.
11.12. Arrange for transportation of the casualty and severed part to hospital via ambulance.
12. Treatment of Suspected Medical Illnesses
12.1. Chest Pain
12.1.1. The First Aider should treat any employee complaining of chest pain with special care.
12.1.2. Keep the person resting in the most comfortable position for them.
12.1.3. Observe for signs of shock:
Pale and clammy skin.
Rapid pulse.
Rapid breathing.
12.1.4. Ask the person to describe the pain and where it is.
12.1.5. Re-assure the person and treat for shock.
12.1.6. Arrange for urgent referral to hospital via ambulance.
12.2. Asthma Attack
12.2.1. Asthma is breathing problem that occurs when the airways of the lungs suddenly or progressively become narrow.
12.2.2. The person having an asthma attack may be:
Having difficulty breathing
Wheezing
Coughing
Complaining of tightness in the chest.
12.2.3. The person having an asthma attack may:
Have difficulty in talking;
Increased pulse rate;
Have a pale or “Blue” skin colour;
Lapse into unconsciousness.
12.2.4. REASSURE the person and DO NOT PANIC.
12.2.5. Sit the person upright in the most comfortable position for them.
12.2.6. Assist with prompt administration of a blue Reliever inhaler (Bronchodilator). Give four puffs initially using a spacer, if available. If no improvement after four minutes, give another four puffs and call an ambulance. Keep giving four puffs every four minutes until the ambulance arrives. For adults with a severe asthma attack, up to six to eight puffs every five minutes may be given while waiting for the ambulance.
12.2.7. Ensure adequate fresh air.
12.2.8. A First Aider may use another person’s Reliever inhaler or use one from a first aid kit to assist a casualty with an asthma attack.
12.2.9. A First Aider may, if someone is exhibiting difficulty breathing, and has not previously had an asthma attack, assist in giving four puffs of a Reliever and keep giving four puffs every four minutes if required until an ambulance arrives.
12.2.10. Arrange for an ambulance if:
The person fails to improve after taking medication;
Remains cyanosed;
The person lapses into unconsciousness;
The person becomes disoriented.
12.2.11. Take a careful history, including any chemical exposure prior to the asthma attack.
12.2.12. REMEMBER
Re-assure the person;
Call an ambulance at the earliest sign of increased difficulty in breathing;
Don’t wait until the person has collapsed before calling for assistance;
Notify the Return to Work Coordinator.
13. Medications and Creams Permitted to be Used by First Aiders
13.1. Antacids
Indications – indigestion, heartburn.
To be given according to the directions on the bottle.
If no relief is obtained after 20 minutes, the person should be advised to see their Medical Practitioner.
REMEMBER: Chest pain can mimic indigestion – take a careful history and treat as for chest pain if in doubt.
13.2. Creams and Lotions
Barrier Creams
Indications – dry skin, skin potentially exposed to water, solvents.
To be effective, the cream must be applied:
At the beginning of the shift;
Re-applied after hands are washed.
13.2.1. Calamine Lotion
Indications – heat rash, insect bites.
Apply liberally to the affected area.
Note: In all cases where chemical exposure is suspected of causing the skin condition, the EHS manager is to be notified.
In the event of a medical emergency requiring an ambulance, Security should be contacted immediately on emergency number.
Security will coordinate the pick up and transportation of the patient from the site.
15. Summary of Changes
Summary of Changes
| Version # | Revision History |
| EHS-030 | New |