FACT SHEET

First Aid in the Workplace — Tips

St John advises the following tips to common injuries and conditions in the workplace.

In any first aid situation remember DRABCD.

D		check for Danger
R		check for Response
A		check for Airway
B		check for Breathing
C		start CPR if there are no signs of life
D		apply a defibrillator if available

Severe Bleeding

1. Apply pressure to the wound:

• Remove or cut casualty's clothing to expose wound

• Apply direct pressure over wound

• Cover wound with sterile dressing

2. Raise and support injured parts:

• Lie casualty down

• Raised injured part above level of heart

• Handle gently if you suspect a fracture

3. Bandage wounds:

• Bandage dressing firmly in place

• If bleeding continues – apply a second pad and bandage firmly over the first

4. Check circulation below wound

5. Call 000 for an ambulance

6. Treat for shock

Burns

1. Remove casualty from danger:

• if clothing on fire: STOP, DROP AND ROLL
  — pull casualty to ground
  — wrap in blanket or similar
  — roll casualty along ground until flames extinguished.

2. Cool the burnt area:

• hold burnt area under cool running water - at least 10 minutes

• If a chemical burn, run cool water over burnt area for 30 minutes

• If burn is to eye, flush eye with water for 20 minutes

3. Remove any constrictions:

• remove clothing and jewellery from burnt area (unless sticking to the burn).

4. Cover burn:

• place sterile, non-stick dressing over burn.

5. Calm casualty.

6. Call 000 for an ambulance.

Eye Injury

1. Support casualty's head:

• Support casualty's head to keep it as still as possible

• Ask casualty to try not to move eyes

2. Flush eye with cool flowing water:

• If chemical or heat burn, or smoke in eyes, flush with water

• If burn is to eye, flush eye with water for 20 minutes

3. Place dressing over eye:

• Place a sterile pad or dressing over injured eye

• Ask casualty to hold this in place

• Bandage dressing in place, covering injured eye

• If penetrating eye injury, lie casualty on back, place pad around object and bandage in place.

4. Call 000 for an ambulance.

Amputations

1. Ensure it is safe to approach the casualty

2. Apply direct pressure to the wound and raise the limb to control blood loss

3. Apply a sterile dressing and bandage

4. The amputated part:

• Do not wash or soak the amputated part in water or any other liquid

• Wrap the part in gauze or material and place in a water-tight container, such as a sealed plastic bag.

• Place the sealed container in cold water which has had ice added to it — the severed part should not be in direct contact with the ice

• Send to hospital with the casualty

For More Information:

Call Customer Service on 1300 360 455

Last Updated July 2006