5 First-aid Tips for Common Injuries

Although workplace injuries are extremely common, a survey from the American Heart Association found that only 45% of employees receive first-aid training. Review these tips for five common injuries to ensure that you’re able to provide first aid in the event of a sudden injury or illness:

1.    Unresponsiveness or lack of breathing

• Check for breathing by tilting the head back, then looking and feeling for breaths.
• Push firmly downward in the middle of the chest and then release. Repeat this at a regular rate until help arrives.

2.    Choking

• Perform the Heimlich maneuver or hit the person firmly between the shoulder blades to dislodge the object from the throat.

3.    Heavy bleeding

• Put pressure on the wound to stop or slow down the flow of blood.
• Keep pressure on the wound until help arrives.

4.    Burns

• Place the burn under cold, running water for at least 10 minutes.
• Loosely cover the burn with a clinging film or a clean plastic bag.

5.    Broken bones

• Have the person support the injury with their hand, or use a cushion or items of clothing to prevent unnecessary movement.
• Continue supporting the injury until help arrives.

Source: Zywave, 2019.