OSHA - INFECTION CONTROL AND BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS



OVERVIEW FOR BASIC FIRST AID

The following information is intended to be a brief overview of basic first aid and safety. Your role in an emergency situation can save a life. Calling 911 is the most important thing that you can do. The sooner medical help arrives the better a person’s chance of survival.

1. Recognize the emergency exists. Emergencies can happen anywhere at any time to anyone. Before you can provide help you must recognize the situation as an emergency. You may realize an emergency has occurred only if something unusual attracts your attention. Examples include:

• Unusual noises – screams, yells, moans, calls for help, breaking glass, crashing, screeching tires, or sudden loud voices.

• Unusual sights – a stalled vehicle, overturned pot, spilled medicine, downed electrical wires, fire or smoke.

• Unusual odors – an odor stronger than normal or unrecognizable.

• Unusual appearance – difficulty breathing, clutching chest or throat, slurred or confused speech, confusion, sweating for no apparent reason, unusual skin color.

2. Decide to act. Get involved and give direction. Follow the Check, Call, Care rule.

• Check the scene. Is it safe for you to approach? Check the victim. Is this a life-threatening situation?

• Call 911 or your emergency number for help.

• Provide care until help arrives.

This overview is intended to assist you in providing care for minor injuries and for providing care until help arrives in an emergency. It is important to have a list of emergency numbers near the phone and to know where the first-aid kit supplies are kept.

ILLNESS OR INJURIES THAT MAY REQUIRE BASIC FIRST AID

Minor Cuts, Scrapes and Puncture Wounds

Small cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds usually don’t require emergency medical treatment but proper care is necessary to keep infections or other complications from occurring.

What to Do

1. Put on protective gloves.

2. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure using a gauze pad or clean cloth. If the bleeding persists after several minutes of applying pressure call 911.

3. Clean the wound by washing the area with mild soap and water and removing any dirt. If possible, irrigate a scrape for about 5 minutes with clean, warm, running tap water.

4. Dry the area gently with a clean cloth.

5. Apply an antibiotic ointment to a minor wound if the person has no known allergies of sensitivities to the medication.

6. Cover the wound with a sterile protective bandage.

7. Wash hands after giving care even if wearing gloves.

8. Change the bandage at least once a day.

9. If the wound shows signs of infection (tender to the touch and red, swelling, oozing fluid) seek medical attention.

Nosebleed

A nosebleed is sudden bleeding from one or both nostrils, and may result from a variety of events such as a bump to the nose, breathing dry air, allergies, or for no apparent reason.

What to Do

1. Put on protective gloves. If you suspect that blood may spatter put on protective eye wear.

2. Have the person sit or stand upright to slow the flow of blood in the veins of the nose. DO NOT tip the head back.

3. Pinch the nose with your thumb and forefinger for 10 minutes without relieving pressure. The person should breathe through their mouth during this time.

4. If pinching the nose does not control the bleeding place an ice pack wrapped in a towel or cloth on the bridge of the nose or put pressure on the upper lip just beneath the nose.

5. If the bleeding continues despite these efforts call 911.

6. Wash hands after giving care even if wearing gloves.

Major Open Wounds and Severe Bleeding

Severe bleeding is an emergency that needs immediate medical attention – call 911. A major open wound has serious tissue damage, show muscle or bone, have large or deeply embedded objects and severe bleeding.

What to Do

1. Put on protective gloves. If you suspect that blood may spatter put on protective eye wear.

2. Lay the person down. Elevate the site of bleeding, if possible, to reduce the blood flow.

3. Apply steady, firm pressure directly to the wound using a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or your hand. Maintain pressure until the bleeding stops, then wrap the wound with a tight dressing and secure it with adhesive tape. Most bleeding can be controlled this way.

4. If the bleeding continues and seeps through the bandage, add more absorbent material. Do not remove the first bandage.

5. If the bleeding does not stop, apply pressure to the major artery that delivers blood to the area of the injury.

6. When the bleeding has stopped, immobilize the injured portion of the body. You can use another part of the body such as a leg or torso to immobilize the area. Leave the bandages in place.

7. Do not attempt to clean the wound.

8. Continue to monitor the person’s condition until emergency personnel arrive.

9. Wash hands after giving care even if wearing gloves.

Bruises

A bruise develops when the body is bumped or hit. The force of the blow causes damage to the soft tissue beneath the skin which causes internal bleeding.

What to Look For

• Tender, swollen area

• Discoloration of skin

• Pain

What to Do

1. Evidence of a bruise may not show up immediately. Be sure to check the person periodically during the day to see if the area is showing signs of bruising and provide treatment.

2. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel or cloth for no more than 20 minutes.

3. Wait for 20 minutes before reapplying the ice pack.

4. Elevating the injured part may help to reduce swelling, however, DO NOT elevate if it causes more pain.

Insect Stings

Most of the time insect stings are harmless. However, if the person is allergic an insect sting can lead to anaphylaxis which is a life threatening condition. Always carry an Epi-Pen if prescribed for individuals who are allergic to insect stings.

What to Look For

• Presence of a stinger

• Pain

• Swelling

• Redness

• Signs of an allergic reaction – hives, difficulty breathing, swelling

What to Do

1. Put on protective gloves.

2. Remove any visible stinger. Scrape it away from the skin with a clean fingernail, plastic card or use a tweezers.

3. Wash the site with soap and water or alcohol wipe.

4. If needed, apply a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling.

5. If the person has any signs of an allergic reaction call 911 and use an Epi-Pen if they have one prescribed.

6. Wash hands after giving care even if wearing gloves.

Animal Bites

The bite of a domestic or wild animal can cause infection or soft tissue injury. In addition, some animals may carry rabies which can be fatal if not treated.

What to Look For

• A bite mark

• Bleeding

What to Do

1. Try to get the person away from the animal without endangering yourself.

2. If there is a wound that is bleeding seriously call 911.

3. If you suspect the animal may have rabies try to remember the animals appearance and where you last saw it.

4. Put on protective gloves. If you suspect that blood may spatter put on protective eye wear.

5. Control bleeding first if the wound is bleeding seriously. DO NOT clean a serious wound.

6. If bleeding is minor, wash the wound with soap and water.

7. Apply an antibiotic ointment to a minor wound.

8. Wash hands after giving care even if wearing gloves.

Burns

Fire, sun, chemicals, heated objects, fluids, and electricity can cause burns. They can be minor problems or life-threatening emergencies. Distinguishing a minor burn from a more serious burn involves determining the degree of damage to the tissues of the body. If you are not sure how serious the burn is, seek emergency medical help.

What to Look For

• Superficial Burn (First Degree Burn)

• Only the top layer of skin is burned

• Skin is usually red and some swelling and pain may occur

• Partial -thickness Burn (Second Degree Burn)

• Only the top layer of skin is burned

• Skin becomes red, swollen and painful

• Blisters that may open and weep clear fluid

• Full-thickness Burn (Third Degree Burn)

• May destroy all layers of skin and some or all of the fat, muscles, bones and nerves

• Skin may be brown or black (charred) with the tissue underneath appearing white

• Extremely painful or relatively painless if nerves are destroyed

Full-thickness (third degree burns), chemical burns and electrical burns are an emergency that needs immediate medical attention – call 911.

What to Do

For severe burns that will require medical attention do the following while waiting for help to arrive:

1. Out on protective gloves.

2. Remove the person from the source of the burn (fire, electrical current, etc.).

3. Check for life-threatening conditions.

4. Cool the burn with large amounts of cold, running water until pain is relieved.

5. If the person is breathing sufficiently, cover the burned area with a cool, moist, sterile bandage or clean cloth.

6. DO NOT place any creams, ointments or ice on the burned area or break blisters.

7. DO NOT remove any pieces of clothing that stick to the burned area.

8. DO NOT try to clean the burn.

9. Keep the person warm.

For minor burns:

1. Put on protective gloves.

2. If the skin is not broken, run cool water over the burn for several minutes.

3. Cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth.

4. DO NOT place any creams, ointments or ice on the burned area or break blisters.

Poisoning

A poisoning may or may not be obvious. Sometimes the source of a poisoning can be easily identified — an open bottle of medication or a spilled bottle of household cleaner. Poisons may be swallowed, inhaled, absorbed or injected.

What to Look For

• Burns or redness around the mouth and lips.

• Breath that smells like chemicals.

• Burns, stains, and odors on the person, his or her clothing, or on the furniture, floor, rugs, or other objects in the surrounding area.

• Signs of poisoning:

• Nausea , vomiting or diarrhea

• Chest or abdominal pain

• Difficulty breathing

• Change in consciousness

• Dizziness

• Weakness

• Sweating

• Irregular pupil size

• Burning or tearing eyes

• Abnormal skin color

What to Do

1. If you suspect someone has been poisoned try to determine the type of poison, how much was taken and when it was taken.

2. Some products have instructions on the label specifying what to do if a poisoning occurs. If the product known to be the poison has these instructions, follow them.

3. If you cannot identify the poison or there are no instructions on the product label call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

4. If you do not know what the poison was and the person vomits, save some of the vomit for the hospital to analyze to identify the poison.

5. If you are told to induce vomiting in the person who has swallowed poison, use Syrup of Ipecac to do so. An alternative method to induce vomiting is touching the back of the throat of the person to initiate gagging. If you have no other alternative, have the person drink a glass of warm water containing one teaspoon of dried mustard or three teaspoons of salt. After the person has vomited, give a glass of water or milk.

6. If the poison has spilled on the person’s clothing, skin, or eyes, remove the clothing and flush the skin or eyes with cool or lukewarm water for 20 minutes.

7. Always seek medical attention for an individual after an incident of poisoning.

8. If there is a change in the person’s level of consciousness call 911.

Shock

Shock is an emergency that needs immediate medical attention – call 911. Shock can occur when a person has had a serious illness or injury. The circulatory system fails to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the body’s tissues and vital organs.

What to Look For

• Restlessness or irritability

• Altered level of consciousness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Pale, ashen, gray, cool or moist skin

• Rapid breathing and rapid pulse

• Excessive

• Eyes may stare and sometimes the pupils are dilated.

What to Do

1. Have the person to lie down on his or her back. Keep the person from moving unnecessarily.

2. Treat any injuries appropriately (bleeding, broken bones, etc)

3. Help the person maintain a normal body temperature. If the person is cool try to cover him or her to avoid chilling. If the person is too hot try to keep him or her cool.

4. DO NOT give the person anything to drink or eat.

5. If the person is vomiting or bleeding from the mouth place the person on his or her side to prevent choking.

WEATHER-RELATED EMERGENCIES

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when a person becomes over heated from being in a hot, humid environment. It can be reversed if recognized in the early stages.

What to Look For

• Cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin

• Headache

• Nausea

• Dizziness, fainting or weakness

• Exhaustion

What to Do

1. Get the person out of the heat and into a cool spot with circulating air.

2. Loosen or remove most or all of the person’s clothing.

3. Apply cool, wet cloths and remoisten them periodically. Spraying the person with water or fanning them can also help.

4. If the person can swallow, give small amounts of cool fluid – about 4 ounces every 15 minutes.

5. Let the person rest comfortably and watch for changes in condition.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is an emergency that needs immediate medical attention – call 911. Heat stroke occurs when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and can begin to stop functioning.

What to Look For

• High body temperature

• Dry or moist skin

• Rapid, weak pulse

• Rapid, shallow breathing

• Confusion

• Vomiting

• Unconsciousness

What to Do

1. Get the person out of the heat and into a cool spot with circulating air.

2. Cool the person by covering him or her with damp sheets or spraying with water.

3. Cover with bags of ice for up to 20 minutes at a time.

4. Let the person rest comfortably and monitor their condition until help arrives.

Frostbite

Frostbite is the freezing of body parts exposed to the cold. Severity depends on the air temperature, length of exposure and wind.

What to Look For

• Lack of feeling in the affected area

• Swelling and skin that appears waxy, cold or discolored

• Blisters or black skin indicating deep tissue damage

• Pain as the skin begins to thaw

What to Do

1. Handle the area gently and remove clothing and jewelry if possible.

2. DO NOT rub the affected area or break blisters.

3. For minor frostbite warm the area using skin-to-skin contact with a warm hand or covering with a dry, soft cloth or blanket.

4. For more serious frostbite gently soak it in water no warmer than 105° F. If you do not have a thermometer, test it by using your touch. If it is uncomfortable to the touch it is too warm. Keep in water until normal color returns and it feels warm.

5. DO NOT give ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is an emergency that needs immediate medical attention – call 911. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Hypothermia occurs as body temperature passes below 95° F. and is most often caused by exposure to cold weather or immersion in a cold body of water.

What to Look For

• Shivering

• Numbness

• Weak pulse

• Shallow breathing

• Slurred speech or mumbling

• Confusion or difficulty thinking

• Apathy or lack of concern about one’s condition

• Loss of consciousness

What to Do

1. Gently move the person to a warm place if possible.

2. Remove wet clothing and put on dry clothing. Cover the person's head, leaving only the face exposed.

3. Warm the body gradually by wrapping the person in blankets to hold in body heat.

4. Monitor breathing.

5. If the person is alert and able to swallow, provide a warm, nonalcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage to help warm the body.

6. DO NOT use hot water, a heating pad or a heating lamp to warm the person. The extreme heat can damage the skin or induce cardiac arrest.

SEIZURE DISORDERS

Seizures are the primary symptom of all forms of epilepsy. Epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in brain cells so seizures can affect any process your brain coordinates. Symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure. In most cases, a person with epilepsy will tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so the symptoms will be similar from episode to episode. Doctors classify seizures as either partial or generalized, based on how the abnormal brain activity begins. In some cases, seizures can begin as partial and then become generalized.

Partial Seizures

When seizures appear to result from abnormal activity in just one part of the brain, they're called partial or focal seizures. These seizures fall into two categories:

• Simple Partial Seizures – These seizures don't result in loss of consciousness. They may alter emotions or change the way things look, smell, feel, taste or sound. They may also result in involuntary jerking of part of the body, such as an arm or leg, and spontaneous sensory symptoms such as tingling, vertigo and flashing lights.

• Complex Partial Seizures – These seizures alter consciousness causing the person to lose awareness for a period of time. Complex partial seizures often result in staring and non-purposeful movements such as hand rubbing, twitching, chewing, swallowing or walking in circles.

Generalized Seizures

Seizures that seem to involve all of the brain are called generalized seizures. Four types of generalized seizures exist:

• Absence Seizures (also called petit mal) –These seizures are characterized by staring and subtle body movement, and can cause a brief loss of consciousness.

• Myoclonic Seizures – These seizures usually appear as sudden jerks or twitches of your arms and legs.

• Atonic Seizures (also known as drop attacks) – These seizures cause you to lose normal muscle tone and suddenly collapse or fall down.

• Tonic-Clonic Seizures (also called grand mal) – The most intense of all types of seizures, characterized by a loss of consciousness, body stiffening and shaking, and loss of bladder control.

What to Do During a Seizure

1. Follow any written protocol for individuals who regularly have seizures.

2. Stay calm.

3. Prevent injury by insuring there is nothing within reach that could harm the person.

4. Note the time the seizure started.

5. Make the person as comfortable as possible.

6. DO NOT attempt to rouse the person by shouting at or shaking him or her.

7. DO NOT hold the person down. If the person having a seizure thrashes around there is no need for you to restrain them. Remember to consider your safety as well.

8. DO NOT put anything in the person's mouth. Contrary to popular belief, a person having a seizure is incapable of swallowing their tongue so you can breathe easy in the knowledge that you do not have to stick your fingers into the mouth of someone in this condition.

9. DO NOT give the person water, pills or food until fully alert.

10. Observe the person closely so that you can provide details on what happened.

11. Note the time that the seizure ended.

12. If the person does not have a seizure protocol and the seizure continues for longer than five minutes call 911.

What to Do After a Seizure

1. The person may be very tired and want to rest.

2. They should be placed on their left side. Keep in mind there is a small risk of post-seizure vomiting before the person is fully alert. Therefore, the person’s head should be turned so that any vomit will drain out of the mouth without being inhaled.

3. People are often disoriented after a seizure so it is important to stay with the person until they recover. Ask questions to determine if the person knows their name, where they are, what time or day it is and what happened. If the person is unable to answer these questions, telling them this information may help decrease confusion and orient them to their surroundings.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download