Seconds count in a medical emergency. When a worker has been injured, what happens while waiting for the ambulance to arrive could make the difference between life and death.
Joe’s experiencing shortness of breath; his skin is ashen; he’s perspiring; and he feels severe pain down his left arm. What should his co-workers do?
Call 911. Joe is probably having a heart attack.
Help him to a comfortable sitting position and keep him from moving about.
Loosen his clothing at the waist and neck.
Give heart medication if called for, but don’t give any stimulants.
Begin CPR if his heart stops beating.
Anna is choking on something she just ate. What should her co-workers do?
Stand behind her, and put arms around her waist.
Place fist, thumb-side in, against her stomach between the navel and ribs, and grab the fist with the other hand.
Keep pulling in and up sharply until object is dislodged.
Mick has just been splashed in the eyes with a hazardous chemical. What should his co-workers do?
Get him to an eyewash station immediately.
Flush his eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
Get him to a doctor immediately after administering first aid.
Betty’s hand got caught in a conveyor. Her hand is mangled, and one of her fingers has been amputated. What should her co-workers do?
Call 911.
Put on latex gloves from first-aid kit.
Apply pressure with a clean bandage from the first-aid kit to stop bleeding.
Place her amputated finger in a plastic bag, inside another plastic bag that is filled with ice and send it to the hospital with her.
Treat her for shock, if necessary, by laying her down and covering her with a jacket, sweater, or blanket to keep her warm until the ambulance arrives.
Louis is in his 60s. While working, he develops a headache and starts to feel dizzy. He’s experiencing vision problems, and his face and limbs down one side of his body feel weak. What should his co-workers do?
Call 911. Lester may be having a stroke.
Cover him with something warm like a jacket, sweater, or blanket.
Offer no stimulants, food, or drink while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
