I have a sample of a first aid kit that was given to me by a supplier.

Im not by any means a safety expert, however my understanding is that in order to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993, the minim content requirement is as follows: Wound cleaner / antiseptic (100ml) Swabs for cleaning wounds Cotton wool for padding (100g) Sterile gauze (minimum quantity 10) 1 pair of forceps (for splinters) 1 pair of scissors (minimum size 100mm) 1 set of safety pins 4 triangular bandages 4 roller bandages (75mm x 5m) 4 roller bandages (100mm x 5m) 1 roll of elastic adhesive (25mm x 3m) 1 Non-allergenic adhesive strip (25mm x 3m) 1 Packet of adhesive dressing strips (minimum quantity 10 assorted sizes) 4 First aid dressing (75mm x 100mm) 4 First aid dressings (150mm x 200mm) 2 Straight splints 2 Pairs large and 2 pairs medium disposable latex gloves 2 CPR mouth pieces or similar devices

When should first aid be provided at the workplace? The regulation states that ''an employer shall take all reasonable steps that are necessary under the circumstances, to ensure that persons at work receive prompt first aid treatment in case of injury or emergency.'' "All reasonable steps" includes the training of employees in first aid skills by a recognized training institution. Employees and other persons on the workplace are entitled to receive prompt first aid treatment without unnecessary delay. When should first aid boxes be provided? The Regulation makes provision that first aid facilities must be provided ''Where more than five employees are employed at a workplace'' Correct placement of the first aid boxes: 'The employer must provide a first aid box or boxes at or near the workplace, available and accessible for the treatment of injured persons at that workplace."

How many first aid boxes should be provided? The number of boxes required should be determined by the employer, taking the following into account: the type of injuries that are likely to occur at a workplace, the nature of the activities performed and the number of employees employed at such workplace

What should the first aid box contain? Suitable first aid equipment, as listed in the prescribed Annexure. (You will find the Annexure at the back of the General Administrative Regulations) Annexure Government Notice R.2245 of 7 August 1992 Minimum contents of a First Aid Box In the case of shops and offices, the quantities stated under items 1, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, and 18 may be reduced by half. Item 1 Item 2 Item 3 Item 4 Item 5 Item 6 Item 7 Item 8 Item 9 Item 10 Item 11 Item 12 Item 13 Item 14 Item 15 Item 16 Item 17 Item 18 Wound cleaner / antiseptic (100ml) Swabs for cleaning wounds Cotton wool for padding (100g) Sterile gauze (minimum quantity 10) 1 pair of forceps (for splinters) 1 pair of scissors (minimum size 100mm) 1 set of safety pins 4 triangular bandages 4 roller bandages (75mm x 5m) 4 roller bandages (100mm x 5m) 1 roll of elastic adhesive (25mm x 3m) 1 Non-allergenic adhesive strip (25mm x 3m) 1 Packet of adhesive dressing strips (minimum quantity 10 assorted sizes) 4 First aid dressing (75mm x 100mm) 4 First aid dressings (150mm x 200mm) 2 Straight splints 2 Pairs large and 2 pairs medium disposable latex gloves 2 CPR mouth pieces or similar devices

May the employer keep any other articles or substances like painkillers and vitamins in the firth aid box? Regulation 3 states that the employer must ensure that only articles and equipment as mentioned above or other similar equipment or medicine is kept in the first aid box or boxes. General remarks and comments: Articles used for first aid purposes should always be replaced as soon as possible after it has been used. The employer must perform regular inspections of the first aid boxes in the workplace to ensure that the boxes contain the prescribed ''minimum contents.' Items contained in the box should also be inspected for expiry dates. All expired equipment should be discarded and replaced immediately. A formal first aid register must be provided for the purpose of recording all incidents where first aid had to be provided. A name list of the certified first aider(s) could also be kept in or near the first aid box.

General responsibilities 4 (1) Every employer shall (a) at the employer's expense, provide and maintain at each of the employers worksites, the first aid supplies, services and first aid attendants required by these regulations; (b) pay the cost of a first aid course for an employee for the purpose of the employee acting as a first aid attendant, as required by these regulations; and (c) pay an employee who is taking a first aid course for the purpose of acting as a first aid attendant, as required by these regulations, the same wages and benefits that they would receive in the ordinary course of their employment.
Subsection 4(1) replaced: O.I.C. 2001-401, N.S. Reg. 104/2001.

(2) Despite subsection (1), 2 or more employers may enter into a written agreement to collectively provide and maintain at each of their worksites the first aid supplies, services and first aid attendants required under these regulations, in which case a copy of the agreement shall be kept and made available at each worksite covered by the agreement.
Subsection 4(2) replaced: O.I.C. 2001-401, N.S. Reg. 104/2001.

(3) It is the duty of each person at the worksite to (a) use the first aid supplies and services provided at the worksite as needed and without undue delay; and (b) report all injuries to the employer without undue delay.

Question 1 According to OSHA, facilities for drenching or flushing the eyes and body must be provided where the eyes are exposed to injurious corrosive materials. OSHA also requires certain industries to include emergency safety shower eyewash stations in every facility. Such industries include paper manufacturing, telecommunications, activities using an open surface tank, storage and handling of anhydrous ammonia, powered industrial trucks, pulp and hazardous materials. However, these regulations do not specify installation set-up requirements or minimum operating requirements. As such, The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed standards for areas where employees are exposed to hazardous materials such as caustics. Read more: Safety Shower Eye Wash Requirements | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6510272_safetyshower-eye-wash-requirements.html#ixzz2417S79m4

Question 3 In carrying out First Aid, there are certain general rules which are applicable in every case: Send for a doctor. When dealing with severely injured casualties it is of prime importance to get medical help very quickly. Speed is important because it is now well established that the main factor in saving lives and limbs of those who are seriously hurt is early surgical treatment. First Aid is administered during the few minutes before the doctor or the ambulance arrives, or before a stretcher is found on which the casualty may be carried back to the hospital or First Aid Post. First Aid must be carried out promptly with materials which are immediately available. First Aid (by a lay person) must not delay First Treatment (by a doctor.) Rest. It is generally wise to keep an injured person lying quietly at rest. This is particularly true if he seems badly hurt or if there is doubt as to the exact nature of his or her injuries. Unless it is certain that the damage is trivial no attempt should be made to help the casualty to his feet. Nevertheless, if the casualty is in an exposed or dangerous situation, or if he is obstructing traffic, he must be transferred to a safe spot. First, however, he or she should be quickly examined so that the First Aider can decide if he needs to be moved on a stretcher, or whether it is safe to use some methods of hand carriage. Organization. The competent First Aider will promptly take control of bystanders. Those with knowledge of First Aid may be asked to help with treatment. Others should be sent for doctor, ambulance, stretcher, blankets, hot drinks, bandages, splints, etc., as necessary. In the case of road accidents, some should be detailed to control traffic and so prevent further injuries. Warmth. In cold weather blankets, coats, or other covering should be used to prevent the injured person from becoming chilled. It is important to place as much thickness underneath as over him. Fluids. If an injured person seems thirsty it is permissible to give him or her a drink unless he has a wound of the abdomen (stomach). There is, however, no value in forcing the intake of large amounts of liquid- this may result in nausea and vomiting. As a general rule it is best to give only small sips at

a time. Water is always acceptable but hot tea or coffee may be more satisfying, particularly in cold weather. Never give the patient alcoholic drinks. Under no circumstances should one attempt to give fluids by mouth to an unconscious casualty. Reassurance. Fear and anxiety are often the most distressing aspects of accident cases. Words of comfort help only a little, but an attitude of calmness combined with display of quiet efficiency will do much to inspire confidence and relieve fear and anxiety. First aid is defined as the immediate care given to an acutely injured or ill person. It can literally be life-saving so it behooves all of us to know some basic principles. What follows are some rules that cover common conditions and general practices: 1. Dont panic. Panic clouds thinking and causes mistakes. When I was an intern and learning what to do when confronted with an unresponsive patient, a wise resident advised me when entering a code blue situation to always take my own pulse first. In other words, I needed to calm myself before attempting to intervene. Its far easier to do this when you know what youre doing, but even if you encounter a situation for which youre unprepared, theres usually some good you can do. Focus on that rather than on allowing yourself an unhelpful emotional response. You can let yourself feel whatever you need to feel later when youre no longer needed. 2. First, do no harm. This doesnt mean do nothing. It means make sure that if youre going to do something youre confident it wont make matters worse. If youre not sure about the risk of harm of a particular intervention, dont do it. So dont move a trauma victim, especially an unconscious one, unless not moving them puts them at great risk (and by the way, cars rarely explode). Dont remove an embedded object (like a knife or nail) as you may precipitate more harm (e.g., increased bleeding). And if theres nothing you can think to do yourself, you can always call for help. In fact, if youre alone and your only means to do that is to leave the victim, then leave the victim. 3. CPR can be life-sustaining. But most people do it wrong. First, studies suggest no survival advantage when bystanders deliver breaths to victims compared to when they only do chest compressions. Second, most people dont compress deeply enough or perform compressions quickly enough. You really need to indent the chest and should aim for 100 compressions per minute. Thats more than 1 compression per second. If youre doing it right, CPR should wear you out. Also, know that CPR doesnt reverse ventricular fibrillation, the most common cause of unconsciousness in a patient suffering from a heart attack. Either electricity (meaning defibrillation) or medication is required for that. But CPR is a bridge that keeps vital organs oxygenated until paramedics arrive. Which is why

4. Time counts. The technology we now have to treat two of the most common and devastating medical problems in America, heart attacks and strokes, has evolved to an amazing degree, but patients often do poorly because they dont gain access to that technology in time. The risk of dying from a heart attack, for example, is greatest in the first 30 minutes after symptoms begin. By the time most people even admit to themselves the chest pain theyre feeling could be related to their heart, theyve usually passed that critical juncture. If you or someone you know has risk factors for heart disease and starts experiencing chest pain, resist the urge to write it off. Get to the nearest emergency room as quickly as you can. If someone develops focal weakness of their face, legs, or arms, or difficulty with speech or smiling, they may be having a stroke, which represents a true emergency. Current protocols for treatment depend on the length of time symptoms have been present. The shorter that time, the more likely the best therapies can be applied. 5. Dont use hydrogen peroxide on cuts or open wounds. Its more irritating to tissue than it is helpful. Soap and water and some kind of bandage are best. 6. When someone passes out but continues breathing and has a good pulse, the two most useful pieces of information to help doctors figure out what happened are: 1) the pulse rate, and 2) the length of time it takes for consciousness to return. 7. High blood pressure is rarely acutely dangerous. First, high blood pressure is a normal and appropriate response to exercise, stress, fear, and pain. Many patients I follow for high blood pressure begin panicking when their readings start to come in higher. But the damage high blood pressure does to the human body takes place over years to decades. There is such a thing as a hypertensive emergency, when the blood pressure is higher than around 200/120, but its quite rare to see readings that high, and even then, in the absence of symptoms (headache, visual disturbances, nausea, confusion) its considered a hypertensive urgency, meaning you have 24 hours to get the pressure down before you get into trouble. 8. If a person can talk or cough, their airway is open. Meaning theyre not choking. Dont Heimlich someone who says to you, Im choking. 9. Most seizures are not emergencies. The greatest danger posed to someone having a seizure is injury from unrestrained forceful muscular contractions. Dont attempt to move a seizing persons tongue. Dont worrythey wont swallow it. Move any objects on which they may hurt themselves away from the area (including glasses from their head) and time the seizure. A true seizure is often followed by a period of confusion called post-ictal confusion. Your reassurance during this period that theyre okay is the appropriate therapy. 10. Drowning doesnt look like what you think it does. For one thing, drowning people are physiologically incapable of crying out for help. In fact, someone actually drowning is usually barely moving at all (I strongly encourage everyone to click on this link to learn more about how to recognize what drowning does look like).

Alex Lickerman is an internal medicine physician at the University of Chicago who blogs at Happiness in this World.

Here are the rules of first aid emergency care in nutshell. If time's a'wastin', don't worry. Just look over this Top 10 checklist, and you'll be prepared to begin your first aid care for real! 1. Shout for help! Don't be afraid to use your lungs and shout for help as soon as you begin first aid measures. Keep shouting for help until you know you've been heard and action has been taken. Professional help can't come soon enoughif it's needed!

2. Assess the situation and scout the territory. If possible, ask the injured person what happened. Can she speak? Can she tell you how serious the accident is? Also, look around and make sure that performing first aid isn't going to be hazardous to your health. Are there any exposed wires near the injured person? Are there toxic fumes or flames? Is the ice hard enough for you to walk on or the water calm enough to jump in? In short, make sure you aren't in any danger before you start first aid. You won't be much help if you get injured, too. 3. Determine if the accident warrants a visit to a hospitalor simply a cleansing and a Band-Aid. If the injured person can talk, great. If the person simply needs stitches, don't call for an ambulance, just make a trip to the emergency room. But if he or she is unconscious, you need to make that 911 call. Check those important ABCs: Are the airways clear? Is he or she breathing? What about circulation? Is there a pulse? And, most importantly, it's up to you to decide whether or not to move the injured person. Sometimes this can't be helped. Once you've decided that you can safely walk on the ice or run past the flames, you might have to save the person in jeopardy by pulling or carrying them to safety, away from flames, thin ice, or toxic fumes. Here's a good rule to remember: don't move a person if there isn't a life-or-death reason to do so. You might cause more harm than good.

Ouch!
Don't move an injured person if you don't have to. As long as you're not in a burning building or drowning at sea, it is best to let a person lie where he or she is. If the victim has back, head, or neck injuries, moving him or her can make the injuries worse or even cause permanent damage or death. 4. If you are trained and certified in CPR and a person is choking or cannot breathe, begin CPR right away. If you are not trained in CPR, do not attempt to resuscitate. You can break the ribs or puncture the lungs, for example, and if the person is choking, you can actually force the object further down his or her throat! If you don't know CPR, use mouth-to-mouth resuscitation techniques or for choking, use the Heimlich Maneuver. Also, take the injured person's pulse and loosen his or her clothes to make breathing easier. 5. Stop the bleeding. If the injured person is bleeding, apply direct, even pressure with a cloth and your hands to slow the flow. (To protect yourself against HIV and other infections while in direct contact with blood, don't forget to practice the universal guidelines for preventing infection.) Lift up a bleeding limb if it doesn't cause substantial additional pain. Make and apply a tourniquet only as a last resort. (See How to Treat Wounds and Stop Bleeding for details on using a tourniquet.)

First Aids
CPR is short for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. When administered immediately to a patient suffering cardiac or respiratory distress, CPR can save a life. However, it's best to take a course to learn CPR. It's not safe to rely solely on the knowledge you gain from reading a book. You need to be certified in order to perform CPR correctly and save lives. 6. Treat any symptoms of shock. If the victim is chilled, breathing harshly, nauseous, clammy, and pale, it is possible he or she is in shock and might become unconscious at any time. Vomiting can also be a sign of shock, and you want to keep airways clear. If no back or neck injury is suspected, gently roll youre the victim's whole body to the side to keep airways open and prevent vomit from pooling in the back of the throat (which can cause choking). Cover the victim with a blanket if you see any signs of shock. Use the universal guidelines to prevent transmittal of HIV or any other infection if you come in contact with bodily fluids.

Look for a Medic Alert medallion like this on either a necklace or bracelet.
7. Look for a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. The medic alert identification tag bears the name Medic Alert and displays the Greek symbol for medical care (a snake twisted around a staff). This bracelet provides medical and emergency personnel with life-sustaining information about the patient's medical history and special needs. The Medic Alert tag tells you if the victim is diabetic, epileptic, or allergic to any medicationsall of which can make a tremendous difference in the course of treatment. If there is no Medic Alert bracelet or necklace, check the injured person's wallet. Sometimes medical warnings are written on an ID card or driver's license. 8. Seek trained medical assistance. At this point, you can leave the injured person for a moment if necessary to summon help. In this world of cellular phones, it's nice to know we're only an arm's length away from 911. But what if an injury takes place where there isn't a portable phone? Or what if you don't own one yourself? Shout for help or as a last resort, run to the nearest phone. When you call for help, tell the police you want an ambulance with an EMT staff. Only trained personnel can help you with cardiac or respiratory problems, head traumas, poisoning, or fractures. With or without medical alert information, you can make your call to 911 more efficient if you begin with your name and location and the nature of the problem. If you've performed steps 1 through 7, you can also inform them of such additional things as potential dangers in the locale, whether or not the patient is breathing or bleeding or appears to have broken bones. All of these things help the EMTs prepare themselves before they arrive on the scene. 9. Never give an injured unconscious person anything by mouth. This means no pills, no liquidsnothing! When a person is unconscious, even water (which you might think will ease the pain) can interfere with breathing and choke him or her. 10. Wait. This is the hardest part of administering first aid care. When you've followed the steps above and done everything you can, all that's left is to wait for the ambulance to arrive. Unfortunately, minutes can feel like hours. While you're waiting, try to keep the injured

person calm. You can provide comfort with a soothing voice or a gentle touch. The Ssh. Don't worry. Help is almost here will help you cope as much as it will help the person you're treating.

Read more on FamilyEducation: http://life.familyeducation.com/emergency/cpr/48238.html#ixzz241 8rXuDa Question 4 Treatment of Shock

DO NOT let the casualty move unnecessarily, eat, drink, or smoke. DO NOT leave the casualty unattended. Reassure the casualty constantly.

Treat any cause of shock which can be remedied (such as external bleeding). Lay the casualty down, keeping the head low. Raise and support the casualtys legs (be careful if suspecting a fracture). Loosen tight clothing, braces, straps or belts, in order to reduce constriction at the neck, chest and waist. Insulate the casualty from cold, both above and below. Contact the emergency service. Check and record breathing, pulse and level of response. Be prepared to resuscitate the casualty if necessary.

If someone has severe bleeding, the main aim is to prevent further loss of blood and minimize the effects of shock (see below). First, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance as soon as possible. If you have disposable gloves, then use them to reduce the risk of any infection being passed on. Check that there is nothing embedded in the wound. If there is, take care not to press down on the object. Instead, press firmly on either side of the object and build up padding around it before bandaging to avoid putting pressure on the object itself. If there is nothing embedded:
Apply and maintain pressure to the wound with your hand, using a clean pad if possible. Use a clean dressing to bandage the wound firmly.

If the wound is on a limb and there are no fractures, raise the limb to decrease the flow of blood.

If a body part has been severed, such as a finger, do not put it in direct contact with ice. Wrap it in a plastic bag or cling film, then wrap it in a soft material and keep it cool. Once it is wrapped, if possible, place the severed body part in crushed ice. Always seek medical help for the bleeding unless it is minor. If someone has a nosebleed that has not stopped after 20 minutes, go to the nearest hospital's accident and emergency department (A&E).
Cramps There are two basic causes of cramping. One is inadequate oxygenation of muscle, and the other is lack of water or salt. Cramps from poor oxygenation can be improved by rapid deep breathing, and stretching the muscle. Cramps from lack of salt and water can be treated by stretching the muscle, drinking water and eating salt. Cramps occur when lactic acid builds up because of normal anaerobic muscle metabolism. When the muscle burns sugar without enough oxygen, it makes lactic acid. The lactic acid finally becomes concentrated enough to trigger the contraction of the muscle. When the muscle lacks salt, the nerves firing the muscle are unable to recharge properly, causing a similar effect.

Questions 4 CASES 4.1 The patient suffers from shock at your practice room. Explain the first aid you would administer to this patient?

TREATMENT:
1. Immediately reassure and confirm the casualty. 2. If the casualtys condition allows, lay the casualty down on the back on a blanket. Keep the low and turned on one side (to maintain blood supply to the brain and to lessen the dangers of vomiting e.g. , stomach contents entering windpipe and causing asphyxia). Raise leg unless you suspect leg fractures. 3. Keep the body warm. Maintain body temperature DO 4. 5. 6. 7.

NOT -

apply a hot water bottle this

will increase the blood flow to the vessels of the skin and take it away from the vital organs. Loosen any tight clothes to help the circulation and assist breathing. Search for and, of possible, treat the cause of the shock. If the casualty complains of thirst, moisten lips with water but do not give anything to drink. Check breathing rate (see p, 10),pulse (see p.89)at 10 minute intervals.

8. If the casualtys breathing becomes difficult, if vomiting seems likely or if the casualty becomes unconscious, place in the recovery position (see p. 22) 9. If breathing and heartbeat stops, begin resuscitation immediately (see pp. 16-19). 10. Remove to hospital immediately. Transport as a stretcher case maintain the treatment position.

4.2 A staff member cuts herself accidently with a knife at your practice. Explain the first aid you would administer for her bleeding. 1. If possible wash your hands before dealing with the wound. Then if the wound is dirty lightly rinse it with running water, if available until it is clean. 2. Temporarily protect the wound with a sterile swab. Carefully clean the surrounding skin with water and soap if available. Gently wipe away from the wound using each swab once only and taking care not to wipe off any blood clots. Dab gently to dry. 3. If bleeding persists apply direct pressure (see p. 26) 4. Dress a small wound with an adhesive dressing (see p. 173) 5. Raise and support the injured part unless you suspect an underlying fracture. 6. If in any doubt about the injury, seek medical aid.

IF the wound is larger, apply a

sterile unmedicated dressing or gauze and clean pad and bandage firmly in position.

4.3 A Patient complains of a cramp before a treatment. Explain the first aid you would administer for cramps.

TREATMENT/ FOR CRAMP IN HAND

Gently , but firmly , straighten out the finger and gently massage the area.

FOR CRAMP IN THE THIGH MUSCLE

Straighten the knee and raise the leg with one hand under the heel; with the other hand, press down the knee. Gently massage the affected muscle.

FOR CRAMP IN CALF MUSCLES

Straighten the knee and gently draw the casualtys foot upwards towards the shin. Gently massage the effected muscle.

FOR CRAMP IN FOOT MUSCLE

Straighten out the casualtys toe and help the casualty to stand on the ball of the foot. Gently massage the foot.

4.4 A patient visits your rooms suffers from hyperthermia / heatstroke after a treatment .Discuss the symptoms of heatstroke and what first aid can be administered. TREATMENT

FOR HYPOTHERTHERMIA
1. Place insulation material around the casualty covering the body, head and neck but not the face; lay the casualty down.

IF the casualty is unconscious, place in the Recovery Position (see p. 22)

2. 3. body. Remove casualty from the cold environment or high altitude. Place in a shelter or move to a warmer room. If the casualtys clothing is wet and adequate dry clothing is available .remove wet garments and replace them. If no dry clothing is available, leave wet clothes on and cover the casualty with waterproof material and additional insulation if available. Give the conscious casualty warm sweet drinks. If breathing and heartbeat stops, begin resuscitation

4. 5.

NB A casualty with server hypothermia may have a very slow heartbeat which is difficult to detect and an
imperceptible breathing rate. Therefore, always check for heartbeat for atleast one minute before commencing external chest compression. In server hypothermia , premature external chest compression is particularly. 6. Examine the casualty for frost bite and treat as necessary.

7. Remove to hospital.

DO NOT give the casualty any alcohol. DO NOT rub or massage the limbs or encourage the casualty to take any exercise . IF medical help is not readily available, apply gentle heat to the patient to prevent a

further drop in

temperature. Place hot water bottles rapped in a towel or clothing onto the casualtys trunk but not the extremities.

HEATSTROKE
1. Move the casualty to a cool environment and remove the casualtys clothing. 2. If the casualty is conscious , place in a half sitting position with the head and shoulders supported.

IF
3.

the casualty is unconscious but breathing normally ,place in the recovery position.

Wrap the casualty in a cold, wet sheet and keep it wet.Direct currents of air onto the casualty by fanning with a magazine, book or electric fan until the casualtys temperature drops to 38 C 4. Seek medical aid immediately.

IF IF

the casualtys temperature reduces, cover the casualty with a dry sheet and remove to an air the casualtys temperature rises again, repeat steps 3 and 4.

conditioned room if possible