Safety Tips: The Importance of First Aid

First aid training helps save lives. It is that simple. On the job, in your home, or in the community, knowing first aid allows you to help someone who is injured or suddenly ill until help arrives or they are able to see a health care provider.
In the U.S. every year:
• 2 million people are hospitalized because of injuries
• 140,000 people die from injuries
• 162,000 people die from strokes

The goals of first aid include:
• Keeping the victim alive
• Preventing the victim’s condition from getting worse
• Helping promote recovery from the injury or illness
• Ensuring the victim receives medical care

Be Prepared
• Know what to do.
• Be ready. A first aid situation can occur anytime, anywhere.

Think of yourself as a first aider who is always ready to step in and help. Other bystanders at the scene may feel helpless, but you should feel confident that you can assist the victim.
• Have a personal first aid kit, and know where kits are in your workplace. Be sure they are well-stocked with the right supplies. Keep emergency phone numbers, such as EMS, the Poison Control Center, and other agencies, handy.
• Know whether your community uses 9-1-1 or a different emergency telephone number.

Preventing emergencies
Most injuries, and some illnesses, can be prevented. Follow these general guidelines:
• In the workplace, always follow safety procedures required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. If you have received safety training, use it. It takes only one lapse from a safety procedure to lose a life.

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