Overview
First aid is defined as medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the occurrence of an injury and at the location where it occurred. It often consists of a one-time, short-term treatment and requires little technology or training to administer.
Universal Precautions is an approach to infection control. According to the concept of Universal Precautions, all human blood and certain human body fluids are treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, and other bloodborne pathogens.
Note: North Carolina employers in general industry and construction who designate employees as being responsible for providing first aid as a collateral job duty must also comply with the bloodborne pathogens standard.
Safe Work Practices
- Follow all safe work practice controls and procedures provided by the employer or by first aid training.
- Ensure emergency phone numbers are posted in the work area(s).
- Call 911 if an injured employee is unresponsive, not breathing, or has severe bleeding.
- Exercise universal precautions to prevent direct contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials.
- Don single use gloves before treating others and be sure to wash hands as soon as possible with soap and water after removing gloves or when inadvertent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials occurs.
- First aid supplies should be appropriate for the work setting and properly maintained.
- Mayo Clinic First Aid