Basic First Aid:

1. Get immediate treatment for every injury, regardless how small it seems.

2. Control bleeding with pressure

Place a clean cloth on the wound and apply pressure with the palm of your hand until the bleeding stops. Elevate the wound above the victim’s heart to slow down the bleeding at the wound site. Once the bleeding stops, do not try to remove the cloth. Never use a tourniquet except in response to an extreme emergency.

3. Treat shock quickly

Symptoms of shock include pale or bluish skin color that is cold to the touch, vomiting, dull and sunken eyes, and unusual thirst. Maintain an open airway for breathing, control any obvious bleeding and elevate the legs about 12 inches. Covering the victim (over and under) with blankets. Keep the victim lying flat on the back. Stay with the victim until medical help arrives.

4. Move the injured person only when absolutely necessary

If you must move an injured person, try to drag him or her by the clothing around the neck or shoulder area. If possible, drag the person onto a blanket then drag the blanket.

5. Flush burns with water

For thermal, chemical or contact burns, run cold water over the burn for a minimum of 30 minutes. If the burn is small enough, keep it completely under water. If the victim’s clothing is stuck to the burn, don’t try to remove it. Remove clothing that is not stuck to the burn by cutting or tearing it. Cover the burn with a clean, cotton material. Keep the victim covered with a blanket to maintain a normal body temperature until medical help arrives. If the victim has received an electrical burn, your priority is to check for any airway obstruction, and to check breathing and circulation. Administer CPR if necessary. Once the victim is stable, begin to run cold water over the burns for a minimum of 30 minutes.

6. Poisoning

If the poison is in solid form remove it from the victim’s mouth using a clean cloth wrapped around your finger. If the poison is a gas, remove the victim from the area and take to fresh air. If the poison is corrosive to the skin, remove the clothing from the affected area and flush with water for 30 minutes. Take the poison container or label with you when you call for medical help because you will need to be able to answer questions about the poison. Try to stay calm and follow the instructions you are given. If the poison is in contact with the eyes, flush the victim’s eyes.

7. Report all injuries to your Administration

Information based on AgSafe, Coalition for Health and Safety in Agriculture