First-Aid Kit for Trainers and Supervisors

Tailgate Safety Training for Landscaping and Horticultural Services

AEX-892.2.16

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Date:

05/25/2018

Agricultural Safety and Health Program

Objective: Identify the location and contents of a first-aid kit.

Trainer’s Note

First-aid kits are the first line of defense against injury. For this module:

Present the information below on contents of a first-aid kit.
Discuss procedures to use if a serious injury occurs.
Show workers the locations and contents of first-aid kits in your workplace. Ask employees to suggest additional kit items.
Invite a healthcare professional to participate in this session.
Review the important points.
Have workers take the True/False quiz to check their learning.

Note: Review the location and the contents of the kit prior to training. Check for outdated or missing items.

Background

Knowing how and what types of first aid to use can prevent a more serious injury. Keep a Red Cross First Aid manual with the first-aid kit.

The Red Cross suggests that the kit include:

poison first-aid kit with syrup of Ipecac and charcoal
sterile first-aid dressings in sealed envelopes (2 x 2 inch for small wounds, 4 x 4 inch for larger wounds and for a compress to stop bleeding)
tongue depressors
bandage scissors
tweezers
eye wash solution
thermometer
safety pins
ace bandage
adhesive bandages
roller bandage, 1 inch x 5 yards (for finger)
roller bandage, 2 inches x 5 yards (to hold dressings in place)
adhesive tape
triangular bandages for a sling or as a covering over a larger dressing
cotton balls for cleaning wounds or applying medication
splints 1/4-inch thick, 1/2-inch wide, and 12 to 15 inches long for splinting broken arms and legs
70 percent isopropyl alcohol and tincture of green soap in a covered container for cleaning
ice packs (chemical ice bags) to use to reduce swelling
insect bite kit
several pairs of disposable gloves
waterless hand wash

There are many types of first-aid kits available. Keep and maintain an appropriate kit on each major piece of equipment, trucks, and cars, and in the garage or shop. Kits should be inspected at least twice a month and replenished as necessary.

The Red Cross suggests that workers be certified in emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the method used to restore heartbeat and breathing. CPR may save the life of someone who has been injured or suffers a serious illness. However, CPR and first aid take training. An untrained individual who gives CPR or first aid may cause harm.

Having an emergency plan in place saves time during an incident. Have a plan for every work location, including machinery sheds, garages, greenhouses, and fields. Know and practice what to do in case of an emergency.

If a Serious Injury Occurs

Stay calm and try to calm the victim.
Shout or radio for help and tell a specific person to call 911 for Emergency Medical Service (EMS).
Evaluate the victim’s condition and administer first aid or CPR as needed. (Only trained individuals should administer CPR first aid). Continue treatment until relieved by the EMS personnel.
Do not move the victim except to protect the victim from further injury.
Remain with the victim.
Conduct a quick rescue without risking personal safety.

When calling 911, give the dispatcher the information listed here and remain on the phone until the information is confirmed and the dispatcher says to hang up:

Location of and directions to the emergency
Type of emergency
Number of victims
Location phone number
Treatment given to the victim(s)

Review These Important Points

Have a complete first-aid kit on all major implements and in all work locations.
Learn first aid and CPR.
Know the emergency medical plan and keep it current.
Know the 911 number and accident information.

About These Modules
The author team for the training modules in the landscape and horticultural tailgate training series includes Dee Jepsen, Program Director, Agricultural Safety and Health, Ohio State University Extension; Michael Wonacott, Research Specialist, Vocational Education; Peter Ling, Greenhouse Specialist; and Thomas Bean, Agricultural Safety Specialist. Modules were developed with funding from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant Number 46E3-HT09.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Labor.

Answer Key

1. F

2. T

3. T

4. T

5. T