First Aid FAQS

Welcome to our FAQ section, where we’ve compiled answers to the most commonly asked questions about our products, services, and policies.

Why is emergency medical oxygen important during a medical emergency?

Life‑threatening medical emergencies are often accompanied by low tissue oxygen levels (not enough oxygen supply to tissue and organs). If this progresses, the brain will begin to die first, with other organs following. Additionally, low oxygen levels to the heart may lead to cardiac arrest. After AIRWAY, supplemental oxygen is the most important first step in treatment. Some material safety data sheets (MSDS) indicate that emergency oxygen therapy is helpful after chemical exposure.  Check your SDS file is you use strong chemicals in your business.

ANY patient with a potentially life‑threatening illness or injury ‑ without exception.

Emergency oxygen should be started IMMEDIATELY AFTER an open AIRWAY is established. However, if there is a delay in retrieving the oxygen unit and CPR is required, rescue breathing should be performed until the oxygen unit is available. Use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) obviously takes priority over oxygen (and should be administered as soon as possible), however, oxygen may greatly enhance the effectiveness of defibrillation.

Oxygen is NEVER harmful during a medical emergency. It always enhances the likelihood of a better outcome for the patient. The potential harmful effects of oxygen occur after prolonged use (more than 5 hours). New research (started in the 1980’s) and publications find that oxygen DOES NOT suppress respiratory drive and is useful for ANY victim of a sudden life‑threatening illness or injury.

NO! In the non‑breathing patient, application of oxygen without rescue breathing will not benefit the patient. It must be coupled with rescue breathing via a CPR mask.

YES! Oxygen should be continued until the EMS arrives. Maintaining oxygen on the revived patient may prevent relapse into cardio‑respiratory arrest.

YES! Oxygen should be continued until the EMS arrives. Maintaining oxygen on the improved or “recovered” patient may prevent relapse into cardio‑respiratory arrest.

The airway must be cleared of the obstructing food or object. Oxygen alone will not help the patient. Once the obstruction is cleared oxygen should be applied to aid in recovery.

If it is unclear whether or not the patient is breathing, start rescue breathing (preferably with emergency oxygen). By responding in this manner, you will not harm the person if he/she is breathing. However, do not put an oxygen mask on and “wait and see” if they are not breathing, breathing too little, or not moving any air, they may deteriorate to full arrest.

YES. If the patient has labored breathing, applying emergency oxygen is one of the most important responses you can make to potentially prevent an arrest.

Hold the mask near to the face. Much of the oxygen will still get into their mouth and nose.

Oxygen is considered a drug when it is given in concentrations beyond what is ambient air and when used for medical treatment, but it is entirely non-toxic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the regulating government agency for oxygen, requires a prescription for therapeutic medical oxygen, but has EXEMPTED this requirement for emergency applications since 1972.

Since September of 1996 the FDA requires all medical oxygen sold in the U.S. to bear the following statement on the label: “For emergency use only when administered by properly trained personnel for oxygen deficiency and resuscitation. For all other medical applications, CAUTION: Federal law prohibits dispensing without a prescription.”  In order to be considered as an over‑the‑counter (OTC) device, i.e.: “non‑prescription”, the oxygen device must provide a minimum flow rate of 6 liters per minute for a minimum time of fifteen minutes.

Anyone properly instructed in its use (as stated in the above FDA labeling requirement). The FDA, FAA, OSHA and other concerned agencies DO NOT determine what constitutes proper training. Providers should be familiar with the manufacturer’s directions and instructional materials.

Federal regulations (under the DOT) regarding refillable oxygen cylinders require hydrostatic testing of the cylinder every five (5) years, but only if and when the cylinder is refilled. This is accomplished by the refilling agency. Unless you are a certified refilling site, you should NOT refill your own cylinders. Disposable cylinders do not have this requirement but MUST NOT be refilled under any circumstance.

Oxygen does not “catch fire” or explode! It does support combustion but is perfectly safe when handled and used properly.

A good rule of thumb is to determine what the average EMS response time is to your facility and have enough to last twice as long as the response time. In most circumstances a 1/2 hour to 1 hour supply is sufficient.

NO. It must be stored and handled in compliance with all compressed gases. There are no special instructions or record‑keeping required.

Although it is not specifically a part of the standard, it is important to follow the standard should your unit or its components (i.e.: CPR mask) become contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials and dispose of or clean as required.

GIVE IT! It is far better to over-use it than to underuse it and miss the opportunity to improve the patient’s condition. REMEMBER, it is not harmful and may save a life.

1910.151(a)

The employer shall ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of plant health.

1910.151(b)

In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.

1910.151(c)

Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.

The primary requirement addressed by these standards is that an employer must ensure prompt first aid treatment for injured employees, either by providing for the availability of a trained first aid provider at the worksite, or by ensuring that emergency treatment services are within reasonable proximity of the worksite. The basic purpose of these standards is to assure that adequate first aid is available in the critical minutes between the occurrence of an injury and the availability of physician or hospital care for the injured employee.

In addition to the Federal Standard, 29 states have their own specific standards that must be at least equal to the Federal Standard.

The organization that reviews first aid kits and their contents is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).  Every five years or so, ANSI reviews injury statistics, scientific studies, and advancement in medical technology and revises their standard for what should be in a first aid cabinet.  Generally, OSHA recognizes the ANSI standard as a good starting place for what first aid supplies should be on hand in the workplace.

All of the filled first aid cabinets that FC Safety supplies meet the ANSI standard.  Therefore, as long as you replace the items that have been used or removed form your first aid cabinet you will be compliant with the ANSI standard that were in place when the cabinet was acquired.  At FC Safety we do our best to keep our clients updated on changes to the ANIS standard – provided that we have valid and current contact information.

ANSI requires a kit or cabinet that will keep the contents clean and dry.  The kit or cabinet should be accessible, that is free of obstructions.  If there is dust, dirt, or bodily fluids on, or in the cabinet, the kit or cabinet should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

 

1910.151(a)  The employer shall ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of plant health.

1910.151(b)  In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.

1910.151(c)  Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.

The primary requirement addressed by these standards is that an employer must ensure prompt first aid treatment for injured employees, either by providing for the availability of a trained first aid provider at the worksite, or by ensuring that emergency treatment services are within reasonable proximity of the worksite. The basic purpose of these standards is to assure that adequate first aid is available in the critical minutes between the occurrence of an injury and the availability of physician or hospital care for the injured employee.

In addition to the Federal Standard, 29 states have their own specific standards that must be at least equal to the Federal Standard.

The organization that reviews first aid kits and their contents is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).  Every five years or so, ANSI reviews injury statistics, scientific studies, and advancement in medical technology and revises their standard for what should be in a first aid cabinet.  Generally, OSHA recognizes the ANSI standard as a good starting place for what first aid supplies should be on hand in the workplace.

Subchapter 4. Construction Safety Orders Article 3. General

  • 1512. Emergency Medical Services.

(c) First-Aid Kit.

(1) Every employer working on or furnishing personnel on a construction project, on line crews and on other short duration or transient jobs shall provide at least one first-aid kit in a weatherproof container. The contents of the first-aid kit shall be inspected regularly to ensure that the expended items are promptly replaced. The contents of the first-aid kit shall be arranged to be quickly found and remain sanitary. First-aid dressings shall be sterile in individually sealed packages for each item. The minimum first-aid supplies shall be determined by an employer-authorized, licensed physician or in accordance with the first aid supplies specified table.

(3) Drugs, antiseptics, eye irrigation solutions, inhalants, medicines, or proprietary preparations shall not be included in first-aid kits unless specifically approved, in writing, by an employer-authorized, licensed physician.

General Industry Safety Orders Group 2. Safe Practices and Personal Protection

Article 10. Personal Safety Devices and Safeguards

§3400. Medical Services and First Aid.

(a) Employer shall ensure the ready availability of medical personnel for advice and consultation on matters of industrial health or injury.

(b) In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital, in near proximity to the workplace, which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Training shall be equal to that of the American Red Cross or the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration.

(c) There shall be adequate first-aid materials, approved by the consulting physician, readily available for workmen on every job. Such materials shall be kept in a sanitary and usable condition. A frequent inspection shall be made of all first-aid materials, which shall be replenished as necessary.

(d) Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.

(e) Stretchers and blankets, or other adequate warm covering, may be required by the Division, unless ambulance service is available within 30 minutes under normal conditions.

(f) At isolated locations, provisions must be made in advance for prompt medical attention in case of serious injuries. This may be accomplished by on-the-site facilities or proper equipment for prompt transportation of the injured person to a physician or a telephone communication system for contacting a doctor or combinations of these that will avoid unnecessary delay in treatment.

At a minimum at least quarterly. 

This inspection tool utilizes NFC technology to allow you to simply tap your phone to the tag attached to your first aid kit or cabinet.  When you tap the first tag, you will be prompted to log in.

After you have logged in you will be asked three questions:

1.      Is the outside of the kit/cabinet clean and able to protect the organized contents?

2.      Are any of the supplies damaged, open, or expired? Items that contain liquids or tablets generally have expiration dates.

3.      Has the kit reached its expiration date?

The expectation is that if any deficiency is discovered, steps should be taken during the inspection process to remedy the issue.  To that end, if supplies need to be reordered there is an option within the inspection tool to create a requisition to reorder supplies.

At this point you will need to select the appropriate answer for each question, add any desired product to the requisition, and then tap complete inspection.  You may proceed to any additional safety assets that you wish to inspect and repeat the process.

Once the requisition is submitted to FC Safety, it will be confirmed and then shipped.  Once the product arrives at your location it should be placed in the cabinet. Some users prefer to keep a working stock of first aid supplies on hand.  If you utilize this technique, then be sure to rotate the product, so that you are using the product with the closest expiration date first.

Smart Compliance Cabinets have a Smart Tab placed in most of the product that alerts you when your supply of that particular product is getting low.  The Smart Tab is a yellow card that is located about 2/3 of the way through the product.  If you see a Smart Tab at the front of a package, then it indicates that it is time to reorder.  To create a requisition to order that product, take note of the color code on the packaging.  Generally, the color code on the packaging will give you an indication of what category of first aid you are inspecting / reordering.  To make reordering easy, these same color codes are present in the reordering section of the FC Safety Shield.

It is also important to check expiration dates on the following categories of first aid supplies:

1.      Tablets or any ingestible products

2.      Eyewash and other ophthalmic products

3.      Burn treatments

4.      Ointments and topical preparations

5.      Antiseptics

6.      Sprays

7.      Hemostasis products

Additionally, if any sterile product has packaging that is damaged it should be discarded and replaced.

It is best not to commingle products with different expiration dates.

To remove the boxes from the Smart Compliance Grids, insert a business card between the box and the wall of the cell within the grid, then you can pull the box out of it’s cell.  Also, it is important to remove the access panel of each box – simply tear along the perforations.  This will make the product much more accessible in an emergency.