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Card #5
Review the Basics of First Aid
También disponible en español.
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Volunteering can be a welcome break from your regular routine, and that puts you into new and different situations where unexpected things happen.
Sometimes, that’s an accident or a medical emergency. It is important for you to be ready and how where to find supplies.
The FACTS: What you need to KNOW
1. Thousands of people die each year in situations where first aid could have made the difference.
2. In the United States, most nonfatal injuries within a work setting are caused by overexertion, slips, trips, falls, and contact with equipment.
3. There are many myths related to first aid. The best way to know the truth about what to do when someone is injured is to take a basic first aid training class.
THE ACTIONS: What you need to DO
First aid situations can be high stress. It is important to train your brain to: Check that they are stable. Call for help, and Care for the person until help arrives.
Ask about your organization’s first aid response procedure in case of an accident. Be ready to call 911 in the case of a severe emergency.
Know where to find first aid supplies in the case of wounds.
A safety committee lead or manager should make sure the location of first aid supplies is prominently posted for everyone to see.
Know what to do if someone is unconscious or unresponsive. The basic principle of first aid is ABC: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. A first aid class can make you more confident to help someone.
Volunteer Safety Videos are under development and will be available in 2023.
Links, Resources & More
  • Take a free safety course from Nonprofit Safety Hero.
  • Use the free APPapp to help your organization create an Accident Prevention Program.
  • Learn more about OSHA and WISHA laws that govern workplace safety for both volunteers and paid workers.
  • View a complete list of volunteer safety topics from Volunter Safety Hero.