First Aid Versus Medical Treatment - Injuries

Abrasion

First aid treatment is limited to cleaning a wound, soaking, applying antiseptic and nonprescription medication and bandages on the first visit; follow-up visits are limited to observation, including changing dressings and bandages. Additional cleaning and application of antiseptic due to work duties that soil the bandage constitute first aid.

Medical treatment includes examination for removal of embedded foreign material, multiple soakings, whirlpool treatment, treatment of infection, other professional treatments, and any treatment involving more than a minor spot-type injury. Treatment of abrasions that are deeper than full skin depth is considered medical treatment.

Bruises

First aid treatment is limited to a single soaking or application of cold compresses and follow-up visits if they are limited only to observation.

Medical treatment includes multiple soakings, draining of collected blood, or other treatment beyond observation.

Burns - Thermal and Chemical (Resulting in Destruction of Tissue by Direct Contact)

First aid treatment is limited to cleaning or flushing the underground, soaking, applying cold compresses, antiseptics, or nonprescription medications, and bandaging on the first visit. A follow-up visit restricted to observation, changing bandages, and additional cleaning is also considered first aid treatment. Most first-degree burns are responsive to first aid treatment.

Medical treatment includes a series of treatments, such as soaks, whirlpool, skin grafts, and cutting away dead skin. Most second- and third-degree burns require medical treatment.

Cuts and Lacerations

First aid treatment for cuts and lacerations is the same as for abrasions, with the exception of applying butterfly closures for cosmetic purposes only.

Medical treatment includes the application of butterfly closures for non-cosmetic purposes, sutures (stitches), surgical debridement, treatment of infection, and other professional treatment.

Eye Injuries

First aid treatment is limited to flushing the eyes, removing foreign material not embedded in the eye, and applying nonprescription medications. A precautionary visit (special examination) to a physician is considered first aid if the treatment is limited to the above items. Follow-up visits are considered first aid if they are limited to observation only.

Medical treatment cases involve removal of embedded foreign objects, use of prescription medications, and other professional treatment.

Inhalation of Toxic or Corrosive Gases

First aid treatment is limited to removal of the miner to fresh air or the one-time administration of oxygen for several minutes.

Medical treatment consists of any professional treatment beyond those mentioned under first aid and all cases involving loss of consciousness.

Foreign Objects

First aid treatment is limited to cleaning the wound, removing any foreign object by tweezers or other simple techniques, applying antiseptics and non-prescription medications, and bandaging on the first visit. Follow-up visits are limited to observation, including changing of bandages. Additional cleaning and applications of antiseptic due to work duties that soil the bandage constitute first aid as well.

Medical treatment consists of removal of any foreign object by a physician due to the depth of embedment, size or shape of the object, or location of the wound. Treatment for infection, treatment of a reaction to a tetanus booster, or other professional treatment is also considered medical treatment.

Sprains and Strains

First aid treatment is limited to soaking, applying cold compresses, and using elastic bandages on the first visit. Follow-up visits for observation, including reapplying bandages, are also first aid practices.

Medical treatment includes a series of hot and cold soaks, use of whirlpools, diathermy treatment, or other professional treatment.

To learn more about Workplace First Aid visit our Workplace First Aid Online Training web page.