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First Aid Requirement as per Workmen

The First-aid boxes or cupboards shall be distinctly marked with a red cross on white back-ground and shall contain the following equipment-

For factories in which the number of persons employed does not exceed 10 or (in the case of factories in which mechanical power is not used) does not exceed 50 persons :

1. Six small size sterlized dressings.
2. Three medium size sterilized dressings.
3. Three large size sterilized dressings.
4. Three large size sterilized burn dressings.
5. One (60 ml.) bottle of cetrimide solution (1%) or a suitable antiseptic solution.
6. One (60 ml.) bottle of mercurochrome solution (2%) in water.
7. One (30 ml.) bottle containing sal-volatile having the dose and mode of administration indicated on the label.
8. One pair scissors.
9. One roll of adhesive plaster (2cm X 1 metre).
10. Six pieces of sterilized eye pads in separate sealed packets.
11. A bottle containing 100 tablets (each of 5 grains) of aspirin or any other analgesic.
12. Polythene Wash bottle (1/2 litre, i.e., 500 c.c) for washing eyes.
13. A snake-bite lancet.
14. One (30 ml.) bottle containing Potassium Permanganate Crystals.
15. One copy of first-aid leaflet issued by the Directorate General of Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes, Government of India, Bombay.

For Factories in which mechanical power is used and in which the number of persons employed exceeds 10 but does not exceed 50.

1. Twelve small size sterilised dressings.
2. Six medium size sterilised dressings.
3. Six medium size sterilized dressings.
4. Six large size sterilized burn dressings.
5. Six (1 5 gm) packets of sterilized cotton wool.
6. One (120 ml.) bottle of cetrirmide solution (1%) or a suitable antiseptic solution.
7. One (120 ml.) bottle of mercurochrome solution (2%) in water.
8. One (60 ml.) bottle containing sal-volatile having the dose and mode of administration indicated on the label.
9. One pair scissors.
10. Two rolls of adhesives plaster (2 cm X 1 metre).
11. Eight pieces of sterilized eye pads in separate sealed packets.
12. One tourniquet.
13. One dozen safety pins.
14. A bottle containing 100 tablets (each of 5 grains) of aspirin or any other analgesic.
15. One polythene wash bottle (1/2 litre i.e.,500 cc) for washing eyes.
16. A snake-bite lancet.
17. One (30 ml.) bottle containing potassium permanganate crystals.
18. One copy of the first-aid leaflet  issued by the Directorate General of Factory Advice Service and Labour, Government of  India, Bombay.

For factories employing more than 50 persons. 

1. Twenty-four small sterilized dressings.
2. Twelve medium size sterilized dressings.
3. Twelve large size sterilized dressings.
4. Twelve large size sterilized burn dressings.
5. Twelve (15 gm.) packets of sterilized cotton wool.
6. One (200 ml.) bottle of mercurochrome (2%) solution in water.
7. One (200 ml.) bottle of cetrimide solution (1 %) or a suitable antiseptic Solution.
8. One (200 ml.) bottle of sal-volatile having the dose and mode of administration indicated on the label.
9. One pair scissors.
10. One roll of adhesive plaster (6 cms X 1 metre).
11. Two rolls of adhesive plaster (2 cms. X 1 metre).
12. Twelve pieces of sterilized eye pads in separate sealed packets.
13. A bottle containing 100 tablets (each of 5 grains) of aspirin or any other analgesic.
14. One polythene wash bottle (500 c.c) for washing eyes.
15. Twelve roller bandages 10 cms. wide.
16. Twelve roller bandages 5 cms. wide.
17. Six Triangular bandages.
18. One tourniquet.
19. A supply of suitable splints.
20. Two packets of safety pins.
21. Kidney tray.
22. A snake-bite lancet.
23. One 30 ml. bottle containing Potassium Permanganate crystals.
24. first-aid leaflet  issued by the Directorate General of Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes, Bombay 

First Aid Tips - Heart Attacks

Angina / Heart Attack

Due to inadequate blood supply to the heart.

• Major killer all over the world
• Speedy treatment and admission to hospital is vital for a positive outcome

Identification / look out for :
Continuous crushing / constricting pain of the chest (more on left side) may even appear at rest.

• Possible pain  to left arm, left shoulder, jaw and back, but not always.
• Nausea / vomiting.
• Perspiration.
• Feeling of impending doom / death.
• Difficulty in breathing.
• Faintness and dizziness.
• Cold clammy skin.
• Ashen coloured face (pale).
• Pale skin and blue discoloration of skin.
• Initially rapid pulse which weakens
• Confusion.
• Sudden collapse
• Shock.

What to do:

• Make the patient sit down in a comfortable position - Half Sitting using pillows as support.
• If patient has to be shifted / moved do not make the patient exert -  carry the patient with full support.
• Call for Cardiac Ambulance without delay even though they may object.
• Monitor closely, reassure, allow patient to take their own prescribed cardiac medication if they have previous history
• Be prepared to perform CPR should they become unresponsive.

Do not:
Make the patient exert physically not even a few steps, as it will further deteriorate their condition.

• Allow the person to continue with medical help, it may save their life

First Aid for Electric Shock

Electric shocks can result in: 

• Slight shocking sensations 
• Muscle spasms 
• Seizures 
• Interrupted breathing 
• Irregular heart beats 
• Third degree burns (at the spots where the electricity enters and exits the body) 
• Unconsciousness

People can be electrocuted when they touch high-tension wires that fall during a storm or are struck by lightning. A bolt of lightning carries as many as 30 million volts, more than 250,000 times the voltage of ordinary household current. July is the most dangerous month for lightning. Take care when rescuing someone who has been electrocuted so you do not become a victim as well. 

Prevention

• Take a first aid course that covers electrical burns, electric shocks as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 
• Install ground-fault circuit-interrupters (GFCIs) in wall outlets located in bathroom, kitchens, basements, garages and outdoor boxes. These act as circuit breakers. When an electrical appliance falls into the water, the current is instantly cut off. 
• Cover all electric sockets with plastic safety caps so children can't stick their fingers or a metal object in the sockets. 
• Replace worn cords and wiring. 
• Never use an electrical appliance, like a radio or curling iron, near water. Only buy hair dryers and curling irons that have built-in shock protectors. 
• Never turn electrical switches on or off, or touch an electric appliance with wet hands, while standing in water or sitting in a bathtub. 
• Know the location of fuse boxes and circuit breakers in your home and place of work. 
• Remove the appropriate fuse or switch off the circuit breaker before doing household electrical repairs. Turning off the appliance or light switch is not enough. 
• Pay attention to weather warnings. Find a safe place inside, away from windows and doors. And, don't iron or use the telephone during a thunderstorm. 
• Avoid tall trees, metal items, open water and high ground during a thunderstorm. If you are caught outside, look for a ravine or other low-lying place and crawl in. 
• Install a lightning rod on your house.

• First Aid Tips - Epilepsy
• Identification / look out for:

• • Twitching of limbs, shaking or rigid body.
  • Abnormal eye movements.
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness
  • Unusual breathing pattern.
  • Clenched jaw
  • Frothing at the mouth.
• What to do:

• During Seizure:
  1. If possible try to ease the patient's fall.
  2. Try to protect the head 
  3. Try to maintain some privacy for the casualty                   
  After Seizure:
  1. Remove tight clothing.
  2. In unconscious patient use the Recovery Position
  3. Usually patient recovers on his own in his own time.
  4. If time lapsed is more than 10 minutes or if first convulsion,
          seek immediate medical help / ambulance.
  Do not:
  1. Feed (liquid or solid) by mouth.
  2. Gag the patient or put anything in the mouth.
  3. Restrain the patient during the attack.