The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal government agency, has the mission of preventing injury, illness and death in the workplace. Since its inception in 1971 by President Richard M. Nixon, work accidents have been reduced by 62% and the rate of injuries and occupational diseases has decreased by 40%. It is responsible for issuing regulations for health and safety at work such as normative laws on training in first aid.

Standards for first aid training do not mention any specificity. Training can come from any program or training. The only standards in first aid are the following specific occupations:

  • Confined spaces required by permit
  • Commercial diving operations
  • Logging operations
  • Electrical energy
  • Employment in shipyards and construction

These types of industries require more specific standards because of their specialized nature. Training requirements are therefore more specific.

THE OSHA

Minimum first aid training must include the following OSHA competency elements:

  • Respiratory arrest
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Haemorrhages
  • lacerations / abrasions
  • Amputation
  • Musculoskeletal injuries
  • Shock
  • Injuries to the eyes
  • Burns
  • The loss of consciousness
  • Exposure to extreme temperature (hypothermia / Heat stroke)
  • Paralysis
  • Poisoning (voluntary / involuntary)
  • The loss of mental functioning (psychosis / hallucinations, etc.)
  • The drug overdose
  • CPR
  • The application of dressings and slings
  • Treatment of strains, sprains and fractures
  • The immobilization of injured persons
  • Handling and transportation of wounded
  • Treatment of bites, bites or contact with plants or poisonous animals

Our programs

First aid training can be taught by the Saint-Bernard Academy. Upon completion, passed the written and practical tests of the course, candidates receive their certification success. Emphasis on rapid response to first aid situations is incorporated throughout our programs. Other elements of our programs include:

  • Basic intervention in first aid
  • Basic adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Universal precautions for self-protection

Specific sections of our training include specific learning of these types of injuries:

  • Shock
  • Bleeding
  • Poisoning
  • Burns
  • Extreme ambient temperatures
  • Musculoskeletal injuries
  • Bites and stings
  • Medical emergencies
  • Confined spaces

The Trauma Learning Module covers the following:

  • The head and neck
  • The eyes
  • The nose
  • The mouth and teeth
  • Breast
  • The abdomen
  • Hands, fingers and feet

Periodic review

It is the employer who is responsible for the type, amount and maintenance of the first aid supplies required for their particular program. The training program should be reviewed periodically with current techniques and knowledge of first aid. It is recommended that baseline Cardio-Respiratory Resuscitation tests for adults should be performed annually. It is also recommended that basic first aid skills and knowledge be reviewed every three years.