HSBTE IVth Semester First Aid in Clinical Laboratory: (Acid burn/Alkali burn, Accidental trauma, Gas/Toxic inhalation).

First Aid in Acid burn/Alkali burn in Clinical Laboratory

First aid for acid or alkali burns in a clinical laboratory is to minimize damage and promote the quick recovery of the affected individual. The following are general guidelines are followed in a laboratory setting:

Acid Burn:

1. Personal Protection: Put on appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and eye protection, before approaching the victim.

2. Remove Contaminated Clothing: Carefully remove clothing contaminated with the acid. Avoid spreading the substance.

3. Flush with Water: Immediately rinse the affected area with abundant amounts of cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Ensure that the water flow does not splash the chemical onto unaffected areas.

Use 2% sodium bicarbonate to wash the affected part of the corrosive reagent/chemical is acidic.

4. Eye Exposure: Use an eye wash station or emergency eyewash to irrigate the eyes thoroughly for at least 15 minutes. Hold the eyelids open during rinsing.

5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if the burn seems minor, seek medical attention promptly. Some acid burns may have delayed effects.

Alkali Burn

1. Personal Protection: Put on appropriate PPE, including gloves and eye protection.

2. Remove Contaminated Clothing: Carefully remove any clothing contaminated with the alkali. Take care not to spread the substance.

3. Flush with Water: Rinse the affected area with plentiful amounts of cool running water for at least 20 minutes. Continue flushing even if the individual experiences pain.

4. Eye Exposure: Use an eye wash station or emergency eyewash to irrigate the eyes thoroughly for at least 15 minutes. Hold the eyelids open during rinsing.

5. Neutralize (if possible): In some cases, a weak acid solution may be used to neutralize the effects of an alkali burn. However, this should only be done by trained personnel. Inappropriate neutralization attempts can worsen the injury.

Use 1% acetic acid to wash the affected part if the corrosive reagent/chemical is alkaline.

6. Seek Medical Attention: Even if the burn seems minor, seek medical attention promptly. Alkali burns can cause severe tissue damage, and delayed treatment may result in complications.

General First Aid Guidelines in Acid and Alkali Burn

1. Do Not Use Neutralizing Agents Without Training: Avoid using neutralizing agents unless you are trained to do so. Inappropriate neutralization attempts can worsen the injury.

2. Do Not Use Ice or Cold Packs: Avoid using ice or cold packs on the burn. Extreme temperatures can exacerbate tissue damage.

3. Cover the Burn Area: After flushing, cover the burn area with a clean, non-stick dressing.

4. Comfort and Reassure: Provide comfort and reassurance to the affected individual while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.

5. Do Not Delay Medical Attention: Acid and alkali burns can cause serious injuries, and immediate medical attention is crucial.

First Aid in Accidental Trauma in Clinical Laboratory

Accidental trauma in a clinical laboratory ranges from minor injuries to more serious incidents. Proper first aid is essential to minimize further harm. First aid also promotes the well-being of the affected individual. The following are general first-aid guidelines for accidental trauma in a clinical laboratory:

Minor Injuries:

1. Cuts and Abrasions:

• · Wash your hands and wear disposable gloves.

• · Clean the wound gently with mild soap and water.

• · Apply an antiseptic ointment.

• · Cover the wound with a sterile dressing or adhesive bandage.

• · If bleeding persists, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile dressing.

2. Minor Burns

• · Remove the individual from the source of the burn.

• · Cool the burn with cold running water for at least 10 minutes.

• · Cover the burn with a clean, non-stick dressing.

• · Avoid using ice or very cold water directly on the burn.

3. Bruises and Sprains

• · Rest the affected area.

• · Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and ease pain.

• · Elevate the injured limb if possible.

• · Consider providing over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.

Major Injuries

1. Serious Cuts or Lacerations:

• · Call for emergency medical assistance immediately.

• · Apply direct pressure to control bleeding, using a sterile dressing or clean cloth.

• · Do not remove any embedded objects.

• · Keep the individual calm and encourage them to lie down.

2. Severe Burns

• · Call for emergency medical assistance immediately.

• · Do not attempt to cool large or severe burns with water.

• · Cover the burn loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing or a sterile cloth.

• · Keep the person warm and comfortable

3. Fractures or Dislocations

• · Call for emergency medical assistance.

• · Keep the injured limb immobile by splinting it with available materials.

• · Provide support to the injured area with padding or a bandage.

• · Elevate the injured limb if possible.

4. Eye Injuries:

• · If there is a foreign object in the eye, do not attempt to remove it.

• · Gently cover the injured eye with a clean, sterile dressing.

• · Call for emergency medical assistance.

5. Head Injuries:

• · Call for emergency medical assistance.

• · Keep the person still and calm

• · If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth

General First Aid Guidelines

• 1. Call for Help: In case of a serious injury, immediately call for emergency medical assistance (dial emergency services).

• 2. Protect Yourself: Prioritize your safety and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• 3. Provide Comfort and Reassurance: Keep the affected individual calm and reassure them while waiting for professional help.

• 4. Do Not Move Injured Person Unnecessarily: Avoid moving an injured person unless it is necessary to prevent further harm.

• 5. Do Not Provide Medications Without Professional Guidance: Refrain from administering medications unless directed by emergency medical personnel.

• 6. Document the Incident: Record details of the incident, injuries, and first aid provided for documentation purposes.

• 7. Follow Laboratory Protocols: Adhere to the laboratory's specific protocols and guidelines for handling injuries and emergencies.

First Aid in Gas/Toxic inhalation in Clinical Laboratory

Swift and appropriate first aid measures are essential to protect the health and well-being of individuals involved in gas or toxic inhalation in a clinical laboratory. It requires a prompt response to minimize exposure and prevent further harm. The following are general first-aid guidelines for such situations:

Immediate Actions:

• 1. Personal Protection: Prioritize your safety by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a mask, gloves, and eye protection.

• 2. Evacuation: If possible, move affected individuals to an area with fresh air immediately. This may involve either evacuating the laboratory or moving to a designated safe zone.

• 3. Emergency Ventilation: Open windows and doors to improve ventilation and facilitate the removal of toxic gases. Turn on laboratory ventilation systems, if available.

• 4. Rescue Breathing: If an individual is unconscious and not breathing, initiate rescue breathing while awaiting emergency medical assistance. Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the person has no pulse.

Summon Emergency Medical Assistance

1. Call for Help: Dial emergency services immediately to report the incident and provide necessary details.

2. Provide Information: Communicate the type of gas or substance involved, the number of affected individuals, and the current condition of those affected.

First Aid for Specific Gas/Toxic Inhalation

1. Chemical Gases:

• · Refer to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for specific first aid measures for the chemical involved.

• · Remove contaminated clothing and rinse the affected skin with copious amounts of water if the gas is a liquid.

2. Smoke or Combustion Byproducts:

• · Move individuals away from the source of smoke.

• · Provide oxygen if available.

• · Monitor for signs of respiratory distress.

3. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning:

• · Move affected individuals to fresh air immediately.

• · Administer oxygen if available.

• · Seek medical attention promptly.

General First Aid Guidelines

1. Do Not Delay Evacuation: Prioritize the evacuation of affected individuals to fresh air.

2. Provide Comfort and Reassurance: Keep affected individuals calm and reassure them while waiting for professional help.

3. Monitor Vital Signs:

• · Monitor breathing, pulse, and consciousness levels of affected individuals.

• · Administer basic life support measures if necessary.

4. Document the Incident: Record details of the incident, including the type of gas or toxic substance involved, symptoms observed, and first aid provided.

5. Follow Laboratory Protocols: Adhere to the laboratory's specific protocols and guidelines for handling gas or toxic substance exposures.

Dr Pramila Singh