Berkley Fleet Services has provided us with a list of great tips for Basic First Aid for drivers.
BE PREPARED
•Keep supplies and equipment nearby, updated and organized.
•Quick reference cards for first aid are handy and available through mobile telephone applications, such as The Red Cross First Aid app (free).
•If you are not current with first aid, we encourage you to take an inventory of your first aid kit and yourself, although there is no FMCSA regulation that requires commercial motor vehicle drivers to be CPR certified.
•Be aware of bloodborne pathogens, and know that protective gloves can expire, crack or be of no use if not inspected routinely.
•Be sure the steps you take actually reduce further damage and know what to do to avoid harm.
•Wellness is always a concern on the road, but there may be times when first aid is needed, either for yourself or a nearby victim.
ASSESS
Evaluate the scene and victim(s). Without touching anyone, check vital functions: consciousness, breathing, circulation, medical alert tags or psychological needs of those affected. Use latex gloves, or whatever you have available in your truck.
RESPOND
Call 911 for emergency medical response with relevant information. Check with your company to determine when and how to report first aid. Attempt to identify anyone who is trained in first aid and who can assist until emergency help arrives. No one is required or expected to make physical contact with blood or bodily fluids. Treat all fluids as contaminated.
PROTECT / PREVENT
Protect the scene to prevent further crashes, minimize risk for those rendering assistance and ensure self-protection
Stay safe on the road and off! Thanks for reading.
