Common Workplace First Aid Mistakes That Put Victims at Greater Risk | Wellbeing

1. Moving the Victim Without Assessing Injuries

One of the most frequent mistakes in workplace first aid is rushing to move the victim immediately after the accident either to bring them to a "safer" spot or to make them more comfortable. However, for injuries involving the spine, this action can severely exacerbate the trauma. Dragging or lifting the victim can cause permanent quadriplegia or increase the risk of internal hemorrhage.

For instance, in falls from heights at construction sites—a highly prevalent accident type in Vietnam—improper movement can worsen bone fractures or severe concussions. Therefore, only move the victim if the immediate area is life-threatening (e.g., imminent explosion, electrical leakage, or chemical spill). If a spinal injury is suspected, you must immobilize the head, neck, and upper torso in a straight line using a cervical collar or available materials like wooden boards while awaiting professional medical teams. Pursuant to Circular 19/2016/TT-BYT, enterprises must equip their first aid kits with immobilization splints and train employees on this specific technique to avoid fatal errors.

2. Failing to Ensure Scene Safety Before Intervening

Rushing to the victim without assessing and ensuring scene safety is a deadly mistake that can lead to secondary accidents for both the rescuer and the victim. An occupational accident scene is often fraught with hidden hazards, such as live electrical wires, chemical leaks, or collapsing structures. If the power source is not shut off or the area is not isolated, the first aider can easily become the next victim, thereby delaying the entire rescue process.

In such scenarios, you must activate emergency protocols immediately—including reporting to the site commander and calling 115. If a bystander is capable of administering first aid, they must assess the scene within the first 10 seconds and don Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves and hard hats, before approaching. For example, in industrial electrocution accidents, failing to cut the power supply can cause additional severe burns to the victim and the rescuer. The correct action is to shout for help, eliminate the hazard, and approach only when it is absolutely safe.

3. Skipping the ABC Assessment (Airway – Breathing – Circulation)

Bypassing the ABC assessment is a critical error that leads to cerebral hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) and rapid death. ABC is the foundational step in workplace first aid:

• A (Airway): Clear the airway.

• B (Breathing): Check for respiration.

• C (Circulation): Check for a pulse.

If this protocol is skipped, the victim might choke due to a swallowed tongue or suffer an undetected cardiac arrest.

Check "A" by gently tilting the victim's head back to open the airway; check "B" by observing the rise and fall of the chest; and check "C" by feeling the carotid pulse for 10 seconds. If the victim is not breathing, you must commence CPR immediately and call 115.

4. Incorrect Bleeding Control or Constantly Removing Bandages

Improper bleeding control—such as frequently lifting the bandage to check the wound or misusing a tourniquet—can cause excessive blood loss or limb necrosis. The correct method is to apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean gauze pad and elevate the injured limb. Do not remove the initial blood-soaked bandage; simply add more layers on top. Tourniquets should only be used for severe, life-threatening arterial bleeding and must be carefully monitored to prevent tissue ischemia.

5. Performing Incorrect CPR Techniques

Flawed CPR, such as compressing too shallowly or at a slow pace, drastically reduces blood circulation efficiency. The American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines mandate:

• Rate: 100-120 compressions per minute.

• Depth: 5-6 cm.

• Ratio: 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths.

A common mistake is applying slanted pressure or frequently interrupting compressions, which leads to brain damage. In cases of cardiac arrest due to electrocution, flawless CPR can increase the survival rate by up to 70%.

6. Failing to Call Emergency Services and Activate Protocols

Failing to dial the emergency number (115) immediately is a grave mistake in workplace first aid, as it delays professional medical intervention. The "golden time" to save a life especially in cases of cardiac arrest or massive hemorrhage is often limited to the first few minutes.

When contacting the ambulance, provide precise information:

• Location: State the exact address. If unknown, describe the nearest landmarks, intersections, or prominent buildings.

• Victim's Condition: Clearly describe the situation (e.g., "The victim fell from 5 meters, is unconscious, and bleeding from the head," or "The victim was electrocuted and is not breathing").

• Contact Number: Provide your phone number so dispatchers can call back for more details, give step-by-step first aid instructions while the ambulance is en route, or confirm the location.

Listen and Follow Instructions: The dispatcher will guide your next steps. Follow their over-the-phone instructions exactly—this can save the victim's life while waiting for help to arrive.

7. Applying Folk Remedies

Using home remedies, such as applying toothpaste to a burn or vinegar to a wound, is a dangerous misconception. These actions significantly increase the risk of infection and can deepen burn injuries.

The medically correct approach is to flush the burn continuously under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10–20 minutes. Afterward, cover it with a clean, dry sterile gauze and seek immediate medical attention. For chemical burns, you must flush the area for at least 20 minutes and strip off contaminated clothing instantly.

8. Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) During First Aid

A widespread and perilous mistake is administering first aid without using PPE. Skipping this step exposes the rescuer to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases (such as HIV, Hepatitis B/C, and severe bacterial infections). It can also turn the rescuer into a secondary victim if the scene still contains hazards like chemicals, toxic dust, or sharp debris.

The blood and bodily fluids of an occupational accident victim must always be treated as a potential source of infection, especially in machinery accidents, amputations, or open trauma. If the rescuer does not wear gloves, a mask, or safety goggles, the risk of transmission through skin abrasions, mucous membranes (eyes/nose/mouth), or the respiratory tract is extremely high.

Rescuers should prioritize finding available on-site PPE (like gloves from the nearest medical kit) or wait for a fully equipped professional team. Do not make direct contact if the infection risk is high; instead, call 115 and follow remote instructions.