Everyone should know basic first aid, especially when working in areas with dangerous and heavy equipment, healthcare service areas, but knowledge of first aid is even important for people working in  offices where employees perform tasks at their desks. 

It is a requirement in the workplace that someone present is knowledgeable and trained in first aid. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.151(b): “In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital near the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, a person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid. Adequate first aid supplies shall be readily available.”¹

Proximity is defined as the prompt provision of medical care within 3 to 4 minutes of the accident if there is no trained employee on-site to give first aid. A responder must attend to severe injuries such as electrocution, suffocation, uncontrolled breathing, amputation, and cardiac arrest within 3 to 4 minutes. However, OSHA is aware and recognizes a longer response time of up to 15 minutes may be reasonable for workplaces where work-related injuries are more remote.