OSHA requires that injuries needing medical treatment be recorded, while those handled by first aid do not.
Supportive care considered first aid:
(1) temporary splinting or other forms of rigid immobilization prior to transport
(2) temporary eye patch
(3) use of a non-rigid form of support such as elastic bandage or wrap (presence of a rigid component is considered medical treatment)
(4) finger guard
Wound care classified as first aid:
(1) cleaning, flushing or soaking a wound on the skin surface
(2) wound coverage with band-aid or bandage
(3) wound closure with butterfly or Steri-strip (other forms of wound closure considered medical treatment)
(4) drilling of a fingernail to relieve pressure
(5) removal of a foreign body from the eye using irrigation or a cotton swab
(6) removal of a foreign body from a non-eye site by irrigation, forceps, tape or other simple means
Other intervention classified as first aid:
(1) giving a nonprescription drug in a nonprescription dose
(2) administration of a tetanus immunization
(3) drinking fluids for relief of heat stress
(4) hot or cold therapy
(5) massage (physical therapy or chiropractic care are considered medical treatment)
Any intervention NOT listed as first aid is considered medical treatment.
Who provides the intervention does not determine the classification. First aid provided by a physician is still first aid.
