During the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational first aid attendants (OFAAs) continue to provide treatment to workers as necessary. With the possibility of community infection from COVID-19, you may need to modify your standard protocols for first aid treatment to reduce the potential for transmission.

Some guidelines recommended by WorkSafeBC include:

• When you first arrive on scene – if no critical interventions are required, if possible and appropriate, interview the patient from at least 2 m (6 ft.) to determine if COVID-19 may be a factor or is present.
• If providing direct patient care (within 2 m), you will need to wear the appropriate level of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the situation. With this in mind make sure your kit contains the following items: face shield or safety glasses, surgical mask, disposable or washable full body coverall. You should be prepared to don the appropriate PPE prior to approaching the patient and be ready to apply PPE such as a face shield to the patient as well.
• Regarding CPR and AED protocols: OFAAs should perform compression-only CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic. If there is more than one trained rescuer with the required PPE, change places for performing compressions approximately every minute, as performing continuous compressions at a rate of 100 per minute will be fatiguing with full PPE on

WorksafeBC has prepared a set of additional precautions in your procedures you may take to align with current public health directives such as physical distancing, hand hygiene, and disinfection. You can download this document from WorksafeBC.