OFA Environmental & Toxicological Emergencies Flashcards

A worker splashes a corrosive chemical in their eyes. The OFA responder's first priority is to:

Answer: Flush the eyes with large amounts of clean water for at least 15–20 minutes

Immediate and prolonged eye irrigation with water for at least 15–20 minutes is the standard first aid for chemical eye exposure.

When managing a worker exposed to a chemical skin splash, what is the standard decontamination first step?

Answer: Remove contaminated clothing and flush the affected skin with large amounts of water

Removing contaminated clothing and flushing the skin with copious water dilutes and removes the chemical to minimize tissue damage.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is dangerous in workplace settings primarily because:

Answer: It is odorless and colorless, making it undetectable without monitors

Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, so workers can be exposed to dangerous concentrations without any sensory warning.

The first aid treatment for CO poisoning in a conscious worker is:

Answer: Remove from the source immediately and provide fresh air or high-flow oxygen if available

Removing the worker from the CO source and providing fresh air or supplemental oxygen displaces CO from hemoglobin and improves oxygenation.

A worker is stung by a bee and begins developing hives, throat tightness, and difficulty breathing. This presentation suggests:

Answer: Anaphylaxis requiring epinephrine (EpiPen) and emergency medical services

Hives, throat tightness, and breathing difficulty after a sting indicate anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening and requires immediate epinephrine and EMS.

When using an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) for anaphylaxis, where is it administered?

Answer: Into the outer mid-thigh

The EpiPen is designed for intramuscular injection into the outer mid-thigh, which provides the fastest absorption in an anaphylactic emergency.