First Aid, CPR, and AED for Shipyard Workers

Why First Aid Training Matters in a Shipyard

Shipyards are among the most hazardous industrial workplaces in the United States. Workers handle heavy steel plate, cutting torches, welding equipment, electrical systems, and lifting gear—often in confined spaces or at heights. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that trained first-aid responders be available whenever a medical facility is not in near proximity to the worksite. Even when emergency medical services (EMS) are nearby, minutes matter. A worker in cardiac arrest who receives immediate bystander CPR and early defibrillation has a dramatically better chance of survival than one who waits for an ambulance. Every marine fabrication professional should be able to respond.

Cardiac Arrest and Hands-Only CPR

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood. The victim becomes unresponsive, stops breathing normally, and will die within minutes without intervention. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross both support hands-only CPR for untrained bystanders and consider it effective for adult victims.

Steps for responding to a collapsed worker:

1. Ensure scene safety. Check for electrical hazards, falling objects, or toxic atmosphere before approaching.

2. Check responsiveness. Tap shoulders and shout. If no response, call out for help.

3. Activate EMS. Shout for someone to call 911 and get an AED. If alone, call yourself before starting CPR.

4. Check for breathing. Look for no more than 10 seconds. Gasping is not normal breathing.

5. Begin chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the sternum), place your other hand on top, keep arms straight, and compress at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. Allow full chest recoil between compressions. Minimize interruptions.

6. Continue until an AED arrives, the victim recovers, or trained help takes over.

The classic mnemonic for rate is the beat of the song "Stayin' Alive"—about 100 beats per minute—giving a useful lower anchor.

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An AED analyzes heart rhythm and delivers an electrical shock to restore normal rhythm in specific types of cardiac arrest. Training AED units mimic real devices without delivering actual electricity.

AED procedure:

1. Power on the AED (open lid or press button).

2. Attach pads to bare, dry skin—one pad below the right collarbone, one on the left side below the armpit.

3. Allow the AED to analyze. Stand clear—do not touch the victim.

4. If a shock is advised, confirm no one is touching the victim, then press the shock button.

5. Immediately resume CPR for two minutes, then allow the AED to re-analyze.

In a shipyard, AEDs should be posted in known, marked locations. Identify your worksite AED location on day one.

Laceration: Controlling Bleeding

Cuts from steel edges, grinders, and cutting tools are common. Direct pressure is the first and most important step. Place sterile gauze over the wound and press firmly. Do not remove soaked gauze—add more on top. Maintain pressure for at least several minutes. Elevate the injured limb if no fracture is suspected. Secure with a bandage roll. Seek medical evaluation for deep, gaping, or heavily contaminated wounds. Wear gloves to protect yourself from bloodborne pathogens.

Eye Contamination: Emergency Eye Wash

Welding spatter, grinding particles, and chemical splash can all damage the eye rapidly. OSHA requires eyewash stations within 10 seconds of travel from hazardous areas.

Procedure: Immediately flush the eye with clean, tepid water from the eyewash station for a minimum of 15 minutes. Hold the eyelid open. Remove contact lenses if easily done. Do not rub the eye. After flushing, cover with a sterile pad and seek medical evaluation.

Thermal Burns: Cool, Cover, Seek Care

Welding, cutting torches, and hot metal cause thermal burns. Cool the burn immediately with cool (not ice cold) running water for at least 10 minutes. Remove jewelry near the burn. Cover loosely with a non-stick sterile dressing or clean cloth. Do not apply butter, toothpaste, or any home remedy. Do not break blisters. Burns larger than the victim's palm, burns on the face, hands, feet, or joints, and all electrical or chemical burns require emergency medical care.

Crush Injuries and Musculoskeletal Trauma: Improvised Splinting

Heavy plate, rigging failures, and struck-by incidents can cause crush injuries, fractures, or sprains. Do not attempt to realign a bone. Splint the injury in the position found. A rigid splint (board, pipe, or folded cardboard) should extend beyond the joints above and below the injury. Pad between the splint and skin. Secure with bandage material—snug but not cutting off circulation. Check pulse, sensation, and movement (PSM) distal to the injury before and after splinting. Monitor for shock: lay the victim flat, keep warm, and do not give food or water.

Personal Protective Equipment During First Aid

Treating an injured coworker exposes you to bloodborne pathogens. Always don disposable gloves before contact with blood or body fluids. Use a CPR face shield if available for rescue breaths. Follow your employer's Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan and report any exposure immediately.

After the Emergency

Complete an incident report for every injury, no matter how minor. OSHA recordkeeping rules apply in shipyards. Document what happened, what first aid was given, and when EMS was contacted. This protects the worker, the employer, and provides data to prevent recurrence.