Drilling is a dangerous occupation. The risk of severe injuries on drill sites is high. It's not ‘if it is going to happen’ on the drill site, but ‘when,’ and when an injury happens, potential severity can range from minor to life-threatening. Therefore, a first aid kit for such a dynamic environment must be comprehensive and capable of addressing this wide range of emergencies. 

The US Military’s water well units carry a first aid kit that closely mirrors the one taken into combat, as the severity of injuries in both environments could be equally catastrophic. But how can a drilling professional ensure their first aid kit is effective before disaster strikes?

Here's an overview of what should be included in a first aid kit for the hazardous drilling profession: 

 1. Trauma Management Supplies

Trauma is a leading cause of injury in dangerous jobs. As such, your first aid kit should be equipped to handle severe bleeding, fractures, and other significant injuries. Essential items include:

  • Tourniquets: Used to stop life-threatening bleeding from limb injuries. Modern tourniquets are easy to apply and highly effective.

  • Hemostatic Agents: These are powders, dressings, or gauzes treated with agents that promote rapid blood clotting, essential for controlling severe bleeding.

  • Pressure Bandages: These are crucial for maintaining pressure on a wound to stop bleeding.

  • Splints: Necessary for stabilizing broken bones and preventing further injury. Inflatable or rigid splints should be included.

  • Trauma Shears: Heavy-duty scissors capable of cutting through clothing, belts, and even seat belts in emergencies.

 2. Burn Treatment Supplies

Burns are a significant risk in tasks like welding and chemically treating wells. A comprehensive first aid kit should include:

  • Burn Dressings and Gel: These specialized dressings and gels cool the burn, reduce pain, and prevent further tissue damage.

  • Sterile Gauze and Bandages: For covering burn areas, preventing infection, and absorbing fluids.

 3. Airway Management Tools

Maintaining a clear airway can be critical in situations where someone is unconscious or has sustained facial trauma. Necessary items include:

  • CPR Masks or Shields: These protect both the rescuer and the victim during resuscitation efforts.

  • Oropharyngeal Airways (OPAs): Devices that help keep the airway open in an unconscious person.

  • Bag Valve Mask (BVM): Used for manual resuscitation by providing positive pressure ventilation to a patient who is not breathing or is breathing inadequately.

 4. Eye Injury Supplies

In drilling, there is a high risk of eye injuries. Hammering steel, air drilling and developing, and chemical handling make the right first aid tools vital:

  • Eye Wash Solution: Sterile saline solution for flushing out debris or chemicals. Mobile solutions are more of a stopgap and should not be the only option in an eye emergency.

  • Eye Pads and Shield: To protect the eye after an injury.

 5. Wound Care Supplies

Wounds, whether minor or severe, are common in dangerous workplaces. Keeping a minor wound clean and covered can differentiate between a short-term annoyance and a long-term infection. The first aid kit should contain:

  • Adhesive Bandages: For minor cuts and abrasions.

  • Sterile Gauze Pads and Rolls: For more extensive wounds.

  • Antiseptic Wipes or Solutions: For cleaning wounds and preventing infection.

  • Butterfly Bandages or Steri-Strips: For closing minor lacerations.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

First aid providers need to protect themselves from possible bloodborne pathogens while administering care:

  • Gloves: Nitrile gloves are preferred for their durability and resistance to punctures and chemicals. This also helps those who may have latex allergies. 

  • Face Shields or Masks: To protect against bodily fluids.

7. Automated external defibrillator (AED)

While ensuring you always have team members on-site who are CPR-certified is helpful, specific devices can assist even further:

  • Portable AED: Without early CPR and Automated External Defibrillator use, the chance of a crew member surviving sudden cardiac arrest is only about 2.5%. However, simply utilizing CPR and following the directions of the AED can improve survivability by nearly 80%. AEDs are fully automated and can be used effectively with minimal training. 

 8. General First Aid Supplies

Most injuries on the job site are minor, so in addition to the specialized items, the kit should also include:

  • Tweezers and Forceps: For removing splinters or foreign objects from wounds.

  • Medical Tape: This is used to secure bandages and splints. During the pandemic, I used medical tape to seal the area between my mask and my nose and cheeks so that my glasses would not fog up while working in the winter. This may also be helpful when air quality is a concern. 

  • Instant Cold Packs: To reduce swelling and pain from sprains, strains, or minor burns.

  • Space Blanket: To prevent shock and keep the injured person warm.

  • Pain Relief Medication: This is for managing pain while awaiting further medical care. It must be over-the-counter medication taken by the injured person and not administered without their consent.

 9. Documentation and Communication Tools

Finally, the kit should include:

  • A Notepad and Pen: Recording the details of the injury and any first aid administered is crucial for emergency responders.

  • Emergency Contact Information: Clearly listed in the kit, along with a quick reference guide for emergency procedures. Many health and safety plans also contain the nearest hospital or medical facility. 

It's a good idea to call the medical facility and inquire whether they have a trauma center. I mention this because my middle son was severely injured while working for a large water well contractor, and they took him to the medical facility listed on the health and safety plan. However, that facility did not have a trauma center, which meant they had to call an ambulance to transport him to a trauma center. 

Luckily, he made a full recovery. However, had things gone a little differently, that delay in trauma care could have had a dire consequence.

Keep Calm and Carry On 

As you put together your kit, remember that a quality first aid kit for our dangerous occupation must be comprehensive, portable, and accessible. 

Regular inventory checks are essential to ensure all items are present and functional. There have been many instances in the past where a device or aid item was needed but had expired or was no longer usable, leading to further injuries and even death. 

Another thing to consider is that the most important aspect of a first aid kit is the person administering it. Proper and regular training in first aid, CPR, and AED use ensures that personnel are prepared to utilize the items in the first aid kit effectively. 

By being well-prepared, contractors can mitigate the risks associated with drilling operations and provide immediate, life-saving care in an emergency until first responders can arrive on site.

Until next time, stay healthy and safe!