gloves, and commercial tourniquets.
“We make sure all members of our crew know where these supplies are and are trained to use them.”
FIRST AID BEST PRACTICES: OSHA AND ANSI PROTOCOLS
Arborists work within a broad frame- work of regulations, standards and policies, including the International Safety Equipment Association, the Oc- cupational Safety and Health Adminis- tration (OSHA), and the American Na- tional Standards Institute (ANSI). Combined, these three organizations provide a symbiotic system for keep- ing workers safe on the job, while also holding employees accountable for compliance. While the tree care industry currently lacks a specific OSHA standard, it is subject to the logging industry stan- dard because of the high risk of injury associated with tree care work. To understand how these two organiza- tions work to keep arborists safe, it is important to first recognize the distinct roles each plays. OSHA According to Reichenbach, OSHA rec- ognized that workplaces with a high- er risk of injury may need enhanced bleeding-control supplies associated with Class A and Class B first-aid kits, that include various items such as: •Tourniquets •Hemostatic dressing •Pressure bandages •Wound packing gauze •Bandages designed for chainsaw wounds For logging operations, which apply to the tree care industry (for now), addi- tional first-aid requirements include first-aid kits that are readily available and trained personnel in CPR.
Essential supplies to have on hand for bleeding control include trauma sheers, hemostatic bandages, tourniquets, and medical gloves.
Extreme Bleeding Response Checklist
Regardless of how much training arborists and field workers undergo, nothing can pre- pare someone for an emergency in which another life hangs in the balance. The following tips from Forest Safety Prod- ucts (FSP), are an excellent guideline of what to do when in an emergency. Every Crew Vehicle or Job Site Should Have: Tourniquets (minimum two per kit) Hemostatic gauze
Call for Help • Dial 911/EMS as soon as possible. • Provide clear communication including but not limited to GPS, mile marker, trail name, and location on property. Identify the Source of the Bleeding • Open or remove clothing over the wound so you can see it clearly. • Look for and identify life-threatening bleeding such as:
Chest seals (if trained) Gloves (multiple pairs) Trauma shears Emergency blankets
Tip: Kits should be clearly labeled and immediately accessible , not buried with other equipment. Immediate Response Ensure Scene Safety • Shut down chainsaw or equipment. • Clear hazards such as hangers, traffic • and electrical hazards. • Put on gloves and protect yourself before treatment.
• Spurting blood (this could be indicative of an arterial bleed that may need a tourniquet) • Bleeding that won’t stop • Pooling blood • Clothing soaked in blood • Amputation
• Any bleeding that feels immediately dangerous
ArborTIMES ™ Fall 2026 | 57
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online