Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What defines first aid according to OSHA?

1. Immediate and comprehensive medical care

2. One-time treatment and follow-up for observation of minor injuries

3. All treatments performed by a licensed medical professional

4. Emergency services provided in life-threatening situations

The correct answer is: One-time treatment and follow-up for observation of minor injuries

First aid, as defined by OSHA, pertains specifically to the immediate assistance provided for minor injuries, which involves one-time treatment and follow-up observation. This definition emphasizes the importance of prompt care to manage minor injuries effectively, ensuring that they do not escalate into more serious health issues. When someone administers first aid, it typically includes simple and short-term measures that can be conducted by individuals who may not have formal medical training. This reflects a key aspect of first aid: it is designed to stabilize a situation and protect the well-being of the injured person until professional medical help can be accessed if necessary. The other options, while they do describe aspects of medical care, do not align with OSHA's specific definition of first aid. For instance, comprehensive medical care and treatments requiring a licensed professional fall outside the scope of first aid as outlined by OSHA, which is meant to be straightforward and conducive for any trained individual, even without extensive medical qualifications. Additionally, emergency services in life-threatening situations imply a level of care and urgency beyond the initial aid for minor injuries.