While every employer must ensure that employees receive medical attention for workplace injuries, many common injuries don’t require professional medical treatment. Instead, these injuries are often treated by fellow workers trained in first-aid. Who trains these workers, and how much first-aid training do they really need?

Let’s first look at the difference between first-aid and medical treatment. OSHA generally defines “first-aid” as treatment using a nonprescription medication at nonprescription strength, using bandages and gauze pads, applying hot or cold therapy, using finger guards and splints, and other one-time treatments that do not usually require follow-up professional care. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is often taught to first-aid providers in case professional services are not immediately available.