BECOMING A FIRST AIDER-PROTECTION FROM INFECTION

 BECOMING A FIRST AIDER-PROTECTION FROM INFECTION

When you give first aid, it is important to

protect yourself (and the casualty) from

infection as well as injury. Take steps to avoid

cross infection (transmitting germs or infection

to a casualty or contracting infection yourself

from a casualty). Remember, infection is a risk

even with relatively minor injuries. It is a

particular concern if you are treating a wound,

because blood-borne viruses, such as hepatitis

B or C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus

(HIV), may be transmitted by contact with

blood. In practice the risk is low and should not

deter you from carrying out first aid. The risk

does increase if an infected person’s blood

makes contact with yours for example through

a cut or graze.

Usually, taking measures such as washing

your hands and wearing disposable gloves will

provide sufficient protection for you and the

casualty. There is no known evidence of these

blood-borne viruses being transmitted during

resuscitation. If a face shield or pocket mask

is available, it should be used when you give

rescue breaths (pp.68–69 and pp.78–79).

Take care not to prick yourself with any needle

found on or near a casualty, or cut yourself on

glass. If you accidentally prick or cut your skin,

or splash your eye, wash the area thoroughly

and seek medical help immediately. If you are

providing first aid on a regular basis, it is

advisable to seek guidance on additional

personal protection, such as immunisation. If

you think you have been exposed to an infection

while giving first aid, seek medical advice as

soon as possible.

■ Do wash your hands and wear latexfree

disposable gloves. If gloves are not

available, ask the casualty to dress his

or her own wound, or enclose your hands in

clean plastic bags.

■ Do cover cuts and grazes on your hands with

waterproof dressings.

■ Do wear a plastic apron if dealing with large

quantities of body fluids and wear plastic

glasses to protect your eyes.

■ Do dispose of all waste safely (p.18).

■ Do not touch a wound with your bare hands,

and do not touch any part of a dressing that

will come into contact with a wound.

■ Do not breathe, cough or sneeze over

a wound.

CAUTION

To help protect yourself from infection you can carry

protective equipment such as:

■ Pocket mask or face shield

■ Latex-free disposable gloves

■ Alcohol gel to clean your hands