08 First Aid Hygiene
The risk of cross infection is very low. The first aider should take some precautions in all first aid situations. Protection such as gloves protects you and the casualty from infection. You must assume that in every emergency situation, everybody is a carrier of an infectious disease, such as HIV, hepatitis, or meningitis. Body fluid can enter your bloodstream through cuts or cracks in the skin, or through the mouth or eyes. Sneezing or coughing from the casualty could spray contagious substances onto you
Using protection barriers between you and the casualty's body fluids can easily prevent transmission of these diseases. Examples of first aid barriers recommended are:
- Resuscitation masks,
- Gloves and eye or face shields.
- Additional washing before and after first aid is important and gives additional protection.
Before Treatment
- Always wear gloves if available take care not to touch any unclean object when wearing gloves or once hands are washed.
- Wash hands with soap and water, or rinse with antiseptic.
- Ensure that hands are washed thoroughly between fingers and under nails.
- If possible, use a protective cover over clothing.
- Cover any adjacent areas likely to produce infection.
During Treatment
- Avoid contact with body fluids.
- Avoid coughing, breathing, or speaking over the wound.
- Avoid treating more than one casualty without changing gloves between each casualty.
- Use a face shield or mask with a one-way-valve, if available, when doing active resuscitation.
- Use only clean bandages and dressings.
After Treatment
- Wash hands and disposes of gloves.
- Clean up both casualty and yourself.
- Clean up the immediate vicinity.
- Dispose of dressings, bandages, gloves and soiled clothing correctly by burning.
- Wash hands with soap and water even if gloves were used.
