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Reducing the risk of infection


Standard precautions

Standard precautions are the basis of an approach to infection control in which bodily fluids, human blood, and other potentially infectious materials are treated as infectious.
First aiders must always take precautions to prevent contact with bodily fluids or other potentially infectious materials, such as:

  • Avoid contact with objects that may be contaminated
  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after administering first aid
  • Cover exposed cuts and grazes with waterproof dressings
  • Avoid eating, drinking and other hand-to-mouth contact while administering first aid
  • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Soak soiled clothing in household grade bleach for at least 30 minutes (following directions on the container) before washing as normal
  • Ensure you do not re-contaminate yourself when handling soiled and/or contaminated clothing
  • Change gloves before handling any other casualty to minimise the possibility of cross-infection between casualties
  • Seek medical aid as soon as possible if you believe that you may have been contaminated by infected blood or body fluids

All incidents should be reported to your team leader or appropriate supervisor.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment may include:

  • Gloves
  • Goggles
  • Masks
  • Aprons
  • Protective gowns
  • Enclosed footwear

Hand washing and hand care

Hand washing is generally considered to be the most important measure in preventing the spread of infection. Hands should be washed, where practical, before contact with any casualty and after activities likely to cause contamination.

Activities which can cause contamination include:

  • Physical examination of a casualty
  • Handling equipment or instruments soiled with blood or other body substances
  • Direct contact with body secretions or excretions
  • Going to the toilet

Neutral pH soap (with no added substances that may cause irritation or dryness) should be used for routine hand washing. Scrub brushes should not be used routinely as their use may result in abrasion of the skin and they may be a source of infection.

For routine hand washing, wet hands thoroughly and lather with soap, vigorously rubbing hands together for at least 10-15 seconds. Rinse under running water and dry hands with disposable paper towel. To minimise ‘chapping’ of hands, pat dry rather than rub them. If cloth towels are used a fresh towel must be used each time.