There is a risk that some infections
may be transmitted during first aid activities.
Certain blood born viruses such as Hepatitis B and C
and the Human Immunodeficiency virus, HIV,
cause the greatest concerns.
However other infections may also be transmitted.
Try to avoid contact with blood and other bodily fluids
by using protective devices.
Such as disposable gloves, resuscitation barriers,
eye protection and plastic bags.
Be careful of broken glass or other sharp objects
when kneeling to assist a casualty.
Reduce the risks of infection by
being immunised against disease where possible.
And be clear in understanding your workplace policy
on infection control procedures.
Medical attention should be sort if there are any concerns
following exposure to bodily fluids or
puncture wounds such as needle stick injury.
Hand washing and drying is the most important hygiene measure
in preventing spread of infection in any setting.
A mild liquid hand wash should be used for routine hand washing,
and emergency first aid situations.
Skin disinfectants, formulated for use without water
may also be used.
Standards precautions for managing blood
and body substance spills.
Spots and spills should be removed
as soon as practical before the area is thoroughly cleaned.
Spill kits may be used for cleaning
but are optional.
When cleaning spills, always wear personal protective equipment,
such as disposable gloves, eye protection and protective clothing.
Isolate the area
and ensure you have the correct cleaning equipment.
In managing a large spill, greater than 10cm in diameter,
cover the entire spill with granular disinfectant or clumping agent
and leave for 3 - 10 minutes,
depending on the labelling instructions.
Granular disinfectants or clumping agents help soak up,
solidify and confine hazardous material.
Use disposable scrapers to collect waste
and then wipe area with absorbent material
to remove any remaining matter.
Place all contaminated material, including gloves,
into a plastic bag and seal.
Wash hands thoroughly.
And mop the area with detergent and water.
Where spills are less than 10cm in diameter
the procedure is the same,
except there is no need to use a granular disinfectant
or clumping agent.
A safe method for syringe disposal
is to find a rigid walled container
for example a glass or plastic jar or drink bottle with a lid.
Gloves can be worn but are not always necessary or available.
Take the container to the syringe
and carefully pick it up by the fat end.
Drop the syringe into the container, pointy end first and seal with a lid.
Never attempt to bend or remove the needle from the syringe.
Contact the local council,
or health service for collection and disposal information.