Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

1 Introduction to First Aid

Always change gloves between patients. Vinyl, Nitrile and Latex materials both provide adequate protection but latex may cause an allergic reaction for some people. Latex cannot be exposed to petroleum based products and must be changed if it comes in contact with gasoline, oil, etc. Latex gloves cannot be used with petroleum jelly. Always follow guidelines for safe removal and disposal of gloves. Proper Hand Washing – This is the simplest and most effective way to control disease transmission. Always try to wash your hands before and after patient contact, even if wearing gloves. Although soap and water are not protective in all cases, they are excellent protection against transmitting a disease to others. If running water and soap are not available, then a waterless hand-washing substitute may be used. Wash hands with soap and water as soon as you are able.

Hand Sanitizer as a substitute for hand washing

Pocket Masks and Shields – Although there are limited evidence regarding cases of disease transmission to a rescuer from performing unprotected mouth to mouth resuscitation on a patient with an infection, you should always use a mask or shield with a one way valve designed to prevent contact with blood or bodily fluids. Disposable masks or ones with disposable one-way valves are a better choice than ones that require re-sterilization.

8

www.preohs.com