Medical Hygiene
Hygiene is the corruption of medicine by morality. - H. L. Mencken
It is important that first aid procedures be conducted with due regard for the danger of cross-infection. Simple rules of personal hygiene and wearing gloves are sufficient to guard both the first aid provider and the casualty from contamination when treating or caring for a casualty.
PRIOR TO TREATMENT
- wash hands with soap and water, or rinse with antiseptic ensure that hands are washed thoroughly
- place a barrier between you and the casualty's body fluids such as latex gloves
- if available, gloves should always be worn
- take care not to touch any unclean object when wearing gloves once hands are washed
- if possible, use a protective cover over clothing
- cover any adjacent areas likely to produce infection
DURING TREATMENT
- use a face shield or mask with a one-way-valve or filter, if available, when doing active resuscitation
- use only clean bandages and dressings
- avoid coughing, breathing, or speaking over the wound
- avoid contact with body fluids
- avoid treating more than one casualty without washing hands and changing gloves
AFTER TREATMENT
- clean up both casualty and yourself
- clean up the immediate vicinity
- dispose of dressings, bandages, sharps, gloves and soiled clothing safely and correctly
- wash hands with soap and water thoroughly, even if gloves were used
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