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Ensuring cleanliness in all first aid situations is extremely important. A first aider must take precautions to ensure that the risk of infection is minimised by practising good first aid hygiene procedures.
Infectious diseases are those diseases which cause infections to the human body, and in some cases are transmitted by contact or by cross-infection.
Infection may be due to bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi.
 The usual methods of communication are: direct contact (with an infected person); indirect contact (through coughing, air conditioning, or similar); or through a host (insects, worms).
Many deadly infectious diseases have been eradicated, but several, such as poliomyelitis (a virus), are again on the increase. Many are preventable by immunisation. Some, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), have no cure or immunisation as yet.
Examples of infectious diseases are:
Viral Infections
Measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis, influenza, chickenpox, HIV and the common cold.
Bacterial Infections
Throat infections, whooping cough, diphtheria, rheumatic fever, tuberculosis strains, cholera, staphylococcus infection and some forms of meningitis.
Parasitic Infections
Malaria, tapeworm, hookworm, itch mites, pubic and body lice.
Fungal Infections
Ringworm, tinea (‘Athlete's Foot') and thrush.
The human body has natural defences against infection and remains immune to certain types. Immunity usually comes from surviving previous exposure with resultant antibodies being produced. The blood contains leucocytes (white blood cells), which help produce antibodies. The leucocytes and antibodies [try to] combat any infection which invades the body. Unfortunately, while the body responds quickly to infection, the initial defences can be overwhelmed if the infectious agent is numerous. When this happens the casualty develops the disease.
It is at this stage that the body requires help in the form of medically prescribed antibiotics or similar drugs.
General precautions
While there is little that the first aider can do to cure an infection there is a great deal that you can do to limit the risk of infection and treat the symptoms of minor infections. However, the first aid provider should be familiar with the signs and symptoms of the common diseases, and advise the infected person to seek appropriate medical attention.
Advice that the first aid provider can offer is:
- care of the susceptible, ie. the ill, the elderly, and the very young
- care in nutrition and preparation of food
- maintenance of personal hygiene
- maintenance of sanitary standards
- avoid direct contact with infection
- avoid transmitting infection
First aid hygiene
It is important that first aid procedures have 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 between fingers and under nails
- place a barrier between you and the casualty's body fluids
- always wear nitrile or latex gloves if available
- 4 take care not to touch any unclean object when wearing gloves or 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 performing 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
Waste materials can be placed inside a plastic bag, which is then placed inside another plastic bag and tied securely. Use a biohazard bag if possible. Do not place in rubbish bin. Seek advice from your local health department on disposal options.
Needle-Stick Injuries
The principal risk associated with needle stick injury is contracting blood borne viruses such as HIV (AIDS) and HBV (Hepatitis B).
There is a low risk of a person who is pricked or scratched by a discarded needle being infected with AIDS, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
The most common sharps injuries are from needle-sticks, typically on the index finger and thumb. Needle-stick injuries account for up to 80% of all accidental exposures to blood.
Ways of reducing the risk of needlestick injuries include:
- It is generally recommended that workers who may come in contact with blood or body fluids should receive Hepatitis B vaccinations
- Follow all safety procedures in the workplace
- Latex or nitrile gloves will not protect you against needlestick injuries
- Never bend or snap used needles
- Never re-cap a needle
- Always place used needles into a clearly labelled and puncture-proof sharps approved container.
- wash away the blood or body fluid with soap and water
- if the eyes are contaminated, rinse eyes while open with water or saline
- if blood gets into the mouth, spit it out and then repeatedly rinse with water
- refer the person immediately to a doctor or hospital emergency department who will assess the risk of transmission and discuss options for testing and treatment
- ensure the safe disposal of the sharp
- report the incident immediately.
Dispose of waste in accordance witht he requirements of the relevant local, State, Territory or Commonwealth authorities.
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