Ensuring cleanliness in all first aid situations is extremely important. A first aider must take precautions to ensure the risk of infection is minimised by practising good first aid hygiene procedures.

Infectious diseases are diseases that 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 transmission 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 the body requires help from medically prescribed antibiotics or similar drugs.

General precautions

While there is little a first aider can do to cure an infection there is a great deal you can do to limit the risk of infection and treat 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 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 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
• 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 needle-stick injuries include:

• It is generally recommended workers who may come in contact with blood or body fluids should receive hepatitis B vaccinations
• Latex or nitrile gloves will not protect you against needle-stick injuries
• Follow all safety procedures in the workplace
• 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 with the requirements of the relevant local, State, Territory or Commonwealth authorities.