Page 7 - inPRINT Issue 63

inDEPTH

First aid is in place to preserve life or to prevent
the worsening of the condition

FIRST AID FOR health & safety

FIRST AIDERS

oncerns have been raised
Cabout first aid coverage » Be aware of the risks to
during the COVID-19 themselves and others
pandemic, including worries when carrying out first aid
that those who provide first duties
aid assistance are at greater » Keep safe by following
risk of being exposed to the Government guidelines
virus. » Continue to ensure that
For employers, this early treatment is given
increases the chance that » Remain informed and
a first aider may refuse to updated
provide assistance, which » Remember that your own
could lead to a minor injury needs and those of your
becoming a major concern. staff remain paramount
There is also a risk of liability
if a first aider contracts Following any contact with
the virus following their an individual, first aiders
assistance with a person should:
with symptoms or who is » Before CPR starts, so as into close contact with
asymptomatic. to minimise transmission individuals. » Wash your hands
First aid is in place to risk, a cloth or towel The guidance states, thoroughly using soap
preserve life or to prevent can be used to cover the ‘the use of a fluid repellent and water; alcohol-based
the worsening of the patient’s nose and mouth, surgical face mask hand gel is a convenient
condition. Currently, the permitting breathing is recommended and alternative
HSE guidance states first to restart following a additional use of disposable » Avoid touching your
aiders shall ‘try to assist successful resuscitation eye protection (face visor mouth, eyes and/or nose,
at a safe distance from the » Only deliver CPR by or goggles) should be unless you have recently
casualty, minimising time chest compressions or risk assessed when there cleaned your hands after
in a shared breathing zone’. a defibrillator – don’t is an anticipated risk having contact with the
But this can be dependent conduct mouth to mouth of contamination from individual
on whether the injured or breaths splashes, droplets of blood » No additional precautions
unwell persons are able to » Don’t listen or feel for or body fluids.’ are required regarding
assist the first aider by doing breathing by placing your PPE should be used with cleaning your clothing/
things for themselves. The ear and cheek close to the good hygiene procedures uniform other than what
HSE maintains that ‘treating patient’s mouth in terms of putting on, is usual practice
the casualty properly must removal and safe disposal
be your first concern’. This advice reflects following any treatment For further information,
If a first aider is required to guidance from the provided. please contact Tom Rayer,
undertake cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Council UK For your first aiders to HS&E Adviser, at
resuscitation (CPR), HSE for situations where first remain effective, they need [email protected]
guidance is as follows: responders have come to:

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