Serving Florida

Erik Helms

Program Director

1-877-282-2071

Blood Spill
“universal Precautions'' is a way to limit the spread of disease by preventing contact with blood and certain body fluids. Blood borne pathogens are viruses or bacteria that are carried in blood and can cause disease in people. There are many different blood borne pathogens, but Hepatitis B (HBV) and the Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are the two diseases commonly addressed by health and safety standards. To observe universal precautions'' means that whether or not you think the victim's blood or body fluid is infected, you act as if it is. The risk of getting disease while giving first aid is extremely low. Observing universal precautions for victims of all ages will make it lower.

Personal Protective Equipment

These are barriers between you and the victim's blood or body fluid.

Disposable Gloves
Quickly inspect gloves before putting them on. If a glove is damaged, don't use it! When taking contaminated gloves off, do it carefully.
Don't snap them. This may cause blood to splatter. Never wash or reuse disposable gloves. If you find yourself in a first aid situation and you don't have any gloves handy, improvise. Use a towel, plastic bag, or some other barrier to help avoid direct contact.

Make sure there is always a fresh supply of gloves in your first aid kit.

Take contaminated gloves off carefully

Eye Protection
Anytime there is a risk of splatter, goggles or safety glasses with side protection should be used to help protect your eyes.
Prevention

To reduce the risk of infection, you should:

• Always wear personal protective equipment in first aid situations.
• Carefully remove gloves, clothing and any other contaminated material. Place them in appropriately labeled bags or containers.
• Use an alcohol-based hand rub to clean your hands and other exposed skin after providing first aid. Compared with soap and water, alcohol-based hand rubs are more effective in reducing bacteria on hands and cause less skin irritation. If an alcohol-based hand rub is not available, wash with soap and water.
• Decontaminate all surfaces, equipment and other contaminated objects as soon as possible. Clean with a detergent and rinse with water. Use a bleach solution of one quarter cup (.06 liter) of household bleach per one gallon (3.79 liters) of water to sanitize the surface. Spray on the solution and leave it in place for at least 2 minutes before wiping.

Caution: Do Not eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics, lip balm or handle contact lenses after performing first aid.

Roles and Responsibilities of the First Aid Provider

Roles

• Recognize the emergency and decide to help.
• SAFETY FIRST (for yourself, the victim and bystanders).
• If the victim is responsive, get their okay to help.
• Quickly look and care for life-threatening conditions.
• Continue care until someone with equal or more training takes over.
• Cooperate with employer and/or public safety workers (fire, EMS, law enforcement).
  
  
  Look for medical identification jewelry and provide care based on findings when possible.

Responsibilities

• Maintain composure. Do no further harm.
• Maintain personal health and safety.
• Maintain caring attitude.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.
• Without putting yourself in danger, make the victims' needs your main concern.