First Aid is incredibly important in day-to-day life, and this remains the case as the UK deals with the recent pandemic outbreak.
St John Ambulance have released new advice so that anyone required to perform First Aid can continue to care for others whilst also keeping themselves safe.
Updated First Aid Guidance
During the COVID-19 situation, sensible and clinical skills are even more important.
Below is a breakdown of the necessary skills, with detailed guidance on how to apply these skills effectively in First Aid incidents.
– Understand the risks to yourself and others
Approach casualties with caution and know there is always a risk of cross contamination. Contamination is particularly likely if you must get close to the casualty to properly assess the emergency and check their body.
According to NHS 111, it isn’t known exactly how COVID-19 spreads from person to person, but similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. First Aiders must be aware that such water expelled from the mouth can travel, make contact and infect.
Always remember that other cross contamination could occur that isn’t related to COVID-19.
– Keep yourself safe
Keep up to date with government hygiene advice and follow it stringently. It’s very important to wash your hands or use anti-bacterial gel before and after treating a casualty to keep yourself and others safe.
You must also make sure that you don’t cough or sneeze over a casualty when you are treating them. This is crucial to preventing the risk of infection.
The following precautions will help you to treat a casualty effectively whilst remaining safe:
- Wear gloves/cover hands when dealing with open wounds
- Cover any cuts/grazes on your own hands with waterproof dressings
- Dispose of all waste safely
- Don’t touch a wound with your bare hand
- Don’t touch any part of a dressing that will come into contact with a wound
– Give early treatment
A lot of incidents won’t require you getting close enough to a casualty where you would be susceptible to cough droplets.
Sensible and early precautions will ensure you are able to treat a casualty effectively without putting yourself at great risk.
– Stay informed and up to date
With this new disease outbreak, we’re in unprecedented times. The situation is constantly changing, which means the government and health bodies are regularly updating their guidance.
Use all the reliable resources at your disposal to update your education on the matter. Regularly review the NHS 111 or Gov.uk websites – they provide information specific to the coronavirus in the UK.
– Remember your own needs
You must look after your own needs first if you want to be in the position to help others, so make sure you take time for your own health.
Everyone is facing challenging and uncertain times right now. Upheaval and worry are rife. Talking helps, so discuss your fears and concerns and learn from others’ experiences to help yourself.
First Aid at Direct365
At Direct365, we supply a range of high quality First Aid products at affordable prices.
Our aim is to help businesses around the UK to stay safe and compliant, so we price-compare our range regularly to provide the best deals for top supplies.
For First Aid kits, defibrillators, training videos and more, browse our product range here.