Page 21 - BOSS Today Issue 49

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WHO or goggles) should be risk assessed

when there is an anticipated risk of
contamination from splashes, droplets
GUARDS THE of blood or body fluids.’ PPE should also
be used with good hygiene procedures
in terms of putting on, removal and
GUARDIANS? provided. For your first aiders to remain
safe disposal, following any treatment
effective, they need to:

n Be aware of the risks to themselves
and others when carrying out first aid
Those who provide first aid assistance may be at greater risk duties.
of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. n Keep safe by following government
guidelines.
n Continue to ensure that early
or employers, the presence of If a first aider is required to undertake treatment is given.
FCOVID-19 in the UK population cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), n Remain informed and updated.
increases the chance that a designated HSE guidance is as follows: n Remember that their own needs
first aider may refuse to provide and those of other staff remain
assistance, which could lead to a minor n Before CPR starts, so as to minimise paramount.
injury becoming a major concern. transmission risk, a cloth or towel can
There is also a risk of liability if a first be used to cover the patient’s nose and Following any contact with an
aider contracts the virus following mouth, permitting breathing to restart individual, first aiders should:
their assistance of a person with following a successful resuscitation.
COVID-19 symptoms (or who is even n Only deliver CPR by chest compressions n Wash their hands thoroughly using
asymptomatic). or by using a defibrillator. Do not soap and water; alcohol-based hand
The object of first aid is primarily to conduct mouth to mouth breaths. gel is a convenient alternative.
preserve life or to prevent the worsening n Do not listen or feel for breathing by n Avoid touching their mouth, eyes and/
of a condition and HSE guidance placing your ear and cheek close to the or nose, unless they have recently
maintains that ‘treating the casualty patient’s mouth. cleaned their hands after having had
properly must be your first concern’. HSE contact with the individual being
guidance therefore currently states that This advice reflects guidance from the treated.
first aiders shall ‘try to assist at a safe Resuscitation Council UK for situations n Take no additional precautions to clean
distance from the casualty, minimising where first responders have come into their clothing/uniform other than what
time in a shared breathing zone’. close contact with individuals. is usual practice.
However, the ability to do this depends The guidance states, ‘the use of a
on whether injured or unwell persons fluid repellent surgical face mask is For further information, please contact
are able to assist the first aider by doing recommended and additional use of Mandy Robson, BOSS Head of H&S at
things for themselves. disposable eye protection (face visor mandy@bossfederation.co.uk

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