When it is determined that someone needs help, it is essential to act quickly. However, there are a few rules that should be followed:
In any situation, first responders must ensure the scene is safe for both the patient and the rescuer. The last thing that the rescuer wants to do is to become a patient. An injured rescuer cannot help a patient.
When arriving at the emergency scene, responders should look for the following:
After the responder rules out potential harm in the area when attending to a patient, they can safely approach the person to give first aid, removing the patient from any potential source of harm.
Rescuers remove patients from potential sources of harm
Rescuers should always protect themselves before attempting to rescue a person in need of medical assistance. The first responder must be aware of possible exposure to infectious organisms. When these infectious organisms are present in a person’s blood, they are known as bloodborne pathogens.
These pathogens can be transmitted to another person through open wounds and mucous membranes from needle sticks or other sharp objects and human bites. Common hazardous bloodborne pathogens include HIV and hepatitis B and C viruses. The practice of universal precautions states the first responder must assume that ALL PEOPLE MAY CARRY BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS.
Rescuers assume all patients have bloodborne pathogens.
Standard precautions are protocols that the responder must follow to protect themselves from harmful exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Our Bloodborne pathogens course gives more information and detail on this topic.
The first aid responder should use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves when treating a patient. When gloves are not available, the responder can improvise, using a plastic bag to cover their hands.
Other techniques included in the standard precautions protocol are as follows: