First Aid and Infection Control

The risk of infection from Blood Bourne viruses while carrying out your duties as a First Aider is small. There have been no recorded cases of HIV or HBV being passed on during mouth to mouth resuscitation.

The following precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of infection: 

• Cover any cuts or grazes on your skin with a waterproof dressing
• Wear suitable disposable gloves when dealing with blood or any other bodily fluids
• Use suitable eye protection and a disposable plastic apron if being splashed is a possibility
• Use devices such as face shields when providing mouth to mouth resuscitation, but only if you have been trained to use them
• Always wash your hands after each procedure
• And use hand gel when washing is not possible.

It is not normally necessary for first aiders in the workplace to be immunised against HBV unless the risk assessment indicates it is appropriate.   As a first aider, it is important to remember that you should not withhold treatment for fear of being infected with a Blood Bourne virus as taking the standard precautions will protect you.