Infection control, Review Incident,

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Seek feedback from appropriate clinical expert/s. In a casualty or critical incident situation, the appropriate clinical expert could be an ambulance officer, paramedic or healthcare worker.

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Recording and Reporting

A first aider should always make notes or fill out a first aid report on all events of an incident no matter how minor the incident or first aid provided. This will help them to remember the incident at a future time if required. If you are a first aider in a workplace your reporting obligations are greater under your State or Territories Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Any notes or reports can be used in a court of law. Ensure all documentation is accurate and factual, based on observations and not opinion. This information MUST remain private but can be provided to others if consent is provided by the person injured. General guidelines for first aiders completing a report for a first aid incident include:

• The use of ink and not pencil.
• Amend any errors by drawing a single line through the error and initialling.
• Never use correction fluid/tape to correct mistakes.
• Include date and time of incident.
• Brief personal details – name, address, date of birth.
• History of illness or injury.
• Observations – signs, symptoms, vital signs.
• All notes should be legible.

NOTE – Following the management of a workplace incident you must report the details to your workplace supervisor.

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Following the management of a workplace incident you must report the details to your workplace supervisor.

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Being involved in a first aid situation can be stressful for many people. After an emergency, you should take part in any debriefing sessions or stress management support offered by your organisation.
In your role as a first aider, it is reasonable to ask yourself ‘Did I do a good job?’
If you are involved in first aid management it is a good idea to think about ways you can ‘de-stress’ so that the accident or incident doesn’t have a lasting and detrimental impact upon you

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Infection Control for First Aid

An infection is the entry and multiplication of an infectious agent in the tissues of the body. An infection may be due to bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi and may be spread through cross-infection between a casualty and a first aider. To limit exposure to infectious agents first aiders must take precautions to avoid body fluids and other contaminants. To minimise the risk of infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after assisting a casualty.
• Use protective barriers including disposable gloves, masks, CPR face shields and goggles.
• Change gloves before assisting another casualty.
• Ensure assistance is given in a clean and hygienic environment.
• Cover any open wounds you may have with a clean, waterproof, lint free dressing.
• Clean re-usable equipment hygienically after any use.
• Dispose of used gloves and other contaminated waste correctly. Place in a plastic bag, which is then placed inside another plastic bag and securely closed. DO NOT dispose of in a normal rubbish bin. Seek advice from your local Health Department on disposal options.
• Wash off any body fluids immediately with warm soapy water.
• Avoid coughing, breathing or speaking over wounds.

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The required contents of a first aid kit will be determined by many factors including the environment in which the kit is to be used, the number of people the kit is needed for and whether the environment has a low, moderate or high risk of injury. For example, a workplace with heavy earth moving equipment will require different first aid supplies than a household first aid kit.

Disposable gloves (medium and large), preferably made of non-latex material

• Chemical liquids or powders are handled in open containers

Resuscitation mask or face shield.

• There is a possibility of flying particles causing eye injuries

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A workplace incident reporting form will assist with maintaining a safe workplace and identify risks involved within the workplace and ensure we maintain a safe work environment and manage risks in our workplace.

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First aid kits should be stored in a cool, clean and dry location out of reach of children that is readily accessible in an emergency. All first aid kits should be checked regularly to ensure all items are present and in good working order and expiry dates are current.

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Following a first aid incident you should seek additional support through your workplace, General Practitioner or counsellor if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

• Anxiety, fear, depression.
• Difficulty sleeping
• Agitation, irritability

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Debriefing the situation with a supervisor or clinical expert.

Write down what happened and your feelings about it.

Getting enough rest.

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Psychological Impact on First Aiders

Stress Management

Being involved in a first aid situation can be stressful for many people. After an emergency you should take part in any debriefing sessions or stress management support offered by your organisation.

Sometimes an event can be so traumatic or overwhelming that first aiders may experience significant stress. This may occur immediately after the incident, a few hours or days later, in some instances weeks or months may pass before stress reactions appear.

It is important that you can recognise the symptoms of stress and know when to seek assistance. You can find out about professional counselling and debriefing services through your workplace supervisor, your local doctor or community health centre.

Guidelines for Coping with Incident Stress

If you are involved in first aid management it is a good idea to think about ways you can ‘de-stress’ so that the accident or incident doesn’t have a lasting and detrimental impact upon you. De-stressing strategies can include:

• Debriefing the situation with a supervisor or clinical expert.
• Writing down what happened and your feelings about it.
• Talking with a friend or colleague about how it felt to be involved.
• Getting enough rest.
• Physical exercise and activity.
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs.

Incident stress may require professional help to prevent post-traumatic stress from developing.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a set of mental health reactions that can develop in people who have experienced or witnessed an event that threatens their life or safety, or that of others around them.