When providing first aid, keeping yourself and others safe from infection is just as important as treating injuries. Whether you're dealing with minor wounds or medical emergencies, infection control is a non-negotiable part of first aid best practice.
In this article, we explore how to reduce the risk of contamination and exposure, highlight key infection control procedures in first aid, and show how Australian Pacific Training Solutions can help you stay protected with nationally recognised training.
Why Infection Control Matters in First Aid
Every first aid situation carries some level of risk when it comes to exposure to infectious materials — from blood and bodily fluids to contaminated surfaces or airborne particles.
Without proper infection control measures, responders may:
- Become infected themselves
- Pass on infections to others
- Compromise the recovery of the casualty
Infection control is about prevention. When you apply standard precautions, you reduce the risk for everyone involved.
Standard Infection Control Precautions for First Aid
Standard precautions are infection control strategies applied in all first aid cases, regardless of whether a person appears unwell. These steps are designed to minimise the risk of infection from airborne, droplet, and contact transmission.
🔹 Key Infection Control Practices:
| Precaution | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Hand hygiene | Wash hands before and after first aid using soap or alcohol-based gel |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) | Gloves, CPR masks, eye protection, and aprons prevent contact with fluids |
| Safe disposal of waste | Bandages, gloves, and contaminated materials must go in clinical waste bins |
| Disinfect surfaces | Clean any area where spills (e.g., blood or vomit) have occurred |
| Avoid food and personal item sharing | Prevents indirect transmission of viruses and bacteria |
| Immunisation | Stay up to date with vaccines to reduce disease susceptibility |
High-Risk Hazards in First Aid
Knowing the sources of potential infection helps you apply the correct protective measures.
🛑 Hazards:
- Airborne transmission (e.g. sneezing, coughing)
- Direct contact with blood, vomit, urine, or other body fluids
- Contaminated items like tissues, gloves, or dressings
🩺 Risks:
- Infection from bacteria or viruses (e.g., Hepatitis B, HIV, gastro)
- Passing infection to others (especially vulnerable individuals)
