Keeping yourself protected is the priority of any first aider. After assessing for danger, the first thing a first aider should do when approaching a casualty is to put on their impermeable or surgical gloves.
This is because one of the key dangers to a first aider is bodily fluids. Blood, vomit, urine, and faeces all pose a risk of cross contamination. Body fluids and faeces can carry infections and diseases, including, but not limited to, HIV and hepatitis. Gloves offer protection not only from these but also from any dermatological infections or parasites that the casualty may have. Gloves are not always sterile but they are a very effective barrier protecting you and your casualty.
You are viewing: How To Client Aides Purchase Gloves
Gloves protect your key contact point with the casualty (your hands) and allow you to work in increased safety and confidence.
What type of gloves are available?
Nitrile – These gloves can come in many colours, most often blue but are also available in purple, pink, white or black. They are completely impermeable to bodily fluids and faeces. These are the gloves most recommended for use during casualty contact. This material is also rated for dealing with chemical spills.
Vinyl – Vinyl gloves are found in some kits; they should not be used for contact with body fluids or faeces. They should primarily be used for touching victims who do not have external body fluids or faeces due to the glove’s high break rate. For this reason, some organisations recommend that they not be kept in first aid kits due to the risk of confusion.
Latex – Usually white gloves, often treated with powder to make them easier to get on and off. These are not used as widely as they have been linked to a prevalence of allergic reactions. Although Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) is a natural product, the proteins in them can cause a reaction in some people. Latex allergies are rarely life-threatening but they may trigger asthma and cause dermatitis. More serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are also possible. These reactions may be in the first aider or the casualty.
Read more : How Do You Clean Ugg Gloves
For these reasons, nitrile gloves are recommended for first aid use. You never know if the casualty – or you! – may have a reaction to latex so it’s best to use nitrile in a first aid context.
Who is most at risk from latex allergies?
- Patients undergoing multiple surgical procedures. Some studies have reported that up to 65% of Spina Bifida children are sensitised to NRL
Individuals exposed to latex gloves on a regular basis in occupations where single-use gloves are frequently used. For example, workers in the car mechanics, carers, catering, hairdressing, vets, agricultural staff and electronics trades; People with a history of certain food allergies, such as banana, avocado, kiwi and chestnut Individuals with general allergy issues 1-6 per cent of the general population is thought to be potentially sensitised to latex (NRL) although not all sensitised individuals develop symptoms.
What else should you consider?
Size is important. Gloves that are too small for you are awkward and may break. Gloves that too big are cumbersome to useand make finer work difficult. Have a look at this handy glove size guide on the HSE website – Glove size measurement
Colour is not important unless you want to colour code the gloves in your first aid kit at work. It’s good to have a range of sizes for everyone doing first aid. Why not have different colours for different sizes making it easier to quickly get those gloves on in the event of an incident?
Number of pairs of gloves is important. They are often the item that is quickly grabbed for other work or not replaced after an incident. It’s good practice to check your first aid kits regularly and make sure you have plenty of gloves.
First Aid kits should all contain gloves – read more about what else should be in your kit in our detailed First Aid Kits blog.
Read more : How To Make A Scale Mail Opera Glove
If you have no gloves available common improvisations include plastic bags, dog poo bags, dishwashing gloves, leather work gloves. Make sure these are clean and always wash your hands with soap and water especially well after using these.
How do you remove gloves safely?
After protecting yourself by using gloves, you don’t want to contaminate yourself during their removal. Have an appropriate bag or bin handy before you start to remove them. Follow the ‘How to remove gloves safely’ guidance in this HSE poster – download it for your first aid room or kit!
Safe Disposal – Gloves, bandages and any other material used in first aid should be disposed of according to your organisation or local authority policies. This might mean using a yellow bio-hazard bag like this one below. You can also dispose of gloves etc in general waste, provided any waste material is double-bagged.
Gloves in the workplace – guidance from the HSE.
Employers should carefully consider the risks when selecting gloves in the workplace, because of the importance of latex gloves as a source of allergic reactions. When considering glove use in the workplace (latex or otherwise), HSE’s glove selection guidance should be followed. this guidance covers medical as well as chemicals, oils and other risks in the workplace.
Get confident – get some first aid training
We use and discuss gloves in all of our First Aid courses. Our systematic approach to teaching first aid helps your learning and understanding of many illnesses and injuries. Practicing first aid techniques reinforces your learning too. Find our more about our full range of First Aid Courses here.
Every client on our courses receives a FREE Digital First Aid Manual relevant to the course they come on. You can also view and buy our manuals in our online shop. In addition, we have our own YouTube channel with over 40 practical first aid videos.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: HOW
