Minimizing Infection Risk When Providing First Aid: Best Practices & Precautions

Learning first aid is something everyone should know. It’s a skill that can save lives when accidents or emergencies happen. Research shows that giving first aid right away can double or even triple someone’s chances of survival if they have a heart attack or similar emergency. If you know what to do, you can provide quick help and keep things from getting worse until professionals arrive. But if you don’t know, precious time may be lost, which could make the situation more serious or even fatal.

That said, helping others isn’t the only focus when it comes to first aid—you also need to think about your own safety. Helping someone in need can sometimes expose you to risks, like infections or injuries. This is why learning how to stay safe while giving first aid is just as important as learning the actual skills. Having a safety guide ensures that you can protect yourself while helping others.

Staying Safe While Giving First Aid

When you’re helping someone in an emergency, it’s easy to forget about your own safety. But keeping yourself safe is just as important as helping others. Sometimes giving first aid means you might touch blood, spit, or vomit, which could expose you to infections if you’re not careful.

Can You Get an Infection While Helping?

The risk of catching an infection while giving first aid is generally low, but it’s not zero. Germs like bacteria and viruses can get into your body through cuts, your eyes, mouth, or even by breathing them in. For example, if you touch someone’s blood and you have a small cut on your hand, there’s a slim chance you could pick something up.

Common Infections You Could Catch

1. Hepatitis B and C

These viruses are spread through blood. If you touch infected blood with bare hands, especially if you have an open cut, you could get infected.

2. HIV

HIV is also passed through blood. While the risk is much lower than with hepatitis, it’s still possible if blood gets into an open wound or splashes into your eyes or mouth.

3. TB (Tuberculosis)

If the person you’re helping has TB, you could breathe in droplets from their cough, especially if you’re very close while assisting them.

4. Respiratory Illnesses (like the Flu or COVID-19)

These spread through droplets when someone sneezes or coughs. If you don’t protect your face, you could accidentally breathe them in or touch your face after contact.

5. Skin Infections (like MRSA)

These can spread if you touch infected skin or a dirty surface during first aid, especially without wearing gloves.

Ways to Lower the Risk of Infection While Giving First Aid

Although catching an infection while giving first aid is rare, it’s still smart to protect yourself. By following some simple steps, you can lower the risk for yourself and others. Here’s how you can stay safe:

1. Wear Gloves

Gloves protect your hands from touching blood, spit, or other body fluids. For instance, if someone is bleeding, gloves create a barrier so germs don’t reach your skin. Keep disposable gloves in your first aid kit. To take them off safely, peel them off inside out, throw them in a sealed bag, and wash your hands afterward.

2. Use a Face Mask or Shield

Masks stop germs that travel through coughs or sneezes. During CPR, a mask with a one-way valve lets you give rescue breaths without direct mouth-to-mouth contact. This makes it safer for both you and the person you’re helping.

3. Protect Your Eyes

When dealing with cuts or injuries where blood might spray, wear safety goggles. For example, if you’re cleaning a large cut, goggles keep any splashes from getting into your eyes, which could lead to infection.

4. Wash Your Hands Well

Hands are an easy way for germs to spread, so wash them after giving first aid. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have soap, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol until you can wash properly.

5. Don’t Touch Your Face

It’s hard, but try not to touch your face while helping someone. Germs on your hands can get into your body through your mouth, nose, or eyes. If you feel sweaty or itchy, use a clean tissue or cloth instead of your hand.

6. Throw Away Used Items Safely

Put any used gloves, bandages, or tissues into a plastic bag and seal it. For example, if you’ve used gauze to stop bleeding, throw it out right away to keep others from touching it. Dispose of it properly to avoid spreading germs.

7. Use Clean Tools

If you’re using scissors, tweezers, or other tools, clean them before and after each use. For example, if you’re removing a splinter, wipe the tweezers with disinfectant both before and after using them. This helps stop germs from spreading.

8. Cover Your Own Wounds

If you’ve got cuts on your hands, cover them with waterproof bandages before helping. This stops germs from getting into your body while you’re treating someone else.

9. Stay Vaccinated

Vaccines offer extra protection. For instance, a hepatitis B shot can guard you if you come into contact with blood. Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations also reduce the chance of catching illnesses from sick people.

Stay Safe While Helping Others

The chances of getting an infection when giving first aid are very low, but it’s still smart to take precautions. By protecting yourself, you can stay healthy and keep helping others. Simple actions like wearing gloves, using a mask, and washing your hands can make a big difference in keeping you and the person you’re helping safe.

Helping someone in an emergency is a kind and important thing to do. By being careful and prepared, you can save lives while also protecting yourself. Safety and helping others go hand in hand, so take the steps you need to feel confident and ready. It’s always worth it to stay safe while making a positive impact.