Even Lay Rescuers Should Follow Universal Precautions

Hepatitis - HIV - tuberculosis - meningitis.

These are all diseases that make folks shudder. All of these have gotten their fair share of press coverage in the past. Lately, it's been West Nile and bird flu in the news.

All of these conditions have increased awareness of contagious diseases. There are plenty more diseases lurking out there. Ebola, malaria, and hantavirus all come to mind. Rescuers find themselves dealing with contagious diseases all the time.

To protect ourselves from diseases that are transmitted relatively easily, like hepatitis-B virus, we follow certain pracices every time we come in contact with a medical emergency victim. We call these practices universal precautions.

The basic premise of universal precautions is that every victim is treated as infected. That's why doctors and dentists are all wearing gloves and eye protection these days, otherwise known as personal protective equipment.

Treating all victims as potentially infectious doesn't mean we don't take care of them. It simply means we are careful and don't take chances.

1. Wash your hands*
2. Wear gloves*
3. Wear eye protection*
4. Wear a face mask
5. Wear a gown
6. Properly dispose of sharps*
7. Properly dispose of waste*

*No matter what, always do these things.