Hand Cleaners
The best way to prevent the spread of disease is to wash hands with soap and warm water after every contact with a medical victim. Unfortunately, soap and water are not always available. Make sure your medical supplies include a form of waterless hand cleaner.Gloves
Exam gloves come in three common types: latex, nitrile, and vinyl. Many people develop allergies to the protein found in latex. Nitrile and vinyl are much more hypoallergenic. Find out more about exam gloves.CPR Masks
Many lay rescuers do not want to perform the rescue breathing part of CPR because of the close contact required with the victim. The best way to avoid that squeamish feeling is to be prepared. CPR masks provide an important barrier between rescuer and victim.Face Masks
Blood or other potentially infectious material sprayed or splashed in the face of a rescuer can enter the mouth or nose and spread an infection. Use a face mask whenever blood or other body fluids may become airborn.Eye Protection
Protect your eyes from injury as well as infection by obtaining the correct type of eye protection. Rescuers can choose from combination mask and eye protection that does not provide protection from injury, or they can choose more robust protection. Pick the correct eye protection for you.Sharps Container
Contaminated sharps must be deposited into a puncture-proof container. These containers protect sanitation workers from injury as well as other rescuers.Gowns
Full-body gowns are not used very often outside of the hospital. There is no good reason for this, it is just common practice across the country. Put the correct gown in your first aid kit and avoid the need to dispose of your favorite shirt or blouse.
Bio-Hazardous Waste
Contaminated waste should be placed into a red, bio-hazardous waste container to distinguish it from regular garbage. When working with an ambulance, it is common for the ambulance crew to allow lay rescuers to dispose of their contaminated items in the ambulance's bio-hazard container.
