We have set out some advice for Key Workers who are acting as a nominated First Aider for their business during the current outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

These are supplementary to the existing guidelines for dealing with First Aid in the workplace. All other precautions for reducing the risk of infection should be maintained at all times.

Hygiene and personal protection

Hygiene and personal protection should be of the utmost priority when treating someone. Ideally hands should be washed first, gloves, aprons and masks should be worn before any first aid is carried out.

First Aid & CPR

If you suspect someone is not breathing do not place your head down to their face anymore to check, squeeze shoulders as normal and check for the chest rising and falling. If there is none, then dial 999 immediately and tell them that your casualty is not breathing and they could potentially have coronavirus (if they have been showing any symptoms). Then start hands only CPR, no rescue breaths should be given.

After any first aid has been carried please ensure all waste is disposed of in a biohazard bag and not in a normal bin. Wash hands thoroughly and sanitise everything that has been touched. 

Trionic wipes are great for this as these provide broad spectrum, fast acting antimicrobial technology that penetrates and lifts soiling from the surface, de-activating viruses, bacteria and micro-organisms.

These should also be used daily to sanitise any surfaces, door handles, etc.

Resources

Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Guidance during COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic

How to protect yourself against COVID-19

How to wash your hands | NHS

Trionic Wipes

If you require further advice & support please contact Amalgamate on t: +44 (0)141 244 0181 or email: info@amalgamate-safety.com