SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Infection can enter the body through wounds that are in contact with dirt from the field of play or someone else’s blood or other bodily fluids e.g. coughing or sneezing into the wound.

Infection control is the prevention of the invasion and growth of harmful bacteria in the tissues of the body
In order to prevent the spread of infection, it is very important that the FIRST AIDER considers the following important points :
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Have a high standard of personal hygiene:

1. Wash hands thoroughly before and after treating each individual player with soap and water.
2. If the First AIDER has a cough  , sneeze or blow their nose use a tissue or paper towel and then wash hand afterwards.
3. Try and wear clean clothes/uniform germs can be present on soiled clothing.
4. Protect oneself by covering all cuts laceration or abrasions on one body with waterproof dressing e.g. plasters.
5. Keep finger nails short , clean and free of nail varnish.
6. Avoid wearing sharp jewellery e.g.  rings especially when dealing with the player since they are a perfect environment for bacteria to live and multiply.
7. Such jewellery might scratch the player and cause the player to have an open wound that is then at risk of getting an infection.
8. Wear protective gloves ideally disposable when administering first aid treatment to players and change gloves between every player.
9. Ensure that all equipment is single use especially bandages , gloves dressings, swabs and pocket masks.
10. Dispose of soiled dressings appropriately so that bacteria do not multiply inside the dressings and infect someone else who may come into contact with them.
11. Seal them in plastic bag container and enquire how medical waste is dispose in our community.
12. Seek advice from doctor about protecting yourself against common infectious and community diseases such as vaccinating yourself against diseases like HEPATITIS  Tetanus and TUBERCULOSIS that may be found in your community.

IMPORTANT OF WASHING YOUR HANDS
Wash your hand before and after any contact with injured players after removing protective gloves or after touching any soiled dressings with bare hands.

As a general rule use soap and water when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated blood /body fluids
It is preferable to remove rings and watches when washing hands to ensure no area of the hands are missed
If you have treated without gloves  it is important to also wash jewellery with soap and water

​Try not to use communal hand towels because they can be a source of cross infection
Use hand cream to keep your skin in good condition
Skin integrity is an important barrier to cross infection
 
Thanks
Babes Govender
SAFA SASCOC ACCREDITED COACH