As a security guard, emergency services officer or first aid officer, you will encounter pre-hospital environments where cross-infection is a high risk. Fortunately there are some simple procedures that everyone should adhere to in order to minimise the chance of this occurring.

 

Firstly, what is a communicable disease?

A communicable or contagious disease is any type of disease that can be transmitted between humans or animals. This type of spread commonly occurs through airborne viruses and bacteria, however it can also happen via blood and other bodily fluids.

Some examples of communicable diseases include Whooping Cough, cold sores, Hepatitis, Influenza, Chicken Pox and Cholera.

 

Precautions to take to avoid the transfer of such diseases include the following:

  • Wearing protective goggles, gloves and face shields
  • Covering any abrasions or wounds you have with a waterproof dressing
  • Washing any areas that come into contact with the victim’s bodily fluids immediately with soap and water or antiseptic solutions
  • Assessing the area of treatment carefully before proceeding (your safety must come first). Place any needles in a sharps container

Should your eyes or mouth get splashed with blood or other bodily fluids of the victim, rinse copiously with warm water. Report this incident as you may need to take a blood test to ensure you have not contracted anything.

 

Diamond Protection Pty Ltd (Diamond) is a leading provider of security, emergency and training services. Established in 1995, this Australian owned and operated company is committed to leading the way – to be the standard of excellence. Diamond operates an internationally certified Integrated Management System (IMS) incorporating ISO accreditation for Quality (ISO 9001:2008), Occupational Health & Safety (AS/NZS 4801 & OHSAS18001:2007) and Environmental Management (ISO 14001:2004) Systems. The company has placed significant importance in continual improvement and commitment to the community and environment.

Diamond works closely with clients throughout Australia and beyond to provide security audits, security guards / officers, patrols, risk management, emergency service officers, safety officers, life support and nationally recognised training courses in partnership with Australian government and private Registered Training Organisations.

Visit our website at www.diamondprotection.com, call our team on 1300 669 155 or email: info@diamondprotection.com to outline your specific requirements.