If a contamination risk exist and you need to provide first aid to a victim?

Answer 1

You need to make a determination about whether the physical environment is safe for the first aid team (yourself) versus the need to provide immediate aid. You also need to consider whether moving the victim out of the danger area is possible and warranted. There is no simple formulaic answer.

If the victim is the source of the contamination, then first aid must wait until adequate precautions are taken to protect yourself and the others in the first aid team.

Common practice requires the rescuer/first responder to take their own health into account before that of the victim. If you can't make the rescue safely -- don't. Work the problem until a safe rescue is possible.

Answer 2

We professionals call this Body Substance Isolation (now refered to as Standard Precautions)

These include at a minimum exam gloves (latex or nitrile) and a pair of safety glasses. If vomiting then a surgical mask and if TB is suspected a HEPA mask. Gowns may also be used if a lot of blood or fluids are present.

Don't ever treat someone unless you are protected.

Answer 3

Best to use latex gloves. If artificial respiration is needed, you should use a rubber mouth piece specially designed to allow mouth-to-mouth with no physical contact. These items can be gotten from St. John's Ambulance or most other safety supply companies.

Answer 4

be sure the victim has been decontaminated

Answer 5

depends on what kind of contamination, however in most cases the answer will be no, Personal Life Safety is #1