Chapter 3Before Giving Care

Updated 8/2012

Disease Transmission

The disease process begins when a pathogen enters the body.

PATHOGEN can either be --Virus-Bacteria

Disease Transmission

Bacteria:-Do not depend on organisms for life-Can live outside the body-Can be treated with antibiotics

Examples:-Tetanus-Bacterial Meningitis

Disease Transmission

Virus:Depend on other organisms to live and reproduce.

Some viruses like the flu virus can live for a few days to a week outside the body, where as HIV only lives a few seconds outside the body.Examples:

-Common Cold-Flu-HIV

Direct Contact vs Indirect Contact

Direct Contact Transmission:-Occurs when the infected blood or body fluids from one

person enter another person’s body at the vulnerable entry site.

Indirect Contact Transmission:-Can occur when a person touches an object that

contains the blood or body fluid of an infected person.

How Bloodborne Pathogens Spread

All Four of the following conditions must be met:

– A pathogen is present

– There is sufficient quantity of the pathogen present

– It must pass through the correct entry site

– A person must be susceptible to the pathogen

Standard Precautions

Personal Hygiene

Personal Protective Equipment

What to do if exposed..

-Clean the contaminated area thoroughly with soap and water.

-If blood or other infectious material is in the mouth or nose flush with splashes of water.

-If the eyes are involved, flush with clean water or saline for 20 minutes.

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

Before giving care, you must gain CONSENT (permission) to give care.

To gain consent you must:-Identify yourself to the person-Give your level of training-Ask for permission-Explain what you are observing-Explain the care you are going to give

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

IMPLIED CONSENT-

If a person is unconscious, confused, mentally impaired, and/or unable to give consent, the law assumes that if the person could respond he or she would agree.

Consent is also implied for a minor if a parent or guardian is not present or immediately available.

Good Samaritan Laws / Abandonment

Good Samaritan laws protect individuals who give care and act as a reasonable and prudent person.

Reasonable and prudent would include:Moving a person only if his/her life was in danger.Ask a conscious victim for consent before giving care.Check for life-threatening emergencies before giving care.Call 9-1-1Continue care until medical help arrives

Good Samaritan Laws / Abandonment

Once you begin care, you are legally responsible to continue care until a person with equal or higher training takes over for you.

OR

Until you are too exhausted to continue.

If you stop giving care, even if it’s to get medical supplies, you could be held legally responsible for the ABANDONMENT of the person in need.

Moving a Victim

When you are forced to move a victim from the scene because danger is present, consider the following limitations:• Size of the person• Distance to move the person• Your physical ability• Can bystanders help• The person’s condition• Equipment to facilitate moving the victim

Moving a Victim – Emergency Moves Walking Assist: Clothes Drag:

Pack Strap Carry: Blanket Drag:

Two Person Seat Carry Ankle Drag: