As a lifesaver, you are trained to provide resuscitation and first aid, and you must take all the appropriate precautions against communicable and infectious diseases. This is to prevent the spread of hazardous microorganisms between lifesavers and victims as well as between other SLS members.
Many communicable and infectious diseases are preventable through immunisation and can be managed by taking both universal and transmission-based precautions. Examples of precautions include:
- the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as single-use resuscitation masks, eyewear, clothing and gloves
- washing your hands with warm soapy water or hand sanitiser after contact with a victim or body fluids
- safe use of sharps containers to dispose of used needles and syringes
- cough etiquette—cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- management of waste contaminated with body fluid
- immunisation against infectious diseases, e.g., hepatitis and tetanus.