Chapter 3
Before 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 CONSENTIf 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 9-1-1
Continue 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: