Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Training - Health and Safety

Personal Protective Equipment Is Unnecessary When Providing First Aid

4 Reasons Why Personal Protective Equipment Is Unnecessary When Providing First Aid

First aid is an essential process of caring for an injured or ill person, and, as such, it's important that it is done correctly. The basics of providing first aid are relatively straightforward; however, it is important to remember that it is not always necessary to use personal protective equipment (PPE). In some cases, PPE may be beneficial, but it is not always necessary for the provision of effective first aid.

Let’s take a look at four reasons why using PPE when providing first aid is often unnecessary:

1. PPE Can Make Providing First Aid Difficult and Uncomfortable

When providing first aid, it’s important that the injured person is as safe as possible, and that aid is provided quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately, using PPE can make this difficult. In certain cases, PPE material can be unwieldy and uncomfortable, making it difficult to move freely and providing adequate aid with the material. Additionally, some materials may be difficult to clean, further reducing the effectiveness of the aid.

PPE can also impede communication with the injured person, which is an essential aspect of providing first aid. It can be hard to accurately understand the situation if your face is completely covered or obstructed. Similarly, if the injured person cannot hear or understand you clearly, they may be reluctant to take the advice you offer.

2. Certain PPE Items May Not Be Suitable for Certain Situations

In some cases, particular types of PPE may not be suitable for the type of aid required. For example, gloves may be unsuitable for situations where the injured person requires additional support. Similarly, face masks may not be suitable for an injured person who is having difficulty breathing.

When using PPE, it’s important to remember to assess and update the items being used accordingly. This may require additional time and resources and, in certain cases, may not be appropriate. It’s important to weigh up the risks versus the benefits and decide if using PPE is worth the effort.

3. PPE Can Create New Risks

In some cases, particularly in open environments, PPE can create new risks. In certain cases, the use of some materials, such as gloves, may create additional hazards, such as cross-contamination. It’s important to consider all possible risks before using PPE, and to provide the proper training for those using it.

Additionally, PPE can be uncomfortable, particularly for the injured person. For instance, a face mask or hood may constrict the injured person’s breathing, creating new risks. It’s important to remain vigilant when providing first aid and to assess the risks before using PPE.

4. PPE Is Often Unnecessary

Ultimately, in many situations, PPE is not necessary for the effective provision of first aid. Generally, assessing the situation and providing aid without PPE is sufficient, and may be safer and more comfortable for the injured person. When assessing the situation, you should consider how it can be resolved without the use of PPE, and if it is deemed necessary, assess the risks versus the benefits.

It’s important to remember that personal protective equipment is not always necessary when providing first aid. By assessing the risks and evaluating your options, you can help ensure that the injured person receives the best possible care.