Why is hygiene important in First Aid?

Hygiene plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. We don’t think twice when we eat, touch objects, and do other activities. Most of the time, we get too lazy and don’t even wash our hands properly. What if I tell you that there are typically between 10,000 and 10 million bacteria on each of your hands! Eww…. that’s disgusting. But what if I also told you that it only takes 20 seconds to get rid of most harmful bacteria?

I know you’re probably thinking, “I already know how to wash my hands!” Take this: A USDA study found that up to 97% of people don't wash their hands correctly. Are you still so sure you know how to wash your hands the right way? Don’t worry--I can help you remember with 5 simple steps!

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Now, this is the important part. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

See, that was so simple! But the process is not done yet. Along with personal hygiene, following air hygiene and sanitary procedures are key factors to help stop the spread of diseases.

Air hygiene is having proper ventilation in the indoor environment to clear the area of harmful pollutants. The frequent cleaning of your workspace and lying area is also important to lower the transmission of bacteria. When have you last cleaned your room? If the answer wasn’t recent, make sure to wipe and sanitize all of your living spaces. By following these simple hygiene rules, we can prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

The most common bacterial diseases are diarrhea and food poisoning. If you've ever gotten food poisoning, you know that it is not a pleasant experience. By practicing good hygiene, we can create a safer environment for us and our peers.

You might be wondering, "how does all this have anything to do with First Aid?" In First Aid, it is extremely important to have good hygiene. It helps prevent infections transmitted through injuries from person to person.

Here are some hygiene reminders if you ever find yourself in a medical emergency situation:

• Avoid contact with bodily fluids

• Avoid coughing or breathing over the wound

• Use clean materials

  • Ex: to cover a burn, use a clean cloth to present infection

If you ever find yourself in a position to assist someone; whether it’s putting a Band-Aid on a scratch or performing CPR, make sure to be aware of your surroundings. These basic precautions can help save a life and protect yours.

For more healthcare tips in the case of an emergency, please look through our website or do your own research. It's always good to be prepared for these kinds of situations. As of for now, the least you can do is protect yourself from infections by practicing good hygiene. Stay curious, and wash your hands!

SOURCES CITED:

Dr. Jasmine Shaikh. “Why is personal hygiene important?” MedicineNet. March 11 2021, https://www.medicinenet.com/why_is_personal_hygiene_important_8_types/article.htm

“Keeping hands clean” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 15 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/hands.html

“First aid hygiene” First Aid Hygiene - Royal Life Saving WA.

“Royalty-Free Photo: Hand with Soap | PickPik.” Www.pickpik.com, www.pickpik.com/hands-soap-bubbles-hygiene-wash-washing-92638. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

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Written By: Rakshitha Muththukumar