Carnegie Mellon

Self Care / First Aid

Universal Precautions

Universal precautions should be used to protect yourself from exposure to disease spread by exposure to blood and other bodily fluids.

• Wear latex gloves when helping a victim that is bleeding. If gloves are not available, do not touch the blood, blood tinged saliva or vomit of a victim with bare hands.
• Use clean dressings or cloths to apply pressure to a bleeding wound. Many layers may be necessary for your protection.
• When latex gloves are removed, always wash hands or other skin surfaces that may be contaminated with soap and water. Do not wash or reuse latex gloves. Remove and dispose of them in proper containers in the residence halls and work areas.
• Do not eat, drink or touch your mouth, nose or eyes when giving first aid.
• Do not touch any object that may be soiled with blood.
• Be prepared by having a first aid kit handy.

Good Samaritan Act

Any person, acting in good faith who renders emergency care or treatment, outside of a medical facility, without objection from the person needing aid, shall not be held liable for any civil damages as the result of such care or treatment or as a result of any act or failure to act in providing or arranging further medical treatment as long as the person acts as an ordinary reasonably prudent person would have acted under the same or similar circumstances. (Similar acts are present in every state and Canada)

What to Do in an Emergency?

1. Recognize that an emergency exists. Emergencies are often signaled by something unusual that catches your attention. If in doubt, please call for help
2. Decide to act - stay calm and do not to panic.
3. Call for help. (Campus police x8-2323 and 911)
4. Provide care until help arrives.

For information on basic first aid care and self care, please refer to the first aid / self care index.