Blood Spillage Policy
Blood spillage policy guidelines
For
Elphin, Roscommon and ballymoe
Karate clubs
In event of query please contact
Patricia Duarte.
How infection is spread through sport:
People can be exposed to infection through participation in sport in a variety of ways.
Through blood to blood contact via broken skin and open wounds. Giving cause for concern for serious blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
Through contact with a person’s broken skin, mouth, eyes and other mucous membranes with another person’s infected body fluids.
Through exposure of the skin to another person’s infected skin or body fluids. This may be via direct body to body contact or indirectly through the use of shared equipment. E.g. wrestling mats, clothing, and shower floors.
Through ingestion of contaminated food and drinks.
Through breathing in airborne droplets of saliva or sputum when an infectious person coughs or sneezes or spits.
Blood rules in action:
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Any participant who is bleeding or has blood on their clothing must immediately leave the dojo training area.
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They must seek medical attention immediately.
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The bleeding must be stopped completely before rejoining training etc.
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The wound must be dressed properly if appropriate.
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If bleed reoccurs then participant must again leave the floor and seek medical attention.
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If bleed cannot be stopped or wound dressed appropriately then participant will not be permitted to rejoin.
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Training or competition must be stopped immediately for all concerned until area has been cleaned thoroughly.
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It is the responsibility of each member and instructor to maintain strict personal hygiene by covering any cuts or abrasion with impermeable waterproof dressings.
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Open cuts or abrasions occurring during training or competition must be reported and treated immediately.
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Members and instructors should avoid unnecessary contact with the blood of any other member.
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Any blood stained clothing should be changed and replaced.
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Any member or instructor with a history of evidence of infectious disease should discuss the potential hazards of participation in sport with a doctor.
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Chronic carriers of blood borne diseases should also seek medical clearance and advice.
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This does not mean they will be excluded from participating in contact sports.
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Members and instructors are strongly advised to obtain immunisation against hepatitis B infection.
Sports first aid practise:
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All instructors should ensure the following:
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All individuals holding a current first aid certificate is present at training and competitions.
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A completed first aid kit is always available including a supply of gloves.
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Protective eye wear and mouth to mouth devices should be available.
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Make sure a mobile phone is always at training or competition in order to contact emergency services.
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Anyone treating bleeding persons must wear disposable latex gloves.
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Gloves should offer two way protection for the person being treated and the person treating the injured.
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Use a new set of gloves to treat each person, and dispose immediately after use.
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Wash hands with soap and water as soon as possible after gloves are removed.
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Hepatitis B can live in water, so fresh water should be used to clean the wound of each injured person.
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In an emergency a towel can be used to cover a wound until the injured person is moved to a location where gloves are available.
Training area:
Training or competition areas where blood has been spilt should be washed until all visible blood has gone, then disinfect with bleach and water for at least 30 seconds. The area can then be wiped dry with a disposable cloth.
Reduce the Risk of Injury:
Reducing the risk of injury has obvious advantages within the club we recommend the following
Promote participation in training and safety programmes.
Encourage fair play and respect.
Make sure all equipment is in a good state of repair.
Any broken or damaged equipment must be replaced immediately.
Wear protective equipment at all times when sparring including gum shields.
Make sure all protective gear fits properly.
Drink adequate amounts of water whilst training.
The chances [of being infected by HIV through sport] have been estimated to be 1 in
125 million. Your chances of getting killed driving to a football stadium are infinitely
greater…..”
Professor John Dwyer
“I won’t share drinks. I won’t share towels. If you’re serious about your sport you
won’t put yourself at risk…”
BE SAFE… BE BLOOD AWARE….
Visit: www.hse.ie www.irishsportscouncil.ie
Signed: Patricia Duarte Clubs Secretary/Instructor . Thomas McKeon/Thomas Hewitt Club Instructors.
Dr. Claire Quinn Child protection officer. 1st June 2010
