Protocol following a break in skin integrity between students or student/staff.

Due to the possible complications from any break in skin integrity it is imperative that employees take appropriate measures to minimize exposures to blood for both students and staff.

Following a break in skin integrity:

Students:
1. Student should wash their hands with soap and water thoroughly if they were scratching, paying special attention to under the fingernails.
2. Check student for any broken skin areas; these areas should be cleaned with soap and water, and treated with a topical antibacterial cream/ointment.
3. Document the incident and any injuries to students.

Staff:
1. Staff should wash all abrasions, scratches, or broken skin areas thoroughly with soap and water, if available apply antibiotic cream.
2. Staff must complete an ART form to be filed with AO, regardless of the seriousness of the injury. This documents the injury in case a complication occurs.

When dealing with a student who is known to scratch as a defense or mode of aggression, staff should take appropriate precautions to protect themselves. Some suggestions would be to wear long sleeve shirts and pants, the use of gloves (vinyl or padded) or changing the positioning of student’s hands to minimize the ability to scratch skin.