Infection Control: Hand Washing

Hand washing is like a do-it-yourself vaccine for a range of illnesses, including seasonal viruses like the flu and common cold. However, not many people understand handwashing basics, which could open them up to infection.

Infection Control: Hand Washing

Hand washing is like a do-it-yourself vaccine for a range of illnesses, including seasonal viruses like the flu and common cold. However, not many people understand handwashing basics, which could open them up to infection.

You may already know that keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent a bunch of illnesses, but there is a lot more to keeping your mitts germ-free than you may think. A good old hand washing, with soap and running warm water, is the most effective form of infection control we have. With colds, flus and other seasonal viruses and bacteria eluding us, Australia Wide First Aid thought we would remind you about what it takes to really keep your hands germ-free. Hand washing is like a "do-it-yourself" vaccine  for a range of illnesses. Research shows that compared to non-hand washers, those who wash their hands four times a day can have up to 24 per cent fewer sick days due to respiratory infections. Likewise, they can have up to 51 per cent fewer days off due to tummy or gastro viruses. Not only that, it has been said that effective hand washing has the potential to eliminate half of all cases of food-borne illnesses.

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About Our Educational Videos

Why Australia Wide First Aid creates and shares first aid education content

Why does Australia Wide First Aid create educational videos?

We create educational videos to make first aid knowledge accessible to everyone. Our videos help learners prepare for courses, refresh their skills, and understand important first aid concepts at their own pace, anywhere and anytime.

Are these videos a replacement for practical first aid training?

No, our videos complement hands-on training but don't replace it. First aid certification requires practical skills assessment. Our videos help you understand theory and techniques, but you'll need to attend a practical course to receive nationally recognised certification.

How do educational videos improve first aid learning?

Videos provide visual demonstrations of techniques, allowing learners to see proper form and procedures. You can pause, rewind, and rewatch complex techniques as many times as needed, making it easier to understand and retain critical first aid skills.

Can I share Australia Wide First Aid videos with others?

Absolutely! We encourage sharing our educational content. The more people who understand first aid basics, the safer our communities become. Share our videos with friends, family, colleagues, or anyone interested in learning life-saving skills. For brand guidelines and usage information, visit our brand kit.

Do I need to watch videos before attending a first aid course?

While not mandatory, watching our videos beforehand can enhance your learning experience. Familiarising yourself with concepts and terminology helps you get more from the practical training session and feel more confident during hands-on practice.

How often should I review first aid videos?

We recommend reviewing first aid videos regularly, especially if you haven't used your skills recently. Quarterly reviews help keep techniques fresh in your mind. Remember, first aid certifications require renewal every 1-3 years depending on the course.

Are the techniques shown in videos current and evidence-based?

Yes, all our videos follow current Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines and nationally recognised training standards. We update our content regularly to reflect the latest evidence-based practices in emergency first aid and CPR techniques.

Can videos help me maintain my first aid certification?

While videos are excellent for knowledge retention between renewals, they cannot replace formal recertification. However, regular viewing helps you stay current with techniques and builds confidence to act effectively in emergencies until your next certification course.