5 Handwashing Steps You Should Follow – Free Educational Video
Washing your hands is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from getting sick.
Proper handwashing involves five steps: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry. To wash your hands most effectively:
- First, wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you need a timer, try singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
- Rinse your hands well.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or allow them to air dry. Don’t wipe them on your pant leg.
It’s especially important to wash your hands with soap and water:
- After using the bathroom
- Before eating or handling food
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and
- If your hands are visibly soiled.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
This video highlights the steps listed above. Please feel free to share and distribute:
Handwashing is quick, simple, and effective! If you have any questions about handwashing or other ways to keep yourself healthy, contact your healthcare provider.
MedBridge has worked with Shelley Bhola, RN-BC, BSN, MSN, PHN, Infection Prevention Specialist, to put together five resources for facilities and providers to use for education and preparation during the coronavirus outbreak:
- Community Preparedness Guidelines for COVID-19 – Article
- Checklist for Inpatient Communities During the COVID-19 Outbreak – Article & Downloadable Flyer
- COVID-19 Facility Policy – Downloadable Flyer
- A Healthcare Provider’s Guide to Staying Healthy Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic – Article
- Free Patient Education Videos: How to Protect Yourself Against the Coronavirus, and 5 Handwashing Steps You Should Follow [currently viewing]
