First aid instructors have a responsibility to provide their students with the knowledge and skills needed to handle emergency situations safely. This includes knowing how to correctly handle bloodborne pathogens (BBPs), which are germs that can be transferred through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. BBPs are particularly dangerous because they can lead to serious illnesses such as hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, STDs like syphilis and gonorrhea, or tetanus if not properly treated.
Bloodborne pathogens are a group of germs that can be transmitted by contact with blood, other body fluids, and tissues. These pathogens include:
Bloodborne pathogens are a group of germs that can be transmitted by contact with blood, other body fluids, and tissues. These pathogens include:
- hepatitis B (HBV)
- hepatitis C (HCV)
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and has no cure; however, there are medications that can help prevent HIV infection or reduce the severity of its symptoms if you do become infected
- sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, can be transmitted through oral, anal, and vaginal sex
Because tetanus is not considered one of the "big four" but it is a concern because of its serious consequences if not properly treated
1. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can cause inflammation of the liver, leading to liver failure, liver cancer, or death.
Hepatitis B is spread through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids and is preventable through vaccination. Approximately 350 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), while it's estimated that there are approximately 1 million new HBV infections each year in the United States alone!
We recommend that all healthcare workers be vaccinated against HBV before beginning work in an occupation where they may come into contact with blood or other body fluids from patients at risk for HBV infection--this includes those working as first aid instructors!
2. Hepatitis C
The second bloodborne pathogen you need to know about is hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a virus that causes liver damage and even death in some cases. It's transmitted through contact with infected blood, including through needle stick injuries.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and other illnesses in humans including those of CD4 T-lymphocytes
3. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- HIV is a virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- HIV is spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk.
- It can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, organ transplants, and needle-sharing.
- There is no cure for HIV but it can be managed with medications that slow down its progression into AIDS if you are diagnosed early enough or if you take them daily as prescribed by your doctor after testing positive for the disease. The first line of defense against contracting this deadly disease while working in healthcare is knowing how it spreads so you know how to protect yourself from exposure during clinical or other work environments where there may be risks present such as shared equipment between patients who have been exposed to potentially infectious agents like hepatitis C virus (HCV).
4. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, can be transmitted through oral, anal, and vaginal sex.
STDs are a concern in the workplace because they can cause serious health problems if not treated. STDs can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or through contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood or semen.
5. Tetanus is not considered one of the "big four" but it is a concern because of its serious consequences if not properly treated.
Tetanus is not considered one of the "big four" but it is a concern because of its serious consequences if not properly treated. The most common cause of tetanus in the United States is due to injury from rusty, unsterilized needles or other sharp instruments that penetrate the skin.
Tetanus results from an infection by Clostridium tetani, which produces spores that live in soil and animal feces. If these spores enter your body through an open wound (such as a cut), they can multiply and produce toxins that damage muscles and nerves; this causes severe muscle spasms, stiffness, fever, and difficulty swallowing or talking as well as painful muscle contractions (called lockjaw). Tetanus may lead to death if left untreated; however, there are vaccines available that can prevent you from getting sick if exposed to this harmful bacteria!
Exposure to any one of these diseases will require immediate action
- Needle-stick injuries are the most common way people become exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
- Bloodborne pathogens are viruses that can cause disease through contact with infected bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and saliva (but not sweat).
- Exposure through broken skin or mucous membranes is also possible if another person has been infected with one of these diseases. Exposure can occur through the eyes, mouth, and other orifices as well as contact with infected bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions, and saliva (but not sweat).
Conclusion
Bloodborne pathogens are a serious concern for first aid providers and anyone who may come into contact with them. The longer someone remains infected, the higher their risk of developing complications such as liver disease or HIV/AIDS which can lead to death. Exposure is often caused by contaminated needles but can also occur through broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes or mouth.