As a first responder, you're likely to encounter blood and other body fluids in the course of your job. Bloodborne pathogens are defined as potentially infectious microorganisms that are present in human blood. These microorganisms include viruses, bacteria and other parasites. Exposure to these pathogens can occur during the course of your job as a first responder or in any other employment setting where blood or body fluids are present. When you're exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, it's possible that you'll become infected. This could happen if you touch an area of your skin that's been exposed to infected blood, mucus or saliva. When taking care of an injured person, it's important not only to wear gloves but also wash your hands afterward and avoid touching any open wounds if possible."
Bloodborne pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens are defined as potentially infectious microorganisms that are present in human blood. These can include viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These pathogens may be transmitted to you through contact with contaminated blood or other body fluids during the performance of your duties as a first responder. For example, if you come into contact with vomit or urine from someone who is infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) while working at an accident scene, it's possible for HCV to enter your bloodstream through an open wound or mucous membrane on your skin.
Bloodborne infections can cause serious illnesses such as hepatitis B or C; HIV/AIDS; tetanus; tuberculosis (TB); septicemia (blood poisoning); endocarditis (inflammation of heart tissue); meningitis (inflammation of brain tissue).
These microorganisms include viruses, bacteria, and other parasites.
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease. These microorganisms include viruses, bacteria, and other parasites.
Bloodborne pathogens are microscopic organisms and therefore not visible to the naked eye. Examples of bloodborne pathogens include:
- Bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus (staph) or streptococcus pyogenes (strep)
- Viruses such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted through contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens can occur during the course of your job as a first responder or in any other employment setting where blood or body fluids are present. The risk of exposure is higher in some occupations than others, such as emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement officers, firefighters, and healthcare workers.
As an EMS worker, you may be at risk for exposure to HIV/AIDS virus; hepatitis B virus; hepatitis C virus; syphilis; tuberculosis (TB) bacteria; West Nile Virus (WNV). Other possible exposures include tetanus toxin from contaminated wounds and rabies virus if bitten by an animal that might carry it.
When you're exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, it's possible that you'll become infected.
When you're exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, it's possible that you'll become infected. The best way to prevent infection is by knowing how your body can react when you come into contact with these pathogens.
The following are some of the most common symptoms people experience after being exposed:
- Fever (high temperature) or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea (watery stools)
If left untreated, these infections can be very serious and even life-threatening. If you think that you've been exposed to HIV or HCV (hepatitis C virus), seek medical attention immediately so that they can begin treatment right away!
This could happen if you touch an area of your skin that's been exposed to infected blood, mucus, or saliva.
- You could get infected if you touch an area of your skin that's been exposed to infected blood, mucus, or saliva. This could happen if you touch the following with your gloved hands:
- Your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- An open wound on another person's body (such as a cut).
- Blood in the air around you (for example, when someone has been splashed by blood).
When taking care of an injured person, you should always wear gloves, wash your hands and avoid touching any open wounds if possible.
When taking care of an injured person, you should always wear gloves, wash your hands and avoid touching any open wounds if possible.
If you are exposed to blood or body fluids:
- Wash the exposed area with soap and water as soon as possible after exposure.
- Disinfect the area with a solution of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water (1:9). Always use fresh solutions when disinfecting surfaces that may have been contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Common symptoms of exposure to a bloodborne pathogen include fever, muscle aches, and joint pain.
The common symptoms of exposure to a bloodborne pathogen include fever, muscle aches, and joint pain. These symptoms can occur within one to six weeks after exposure.
Symptoms can be mild or severe, but they're often mistaken for the flu. If you think you may have been exposed to a bloodborne pathogen, contact your healthcare provider immediately so that he or she can test for HBV and HCV antibodies in your blood sample (this is called serologic testing). It can be difficult to tell if you've been exposed because there are no visible wounds on an infected person; however, if someone is infected with HIV or hepatitis B virus (HBV), their body fluids may contain enough virus particles for transmission during contact with broken skin or mucous membranes such as those found inside the eyes (conjunctiva), nose/mouth area of the face and lips
First responders should understand the potential risks they face in their line of work
As a first responder, you have an important role in protecting the public from bloodborne pathogens. You know that exposure to these diseases can be prevented by following proper procedures and precautions. In addition to knowing how to prevent exposure, it's also important for first responders to understand the risks they face in their line of work so that they can take action if they ever suspect an incident has occurred.
First responders should understand how each type of bloodborne pathogen works so that they can better recognize symptoms if someone does become infected with one of these diseases. They should also learn about post-exposure protocols--what steps need to be taken after possible exposure has been reported--and how best to safely dispose of any contaminated items like needles or scalpels (sharps).
Conclusion
If you're a first responder, it's important to understand the risks that come with your job. The best way to protect yourself is by knowing what bloodborne pathogens are and how they can be transmitted. You should also make sure to wear gloves when handling potentially infected materials or people, wash hands often and avoid touching open wounds if possible!