Bloodborne pathogens are a serious risk in many work environments. If you're not prepared, an exposure to bloodborne pathogens could mean the difference between life and death. Luckily, this list of lifesaving skills can help keep you safe from contracting potentially fatal diseases like HIV and hepatitis B.
The Basics of Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms that can be transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of infected individuals. They can be present in the blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk of a person who has an infectious disease. In addition to being transmitted through sexual contact and needle sharing, some bloodborne pathogens may also be spread by contaminated instruments used in medical procedures such as dental work or tattooing; however this is less common than direct contact with infected individuals.
The risk of infection depends on several factors including:
- whether you have been vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV);
- if you have ever had a positive test result for HBV antibodies;
- how much time has passed since your last exposure;
- how much virus is present in an exposed wound/surface area;
- what type(s) of protective equipment was used during any potential exposure incidents (e.g., gloves vs no gloves).
What are bloodborne pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious diseases carried in human blood. They can be transmitted by contact with other people's blood or body fluids, such as through sharing needles and other injection equipment, which is common among drug users and healthcare professionals.
The risk of infection from a single exposure is low. However, widespread use of needles increases the risk for accidental exposure--for example, failing to follow correct procedures when disposing of medical waste or using protective clothing at work sites where there's an increased chance for coming into contact with bodily fluids (such as hospitals).
Bloodborne pathogens include:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV): A virus that causes hepatitis and liver cancer. You can get hepatitis B by having unprotected sex with someone who has the virus or being stuck with a needle containing infected blood.
Who is at risk of exposure to Bloodborne pathogens?
Bloodborne pathogens are found in the blood, semen and other body fluids of infected people. They can be passed to others through direct contact with a bleeding wound or broken skin, or through indirect contact with contaminated items like needles or syringes.
In order for you to understand who is at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens, it's important for you to know what types of jobs require workers to handle these materials. In addition to healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses who treat patients with infectious diseases (like HIV), first responders like police officers and firefighters must also be aware of their risks when responding to calls involving bodily fluids that may contain high levels of bacteria or viruses. Other professions include those within the food industry (such as restaurant cooks), animal handlers/keepers/trainers; construction workers working on demolition sites where there might be old pipes containing lead-based paint chips; janitors cleaning up after an accident site involving bodily fluids; etcetera...
Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that can lead to chronic liver disease. They're transmitted through exposure to infected blood or other body fluids, often by sharing needles or having unprotected sex with someone who has hepatitis. Hepatitis B is more common in adults than children, while hepatitis C is more common among young people.
How do you become exposed?
One can potentially encounter bloodborne pathogens through a variety of ways. Here are several common scenarios where exposure can occur:
- Coming into contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids. This can occur in various settings, from medical environments to everyday accidents where blood is present.
- Utilizing needles and sharp objects that have been contaminated with infected blood. This can happen in medical settings but also in scenarios involving intravenous drug use, tattooing, or piercing.
- Participating in sexual activities with an infected person. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, with or without a condom. Sharing sex toys with an infected individual, having sex while having sores on your genitals or lips, engaging in sexual activities while menstruating or breastfeeding, or being pregnant while having sexual relations with a person infected with HIV/AIDS could all potentially result in an exposure. Exposure can also occur through contact with semen, particularly in the eyes, during ejaculation.
- Sharing needles for drug use, such as intravenous drug use (IVDU), tattooing, and body piercing activities, also poses a significant risk of exposure, especially if the equipment is contaminated.
Among the most common types of bloodborne infections are hepatitis B and C, HIV, and tetanus. Vaccination, particularly for Hepatitis B, is highly recommended for individuals in healthcare professions, given their higher likelihood of exposure to this virus. The key to minimizing the spread of bloodborne pathogens is through awareness, education, and adherence to recommended preventive measures.
How can you protect yourself?
- Use universal precautions.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after every patient contact, whether you are providing direct care or not.
- Wear protective clothing, including gloves, mask, gown and eye protection if splashing is likely to occur during the procedure (e.g., during wound irrigation).
- Use a barrier device (e.g., disposable sleeve) when handling sharp instruments that may be contaminated with blood or bodily fluids; careful consideration should be given to whether this is necessary based on patient condition/procedure performed (e.g., dressing changes vs laceration repair). The use of gloves alone does not provide adequate protection from exposure unless they are changed between tasks involving different patients or body sites; therefore researchers recommend using both glove change techniques concurrently as part of standard practice when working with patients who have been exposed to bloodborne pathogens such as HIV/AIDS virus infected individuals underlined text
If a need for lifesaving skills arises, you'll be prepared.
Acquiring lifesaving skills equips you to respond assertively and effectively when emergencies arise, regardless of where they occur. The unpredictable nature of life underscores the importance of being prepared to face situations that demand quick and informed reactions. It's not about anticipating every possible scenario; it's about cultivating the confidence and competence to tackle unexpected challenges head-on.
Your ability to promptly and adequately respond to emergencies is crucial at home or in the workplace. The Bloodborne Pathogens Certification course at MyCPR NOW offers a comprehensive understanding of bloodborne pathogen transmission, exposure, safety considerations, and more. With this knowledge at your disposal, you will be well-prepared to handle situations involving bloodborne pathogen exposure.
In essence, knowledge equips us to be react aptly and swiftly in the face of emergencies. By investing in lifesaving skills like those featured in our certification courses, you're equipping yourself and your team to ensure safety, irrespective of the unpredictable situations you might face.
So, when the need for lifesaving skills arises, rest assured; with the right training, such as our Bloodborne Pathogens Certification, you'll be prepared and able to save lives when it matters most potentially.
Conclusion
In the context of emergencies, readiness takes precedence. The importance of acquiring life-saving expertise cannot be emphasized enough, as honing these skills frequently proves to be the decisive factor between survival and tragedy. Armed with these aptitudes, you embrace the crucial role of a rescuer, stepping forward with assurance and effectiveness to aid those in distress. By investing time and dedication to master these essential abilities, you showcase your dedication to safeguarding not only your own safety but also that of those in your vicinity. Amid critical moments, it is your readiness, poise, and capacity to carry out life-saving actions that will ultimately shape the outcome.
