9 Guidelines For First Aiders To Prevent The Risk Of Exposing To Blood Borne Pathogens

By Greg Garner

Guidelines For First Aiders To Avoid Exposure To Blood Borne Pathogen

As a first aider, you need to apply direct hand pressure to stop bleeding in injuries of the victim. However, this may lead to get the victim's blood on your skin. If the victim has some form of blood borne disease, you are more likely to get infected with that microorganism. The likelihood of getting infection is more, if you have open wounds in your hand. In order to protect yourself against the risk of infectious diseases, you need to follow some precautions.

1. You should treat all blood, as if it is infected with blood borne pathogens. You should not use uncovered hands to stop bleeding in injuries. You should always use a pair of gloves. Disposable gloves are recommended while giving care to victims. This is especially important, if there is a risk of exposing to blood or bodily fluids. Ensure that the gloves are made of appropriate material like vinyl or latex.

2. You should wash the exposed skin areas with soap and warm water after treating the victim without delay. Ensure that you clean your hands thoroughly for at least 15 seconds.

3. You should not reuse disposable gloves. You should discard them after use in a proper container or bag.

4. If you have any cut, sores or scrapes, you should cover them before wearing gloves or any other protective equipment.

5. You should dispose used first aid bandages and other materials used in cleaning up spills, contaminated clothing and protective equipment carefully. If possible, you can use diluted bleach to clean the spill area.

6. Drinking, smoking or handling contact lenses in the place of accident should be strictly avoided. Applying cosmetics should also be avoided.

7. You should not wear the contaminated clothes outside the area of incident without washing and decontaminating them.

8. If your skin, eyes, ears or mouth comes in contact with blood or bodily fluids, you should wash these areas with soap and water thoroughly. Mucous membranes should be flushed with water to reduce the risk of infection.

9. If exposure to human blood or bodily fluid occurs, you should report it immediately to the organization you belong to. The organization will take steps to test your for HIV or hepatitis B virus. If you do not belong to any organization, you need to contact your personal physician. Tests will be taken at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months intervals to determine whether any infection has occurred.

First aiders should protect themselves first before giving care to the victims. You can control the risk of exposure to diseases by wearing protective equipment and following some simple procedures.

Receiving blood borne pathogen and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act) training can help you get an understand of the precautions, exposure controls and HIPAA privacy rule. You can also get an awareness of implementing HIPAA rules.

For more information, please visit our Bloodborne Pathogen Training website.

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