Blood Borne Pathogens Class

Modules

Blood-borne pathogens (BBP)

These disease-causing germs are present in the blood and certain body fluids. Viruses like HIV, hepatitis B and C are present in the blood and the body fluids of the infected persons. These can be transmitted when the body fluids or the blood of an infected person or blood on a contaminated object like glass or metal enters the body of another person.

Exposure to BBP during an emergency can happen through

An opening in the skin of a rescuer, for example, a cut, rash, or scab.
A direct splatter into the eyes, nose or mouth of the rescuer.

Hand Washing

Immediately wash your hands after removing the gloves. Use running water and soap, and scrub your hands vigorously for minimum 20 seconds.

Carefully Remove your Gloves

If you are exposed to body fluids or blood, remove your gloves straight away and wash the exposed area as well as your hands vigorously with soap and running water. Conform to the ‘Exposure Control Plan‘ of your workplace.

Universal Safety Measures

Conform to universal safety measures when providing care at an emergency scene to minimize your exposure to BBP. Consider that all fluid body substances are infectious.

Assume all victims as possible carriers of infectious ailment.
For rescue breathing, use a CPR barrier.
Put on PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): mask, moisture-proof gloves, eye protection, gown etc.
Wash your hands properly before and after providing care, and after cleaning-up the accident scene.

Cleaning Post Emergency

Straight away clean the blood spills:

Put on your PPE (personal protective equipment).
Clean up the spill with absorbent fabric or towel.
If there are contaminated objects like broken glass, use a brush and dustpan or tongs to pick them up and put inside a leak-proof container.
Dispose of contaminated materials in a proper container.
Sterilize contaminated surfaces.
Take off your PPE and wash your hands properly.