Disease causing microorganisms that are transmitted from one person to another through contaminated human blood are known as bloodborne pathogens. The most common bloodborne pathogens are hepatitis B and C and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Having no medical background, you may not understand the dangers of exposure to these pathogens. Contamination may lead to disease and in sometimes even death.

Therefore, it is good always be prepared if you are ever in a situation that causes you to be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. Here are four simple guidelines to follow in such situations. These guidelines are approved by the American Heart Association (AHA).

– First of all you need to protect yourself from any potentially infected blood and body fluids. If you happen to encounter someone on the road have a cardiac arrest and decide to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), you must wear gloves and a mask. If you don’t have access to either, weigh out your options and make your decision. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

– Second, if you ever are exposed to someone’s blood or body fluids, waste no time. You need to act fast. You never know whose blood is infected and whose is not. Wash that area with hot water with soap. Let it lather up for a few minutes before you wash it off. If your eyes have been infected, use clean water to flush your eyes. Do this for five minutes at least.

– The third guideline pertains to the room or equipment that is contaminated. For e.g. if someone has bled over a work top, clean the area immediately. You can use one part Clorox solution and eight parts water. Scrub the place down let the solution rest for a few minutes, and then wash it off. In case of needles or sharp instruments, wear gloves while picking them up and put them all in a bag along with the dirty cleaning cloths and dispose of them properly. You must be extra careful when dealing with needles. Be careful not be accidentally poke yourself with as you try to throw it away.

– If the incident has occurred in your workplace you must immediately report it to the head of your department and the Human Resource Department. You must also show yourself to a doctor to confirm whether you have been contaminated or not. Even if you think you were not exposed, you must go to the doctor as a precautionary measure.

Employees of healthcare organizations, especially doctors, nurses, blood bank technicians, laboratory technicians, housekeeping staff, and janitors are at a greater risk of being exposed to bloodborne pathogens owing to their nature of work. Therefore, it becomes especially important to them to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves protected and safe.

Being in such a setting, they are aware of the consequences of even a small careless mistake. However, a layman on the street who may be accidentally exposed to such pathogens does not understand the severity of the problem. Hence, it is necessary to spread awareness so everyone knows what to do to protect themselves in an emergency.

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