Exposures - Blood-Borne Pathogens

This week we are focusing on the Exposures to the Blood-Borne Pathogens (BBPs) that have been reported to us.  For the purposes of our injury reporting system the definition we are using for Blood-Borne is “A fluid or liquid based contaminant.” Your departments have reported BBPs exposures via needle sticks, staph, blood, bodily fluids (via coughs and sneezes), vomit, and saliva.  Like Airborne Pathogens you’re most often exposed to BBPs during Rescue-Non Fire activities – probably while attending to patients.  These BBPs can also be passed to and from people who live in close quarters, so keep that in mind when you’re in the firehouse.

The chart below shows the types of ways that you are getting exposed to BBPs.  169 incidents of BBP exposure have been reported.

BBP Exposure by Type of Exposure (2011) - click to enlarge

The next chart shows the number of known BBPs that you are being exposed to.  You’ve reported 23 known pathogens.  This number reflects a small percentage of the exposures you’ve reported.  That is the good news.  The bad news is that very dangerous pathogens, such as MRSA and HIV/HepC, are being reported. 

BBP Exposure by Type of Known Pathogen (2011) - click to enlarge

Like Airborne Pathogens, you can try and protect yourself from BBPs, but it is not always possible.  Make sure you take the necessary precautions and follow up with your phyisician to make sure any exposures are investigated and taken care of.

This is scary stuff:

MRSA (CDC)

MRSA is commonly spread at fire houses (Fire Chief Magazine), Are You Safe? (Fire Engineering)

HIV (CDC)

Hepatitis C for Health Professionals (CDC)

Staph (Mayo Clinic)

Staph in Health Care Settings (CDC)

Ringworm (Mayo Clinic)

Ringworm on arm image courtesy of cdc.gov

MRSA bacteria image courtesy of cdc.gov

Quick tips for avoiding Exposures to Blood-Borne Pathogens:  

• Avoid touching blood and fluids, even if they are dry.
• Wear PPE when working with blood or other bodily fluids (Latex or vinyl gloves; protective gowns when working in high-trauma incidents; heavy-weight or tear-resistant gloves when cleaning ambulances or emergency scenes; eye wear and surgical masks to prevent blood splatter.)
• Change gloves between patients.
• Learn to remove PPE without touching the outside of the PPE.
• Use caution around sharp or blood-covered tools.
• Place biohazard warning labels on any container or equipment that has been contaminated or areas that contain potentially infectious material.
• Don’t share personal hygeine tools that could hold blood or bodily fluids (razors, toothbrushes, etc.).
• Don’t share inanimate objects, like towels and pillowcases, that can hold staph infections.
• Have puncture-proof containers available to dispose of needles, scalpels, borken glass, or other sharp objects.
• Put up informational information at your departments to convey the dangers of these diseases (MRSA, HIV, HepC, Ringworm, Exposure to Blood)

Also, keep these facts in mind:

• Although you may not know if there is anything infectious present, report all exposures to bodily fluids. 
• If you are exposed to a needle prick, get checked out.
• If you learn someone in the firehouse or a patient is infected with BBP, get checked out.
• Infections like Staph and MRSA can look like a boil, or spider bite, so get all skin irritations checked out.

Ringworm on arm image courtesy of cdc.gov

Learn more to keep your department safe

• Blood Borne Pathogen Refresher (Firehouse.com)
• Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (BBPS) (OSHA)
• Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention (OSHA)

Borrow TCFP Library materials to teach your team about BBPs

• BLOODBORNE & AIRBORNE INSTRUCTOR KIT
• BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES 
• BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS, 4TH ED. 
• HEPATITIS C 
• INFECTIOUS DISEASES 

What is your policy on dealing with these types of exposures?

What type of awareness training do you have in regards to this issue?

Has the training changed over the years based on new medical information?