First Responders

Law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and other first responders are at an increased risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens due to the nature of the job. Often, first responders are exposed through the following:

• Eye, nose, mouth, or broken skin contact with blood or other body fluids
• Needlesticks or cuts from sharp objects that are contaminated during the course of a search
• Assaults, such as biting or stabbing

First responders should receive specialized training to minimize the risks of exposure. There are also other preventative measures, like the use of leather gloves, that can be implemented.

With the knowledge that police officers have a higher risk of exposure, a study was conducted with a voluntary questionnaire sent out to a metropolitan police department. Of the officers who returned the questionnaire, almost 30 percent had received a needlestick injury while performing a job-related duty. Only 40 percent of those who had received an injury ever sought medical attention.

In 2014, the second most common injury or illness reported for EMS workers was for "harmful exposure," with a total of 4,000 reported events.

Statistics like these show that proper training and awareness are crucial for the people who do so much to serve and protect others.

To learn more about Dental & Medical Hazards visit our Dental & Medical Office Course Bundle Online Training web page.