Welcome to the final video in the accountable bloodborne pathogens training series. Over the past three sessions, you've learned what bloodborne pathogens are, how to prevent exposure and how to protect yourself using proper PPE and safe work practices. But what happens if despite all of that, an exposure still occurs? That's what today's session is all about.
Even with the best controls in place, accidents can happen. A needle stick, a splash to the eye, a cut from a contaminated instrument. So today we will walk you through exactly what you need to do immediately and confidently if you experience a potential exposure incident. So let's start by defining what counts as an exposure.
According to OSHA, an exposure incident occurs when blood or other potentially infectious materials come into contact with broken skin, mucous membranes like your eyes, nose or mouth, or through a needle stick or sharp object injury that punctures the skin. Now this could happen during a procedure, a cleanup task, even while handling laundry or equipment. If there's contact between blood and your bloodstream or mucus membranes, it's an exposure and it must be taken seriously. So what do you do first?
The answer is simple but crucial, immediate first aid. If you've been stuck with a needle or cut by a sharp object, gently wash the area with soap and water. Don't scrub or squeeze the wound. Let it bleed slightly.
This helps flush out contaminants. If blood or fluids splash into your eyes, rinse them with clean water or saline at an eyewash station for several minutes. For splashes to your mouth or nose, flush thoroughly with water. Time matters.
These first few moments after exposure are key to reducing risk. Once you've completed your first aid, your next step is to report the exposure immediately. This is an optional or something to be waited on until the end of your shift. Let your supervisor or occupational health team know as soon as possible.
Prompt reporting ensures you get timely medical evaluation and if needed, treatments that can reduce your risk of infection. For example, post exposure prophylaxis or PEP for HIV is most effective when started within one to two hours. Waiting could limit your options. Reporting also triggers a broader response from your organization. It ensures the exposure is documented, reviewed, and tracked.
OSHA requires this and it helps your safety team identify trends or hazards that may need to be addressed. Next, you'll receive a confidential medical evaluation at no cost to you. The healthcare provider will document how the exposure occurred, test your blood with your consent to establish a baseline, arrange for a follow-up testing over the coming weeks and months, and if feasible, test the source individual, such as the patient for HBV, HCV, and HIV following local consent laws. If testing shows the source patient is positive for a bloodborne infection or if their status is unknown, you may be offered post exposure prophylaxis. This could mean starting antiviral medications for HIV or receiving immune globulin and a hepatitis B vaccine booster.
These treatments are most effective when started promptly. Your healthcare provider will help you decide what's appropriate based on the exposure type and medical guidelines. Now throughout this process, your privacy will be protected. Your test results and personal medical information are confidential.
Your employer will only receive confirmation that you've been informed and any necessary work restrictions, nothing more. You'll also receive counseling. Now this might include emotional support, guidance on how to prevent secondary transmission, and information about what symptoms to watch for in the weeks ahead. Remember, most exposures do not result in infection, but proper follow-up is essential.
And finally, every exposure incident should become a learning opportunity. Your employer may review what happened. Was a sharps container overfilled? Was PPE unavailable or not worn?
Were procedures unclear? These reviews help prevent future incidents and improve safety for everyone. You may be asked to participate in a safety debrief or provide feedback. So please do.
You have valuable insights as someone directly affected. Safety culture improves when everyone contributes. Now let's recap the three essential steps to take if you experience an exposure. Number one, immediately wash or flush the exposed area.
Number two, report the incident right away to your supervisor or occupational health team. Number three, follow through with medical evaluation, treatment if needed, and all follow-up steps.
Quick quiz: What is the single most important reason to report an exposure without delay?
Because some treatments like HIV post exposure prophylaxis are time sensitive and only work if started early. Reporting immediately protects your health. Congratulations. You've just completed Accountable's Bloodborne Pathogens training series.
We've covered everything from foundational knowledge and prevention to what to do if the unexpected happens. Please complete the final quiz or assessment if assigned and talk to your supervisor or safety officer if you have any questions. And thank you for committing to safety for yourself, your coworkers, and your patients. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and stay accountable.
