Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are some of the more serious infectious diseases that can be transmitted through exposure to human blood or other body fluids. Exposures to blood and other body fluids occur across a wide variety of occupations including but not limited to: first aid team members, housekeeping, nurses and other health care providers, childcare workers, security guards, school personnel, tattoo artists, and many more.  Anyone who can be exposed through needlestick, other sharps injuries, mucous membrane and skin exposures should have a basic knowledge and understanding of the risks involved in being exposed to bloodborne pathogens, precautions to take, and what to do if exposed.  Workers and employers are urged to take available engineering controls and work practices to prevent exposure to blood and other body fluids. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) provide a course designed to meet OSHA’s standard for bloodborne pathogen training.  The course is designed to teach precautions such as hand hygiene, barrier precautions, safe work practices and isolation practices and thoroughly explains the PACT acronym:

• Protect themselves from exposure to bloodborne pathogens
• Act when exposed to blood or blood containing material in the workplace
• Clean themselves and area when exposed to blood or blood containing material
• Tell or report any exposure to blood or blood containing materials in the workplace

For more information on this course visit our website at KnoxvilleCPR.com and click on Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens.   To register for CPR classes in Knoxville or Maryville please check out our calendar.