Lay Exposures=
To
Blood/Airborne Pathogens
Poli=
cy:
During an emergency, often a bystander intervenes prior =
to
the arrival of any formal first responder or EMS
response. Due to this, bystan=
ders
can be exposed to blood, secretions, and other bodily fluids which could pl=
ace
them at risk for a communicable disease.
Purp=
ose:
The
purpose of this policy is to assist any bystander who has experiences an
exposure by providing the bystander with information.
Proc=
edure:
1. Do not delay treatment or tra=
nsport
of any critical patient.
2. EMS
will attempt to advise any bystander, who as been exposed to a potential bl=
ood
or airborne pathogen, that he/she should be evaluated by a physician
immediately.
3. EMS
will attempt to tell the bystander which facility the patient will be
transported to and tell him/her that he/she should be evaluated at the same
facility to allow for consent and blood testing of the patient if necessary=
.