5 Reasons Why Blood Borne Pathogens Training Is Essential

Workers in the healthcare sector and all other people who handle human blood and body fluids are at a major risk of getting infected with pathogens and viruses. These microorganisms called Blood Borne pathogens, are present in the body of the infected person, are extremely deadly and can infect anyone handling the fluids. These pathogens, upon exposure, can enter into the blood stream through various mediums like body cuts and mucous membranes

Healthcare workers, people working in medical institutes and other people whose work involves handling of human blood should be extremely careful and should be trained well to handle such fluids with a lot of care. They are required to undergo Blood Borne pathogens training and here are the top 5 reasons why it is so essential.

• Anyone handling blood and body fluids is at risk: Healthcare workers and other people handling body fluids on daily basis are at maximum risk of contracting infections and illnesses through open wounds and cuts and also through mucous membranes. Therefore, doctors, nurses and support staff in hospitals, laboratories, collection centers, paramedics and other people whose job is to handle human bodies and samples are required to be trained properly to avoid risky circumstances. Apart from them, sometimes, there may be situations when someone may have to help some accident victim on the road or has to be impromptu in providing first aid. Therefore, even in the general public should have a brief and general idea about handle such situations.

• Infected blood and fluids can cause grave diseases if not handled properly: Dangerous diseases like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or AIDS and Syphilis can be caused if the handler does not take the right precautions while handling infected blood. Most of these diseases are non- curable and only Hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccinations, given much before being infected. These are the most dangerous and incurable of the many the can be caused due to the lack of training.

• Pathogens can enter healthy bodies too: Irrespective of whether a person has had a clean bill of health, these life threatening pathogens can infect anyone if the fluids are not handled properly.

• Pathogens can enter through many channels: Blood Borne pathogens can enter blood stream through many different and unsuspecting ways. Body fluids like blood, vaginal secretions and semen are carriers of infected microorganisms. The transmission can happen through open cuts and wounds, abrasions, acne, dermatitis and other such modes. Sometimes, accidental transfer can take place through sharp objects like needles, knives and broken glass. Touching infected surfaces can also trigger contamination. Women may be at a greater risk as they may use restrooms with infected toilet seats and faucets which may have been infected with menstrual blood.

• Basic knowledge can also help: While healthcare workers are at a greater risk, not all of us are safe. Minimum training should be provided to everybody to prevent infections, if at all a situation arises which may expose you to such dangers.

All of us are at the dangers of being exposed to the dangers of Blood Borne pathogens. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Minimum training should be provided to the general public and extensive to those whose job requires them to take such risks.

For more information please visit our Bloodborne Pathogen Training and First Aid Training web pages.

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