Firefighter/EMTs, firefighter/paramedics, fire lieutenants, fire chiefs, and all other EMS providers and healthcare workers are at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBPs).

Healthcare workers are most at risk for exposure, but workers across many industries are exposed to bloodborne illnesses. Any occupations that deal with blood, medical waste, and other potentially infectious material (OPIM) have the potential for exposure to infection. According to a study published in the journal Prehospital Emergency Care, the expected number of annual occupational hepatitis C seroconversions for firefighter/EMTs was estimated to be 3.4 to 33.7 per 100,000. On the surface, this seems like a small number — it goes without saying that that is of no consolation for those first responders, EMTs, and paramedics that do contract the disease.

This course will review the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard and requirements, as well as some of the diseases associated with BBP occupational exposures.