What is the difference between being exposed and being contaminated?

If blood or body fluid gets on you, you have been contaminated. If blood or body fluid gets “in” you, you have been exposed. In order to qualify as an exposure, something wet from the patient must get on something wet of yours.

Does that include spit or tears?

Theoretically, yes this is an exposure. HBV, HCV, and HIV have not been found alive in sputum or tears, but because they are body fluids it is possible. The significance of the risk of the exposure will be evaluated on the specifics of the incident, should one occur. Don’t let it! Protect yourself by using the paper face masks and visors readily available to you. By covering your eyes and mouth you have eliminated any exposed mucous membranes from the possibility of exposure.

What if I get blood or body fluids on my turn-out gear?

Blood or body fluid on your clothing or protective gear is considered a contamination. De-contamination procedures are outlined in Standard Operating Procedure. A 1:10 part bleach solution will kill all known virus and may be used on most equipment and surfaces. Do not use bleach on turn-out gear. According to the manufacturer, this may compromise the flame retardant nature of the fabric. Instead, should protective clothing become contaminated, it should be placed in a bio-hazard bag, labeled and exchanged with the quartermaster for new gear. The contaminated items are sent out to be laundered at extremely high temperatures. Never launder bio-hazardous material at the engine house.

Do I have to do mouth-to-mouth on people?

Only if you have not prepared an alternative. On-duty you must provide basic life support as you have been trained, including ventilatory support as needed. Hopefully, you will use the department provided equipment to accomplish that task. Off-duty however you have no legal obligation to provide care to a stranger. Nonetheless, as a member of the St. Louis Fire Department, people will turn to you in an emergency; even off-duty. While it is not illegal to refuse, it is certainly not the best public relations move. Prepare yourself with pocket face masks at home and in your car. It is always preferred to mouth-to-mouth.

What if I am exposed?

If, despite your best preventative planning, you are exposed to the blood or body fluid of a patient, contact the medical officer and the designated officer for infection control as soon as possible. If the incident is deemed a significant exposure with significant risk factors, time is of the essence.