Updated Girl Scout Safety Guidelines Provide Checklist for Numerous Activities

For years Girl Scouting has been providing girls in kindergarten through high school an opportunity to meet new people, experience new things, and provide community service in a fun and, most importantly, safe environment. Troop leaders are required to complete several hours of training before taking charge of a troop. Once a troop is formed, safety is not forgotten. Up until recently, “Safety-wise” was the name of the information that would be consulted before an outing to ensure the girls’ safety. In 2010, “Safety-wise” was replaced with Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Available online through the Girl Scouts of America website or your local Girl Scout council, Safety Activity Checkpoints provide an overview of what needs to be taken into consideration for an outing as well as specific information for about 45 different activities. The introduction states different categories that will be covered in each topic if it is applicable, such as where to do the activity, how to include girls with disabilities, how to prepare in advance for the activity, and what to do on the day of the activity.

Because January is Girl Scout Cookie month, let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the Safety Activity Checkpoints given for selling Girl Scout cookies. When girls are selling cookies door-to-door, Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors (grades K-5) need to be accompanied by an adult. Older girls are required to carry the phone number of an adult who will be available immediately if necessary. All girls should only sell in neighborhoods that are familiar to them and should do so during daylight hours. Homes of strangers should never be entered, and large amounts of money should not be carried when delivering cookies and receiving payment. If the troop has organized a cookie booth in a public place such as a mall, shopping plaza, or grocery store, an adult must be present at the booth at all times.

If a girl decides to sell cookies online, she should use a secure site provided by the Girl Scouts. Only her first name, troop number, and council should be signed at the bottom of the email. Phone numbers or personal email or home addresses should not be included.

Girl Scouting can be a fun and rewarding way for girls to spend their school years as long as it is done safely. If you are involved with a Girl Scout troop, whether as a leader, co-leader, or parent, please consult the Safety Activity Checkpoints before embarking on your next adventure.

Importance of Being CPR Certified During Pool Season

Whether you’re a lifeguard or an adult caring for children who are swimming, knowing CPR is an important skill to have around swimming pools. CPR is used for both cardiac arrests and respiratory failures, and it’s a life-saving skill. Here at In-Pulse CPR, we are proud to offer a wide range of CPR training and certifications, and if you’re looking to learn how to confidently perform CPR, browse our CPR classes. Everyone needs this training, and it’s especially important during pool season! 

Accidental Drowning

One of the most common ways that children drown is through an “accidental” or “confidential” drowning. This happens when a child falls into a pool or other body of water and is not immediately noticed. They may struggle for a few moments before sinking below the surface, and by the time someone realizes they’re missing, it’s too late.

This is why it’s so important to have someone who is CPR certified on hand at all times when children are swimming. If a child does accidentally drown, having someone who knows how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death.

Respiratory Failures

Another common reason that CPR is necessary around swimming pools is due to respiratory failures. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but it often occurs when a child swallows too much water and begins to choke. If they are not able to expel the water from their lungs, they will eventually stop breathing altogether.

How to Perform CPR on Someone Who Is Drowning

If you find yourself in a situation where someone is drowning, it’s important to act quickly and decisively. Every second counts when someone is without oxygen, so the sooner you can start CPR, the better.

First, notify a lifeguard. If there is no lifeguard, remove the person from the water and start performing CPR on your own. If you are not CPR certified, now is the time to start chest compressions. Push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest, and make sure that you’re pressing down at least two inches with each compression.

Once the person is out of immediate danger, you’ll want to call for medical help. Even if they seem to be doing better, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and let a professional take over.

Learn How to Administer CPR from In-Pulse CPR

CPR is helpful in all kinds of situations, including at a swimming pool. If you’re looking to learn the skills to save a life, consider taking one of our CPR courses. Find a CPR class today! 

Find a CPR Class!

CPR Recertification: What You Need to Know

CPR recertification and safety training

CPR recertification is necessary if you want to keep your CPR card in force. Therefore, you’ll need to schedule a refresher CPR class. Consider CPR a lifelong skill, as you’ll need to stay current on lifesaving methods.

CPR recertification involves safety training

CPR Recertification and Refresher CPR Courses 

The American Heart Association (AHA) has set the standard in this respect. Refreshing your CPR skills is essential to staying up-to-date with life-saving innovations. By taking this approach, you can provide CPR, at a moment’s notice, with complete confidence.

Just like anything else, if you don’t use your skills, you’ll get rusty. How can you improve a person’s chances for survival if you allow this to happen? That is why taking a refresher course and CPR recertification go hand in hand. 

Medical professionals are gaining new insights about administering CPR every day. That is why renewing a CPR card is not just about the renewal. It’s also about your present knowledge about CPR. Are you staying in step with what’s happening in CPR techniques?

Also, if you work in a job, such as a lifeguard, you don’t want your certification to lapse. Keep on top of things by checking the date for expiration and finding a class to renew your skills. The best way to make sure you’re doing things right is to attend an onsite program.

CPR Class Instruction

What is great about attending a class is that your teacher is usually a CPR expert. This hands-on training method uses various learning techniques. It is also more personalized. When you listen to live instruction, you’ll be able to adapt what you learn in various ways.

That’s because the instructor presents the information comprehensively – making sure everyone understands what he or she is saying. You can attend a full day of onsite training. 

Scheduling a full-day class is well worth your time and investment. Classes are held in the evenings as well so you can arrange a time that is ideal for you.

CPR/AED Updating

Your combined CPR/AED recertification involves taking a refresher course some time before you need to update your card. Therefore, you need to allow enough time to take the course so you can keep your card current

The expiration is good to the end of the month when the course was originally completed. 

Important CPR Changes to Note

One of the CPR updates that students need to learn anew are the skills involved with compressions, breaths, and airway management. For example, the original protocol involved the acronym, ABC – airway, breath, and compressions.

CAB is the New CPR protocol

However, the acronym is now taught as CAB – compression, airway, and breath. Also, the number of compressions and breaths have changed. Researchers now find CAB is more effective.

Keep Your Memory Refreshed

Your memory, too, is good for only so long. Keeping updated on how CPR works also restores your confidence. Because CPR, thankfully, is not used frequently, you need to stay on top of the latest steps. If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it – especially when it comes to CPR. You don’t want to struggle to remember what to do in a crisis.

As noted, it is important to plan ahead. You cannot enroll in a renewal course if your certification card has been void for over 30 days. You’ll need to take a new course. Keeping certified will help you prevent any possible legal repercussions or problems if you’re required to be CPR trained for work.

Are You Emergency Ready?

Just because you receive training once does not mean you’re emergency-ready. Keep current on CPR/AED and first aid training. 

Preparing a First Aid Kit: What You Need to Know

When disaster strikes, you have to react fast. Therefore, you need a plan of action. Preparing an emergency first aid kit is one way to stay ready. It’s also important to take a first aid course. By taking the course, you’ll know how to respond in an emergency.

What to Keep in a First Aid Kit

You can add hundreds of items to a first aid kit, but keeping it simple works best. You might want to start with items, like a first aid manual or a flashlight. If you’re using the kit on the job, you might want to add an automated external defibrillator (AED).

A kit prepares you in case of a serious emergency or natural disaster. You may need it after a tornado, lightning storm, or similar weather extreme. 

It also enables you to be of service in case of a cardiac arrest, a heart attack, or stroke. 

At work, a kit gives you the supplies you need to care for an injured employee. Kits come in handy when treating injuries from slip-and-falls or even electrical shock.

Kits, when carried in a car, are also helpful in case you’re involved in a car crash or you need to offer this type of help.

How Much Should You Keep in Your First Aid Kit?

You’ll have to decide for yourself how many first aid supplies you’ll keep on hand and how much you’ll store. 

You’ll need to replace certain supplies, like bandages, as they wear out faster.  If you stock a small first aid kit, you’ll have to replace the supplies often.  You won’t have to restock as much if you maintain a larger kit.

At home or at work, keep your first aid kit in a place that is known to everyone. That way, they’ll  have easy access to the supplies during an emergency.

Decide on your kit’s contents

Add items to your kit, such as the following:

  • A First aid manual 
  • Non-prescription medicines, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and antacid tablets
  • Medications prescribed by a doctor, such as antibiotics to treat infections and painkillers for injuries (Make sure to save a copy of the prescriptions.)
  • Extra identification, such as a copy of your state ID card or driver’s license, and important phone numbers
  • Adhesive tape for applying bandages
  • Elastic wrap bandages.
  • Rubber tourniquet.
  • Nonstick sterile bandages or roller gauze in various sizes
  • Eye pads or shields
  • A large triangular bandage that may be used as a sling
  • Gloves and eye protection
  • CPR pocket mask
  • A flashlight
  • A blanket

Know the Basics of First Aid and Emergency Care

CPR is an important part of first aid, but it’s also a lifesaving skill. During an emergency, having CPR may be all that separates you from death or a serious injury. 

Take a CPR course and practice with family members and friends. Practice the  steps until they come naturally.

Along with learning CPR, training in first aid gives you the info you need on infection control. Make sure you wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your eyes after touching your face. 

First aid training also gives you the basics on wound care. It will teach you how to properly clean and dress cuts or abrasions. 

Having first aid training keeps you aware of doing what is required to keep healthy and safe Therefore, the best way to stay safe during an emergency  is to prepare. Make sure you have a first-aid kit on hand and you know how to use the items in the kit. 

Always Play It Safe

Staying safe is essential to the health of your family and co-workers.. By learning CPR and taking first aid training, you can make a difference in the quality of your life and in the care you give to others.

How To Avoid Injuries

Unintentional Injuries are a major public health problem. In the United States alone, preventable injuries account for over 3 million non-fatal injuries and 150,000 deaths per year. Globally the number of people dying from unintentional injuries is around 5 million deaths per year. The important thing to appreciate is that many of the injuries can be prevented with already available and inexpensive tools, such as helmets and seat belts.

In the US nearly 55 million people sought medical attention because of non-fatal preventable injuries. Drug overdoses are at an all-time high and risky behavior continues to be a pandemic. People continue to speed, drive while drunk, not wear seat belts, or take selfies from dangerously high elevations. And for those who survive non-fatal injuries, there is the cost of medical care and rehabilitation which can be enormous. Hence it is important to avoid preventable injuries by doing the following:

  1. Warm-up: Workout injuries can happen at any time and include muscle sprain, shoulder injury, wrist sprain, tendinitis, etc. A simple way to reduce the risk of workout injuries is to first warm-up and cool down prior to any exercise. The warm-up increases your heart rate and loosens your joints and muscles. You may warm up by riding an exercise bike or jog for 5-10 mins. Cold down after the warm-up. Another option is to perform stretching exercises before the workout. Stretching will increase joint mobility and flexibility. Finally do not overdo it and overuse just one set of muscles or it can lead to overuse injury such as tendinitis.
  2. Wear a helmet: if you love to bicycle, or play contact sports like ice hockey or football, you must wear a helmet. These instruments can protect your brain and face from severe injuries. Head injuries are a very common cause of long-term disability.
  3. Avoid midday sun: If you want to avoid skin cancer, then it is important to avoid the sun from 10 am to 3 pm. If you do decide to go outdoors, wear sunscreen, a hat, and appropriate garments. 
  4. Seatbelt: Whenever you get inside a motor vehicle use the seat belt as it is known to save lives and prevent serious injuries. The use of seatbelts is the law across the nation. And if you drive, do not overspeed or text because both are known to result in thousands of motor vehicle accidents each year.
  5. Exercise regularly: Even simple walking every day for 45-60 mins is considered to be a good form of exercise. Walking can help you lose weight, allows you to enjoy nature, clears your mind, and is free. And best of all the benefits of walking will echo until you reach old age.
  6. Discontinue smoking: If you smoke you should quit ASAP. Smoking not only causes lung cancer but it causes premature heart disease and the risk of stroke. There are no effective aids to quitting smoking- go cold turkey as it is the most effective.
  7. Install proper lights: if you have elderly folks at home, install proper lights in the hallways and corridors. Falls are one of the most common causes of severe injuries in the elderly. At the same time remove all loose rugs and obstacles.
  8. Smoke and CO alarms: Every year a significant number of people die from smoke and carbon monoxide poisoning. Thus, it is vital to install both smoke and CO alarms in the home. 
  9. Get adequate sleep: all adults need at least 8 hours of sleep. Hence developing good sleep hygiene is essential as it will improve the quality of your life.
  10. Depressed: If for any reason you are sad or depressed, visit a healthcare worker. Today there are effective treatments for many mental health disorders including depression.
  11. Eat healthy: Finally, eat a healthy diet that is more plant-based than meat. Foods that you should eat include whole wheat, fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and legumes. Eat meat in moderation. For cooking, use unsaturated oils. Limit the calorie intake to less than 2000 per day.

Final Point

Unintentional injuries are a major burden both to the victim and the government. Even mild injuries can lead to short-term disability and loss of a job. Hence, be proactive and take steps to change your lifestyle to minimize the risk of these injuries. In the end, it will also save you thousands of dollars from healthcare bills.

Staying Healthy

Many people do not realize until it is too late that staying healthy can be life-saving. But it is never too late to start a healthy approach to life. We live in a fast-paced world where everyone is very busy and there is little time devoted to the body. Plus with all the distractions it is not easy to make healthy choices. However, rest assured, the benefits of a healthy lifestyle are not only immediate but will echo for many decades with a sound mind and body. So if you want to remain healthy, here are a few tips:

  1. Become physically active: one of the best ways to remain healthy is to remain physically active. Do some type of exercise regularly. Even walking for 45-60 minutes every day is a great exercise. Other exercises that you can do include swimming, cycling, jogging, or aerobics- the key is to be regular. Finally, select an exercise you like so that you will continue doing it.
  2. Eat a healthy diet: Today it is recommended that one adopt a diet that is more plant-based rather than meat. The key is to eat everything in moderation. Fruits, vegetables, whole wheat, nuts, fish, and low-fat dairy are recommended. At the same time minimize the use of saturated oil, sugar, and salt in the diet.
  3. Avoid injury When playing sports, wear the appropriate safety gear. Use the seat belt every time you are in a motor vehicle. Ensure that the home has carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. We live in a world where random crime is common so always be on your guard when outside the home.
  4. Discontinue smoking: If you are a smoker, you should quit today. Nicotine has no health benefits and is a costly social habit. By quitting smoking, you will reduce your risk of developing cancer, premature heart disease, and stroke. Even though there are many aids to help people quit smoking, none of them works reliably; cold turkey is still the best approach.
  5. Limit the intake of alcohol. Even though there is a lot written about the benefits of drinking wine, these health benefits are minor. Instead of drinking wine, you can walk for 30 minutes. If you are adamant about drinking alcohol, adult males should drink no more than 2 glasses of wine per day and adult females should limit themselves to just one glass of wine per day. 
  6. Addiction: Drug and alcohol addiction affects millions of people eventually leading to social, economic, and legal issues. If you want to enhance the quality of your life, seek help for the addiction. Today there are effective treatments for addiction that can help you toward the goal of a healthy lifestyle.
  7. Practice safe sex: To help prevent sexually transmitted infections including HIV, use a condom regularly when you have a sexual encounter. While condoms are not 100% foolproof, they do lower the risk of acquiring an STD. 
  8. Limit exposure to the sun: Even though it is nice to have a nice looking bronze tan, it is important to understand that the rates of skin cancers have steadily been increasing. Today the number one risk factor for skin cancer is prolonged exposure to the sun. Hence avoid sun exposure between 10 am to 3 pm when it is the most intense, and always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you go outdoors. Wear sunglasses that can block most of the sun’s rays.
  9. Depressed: If you feel sad, anxious, or depressed on more than one occasion for no apparent reason, seek help. Today mental health disease affects more than 1% of the population and it can have a significant negative impact on the quality of life. People with mental health issues need to seek help because there are effective treatments that can significantly improve their quality of life. If you feel suicidal call the hotline 1800 273 8255; there are staff 24/7 to help you with your immediate crisis.
  10. Keep in touch; One of the ways to ensure that you are safe is to always keep in touch with your family and friends. 
  11. Become involved in the community and volunteer at the local food bank or hospital- it will greatly enhance your self-esteem and confidence.
  12. Stress: Learn to recognize stress and manage it. Unmanaged chronic stress can have a negative impact on life. To reduce stress, practice yoga and/or tai chi, meditate, start deep breathing exercises, read, listen to music and get adequate sleep.
  13. Finally, regularly see a healthcare provider; if something happens to your health, the healthcare provider is in the best position to know how to help. 

How to Prepare for Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) training covers a series of guidelines that healthcare providers follow to give care during emergencies. 

The goal of providing care, according to BLS guidelines, is to ensure that patients receive medical treatment with less risk. If you want to become, for example, an EMT or Paramedic, you need to prepare for your upcoming BLS certification exam. 

You can study effectively and pass your exam on the first try by learning some key tips. The following info gives you everything you need to know about BLS training and certification. This includes  an update on new BLS exam goals, access to study resources, and tips for passing your BLS test.

Updated Guidelines for BLS Training and Certification

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers BLS training similar to a CPR course. However, it’s directed more to healthcare workers. Therefore, the material expands on basic CPR training by covering CPR in the medical setting.

The course covers realistic scenarios, animations, and simulations of rescuers performing CPR. It also includes instruction in AED. Course participants learn how to use oxygen masks and control bleeding. Although the training is delivered online, the course may require an appointment with a BLS instructor. Participants take part in the hands-on portion of the training for this section of the course.. 

The Chain of Survival 

The course is structured so it also includes the chain of survival for CPR patients. Chain of survival starts with CPR and ends with post-resuscitation and recovery.

Training includes the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) as well. Instructors teach students how to provide sufficient ventilation through different barrier devices. Course participants also learn how to remove airway obstructions in children and adults to provide clear respiration.

The Emphasis is Placed on Team Rescue

Classes focus on team rescue situations and how responders can perform their role more effectively. Like other CPR/AED or first aid training modules, students receive the necessary study materials. 

Once you complete the training and pass the test, you’ll receive a BLS card that is good for two years. Therefore, you’ll need to take the training to renew your certification every two years.

Who Usually Needs to Take BLS Training Certification?

Because BLS training places a priority on using CPR for advanced life support training, students who receive certification typically work as:

  • Medical employes, including nurses, paramedics, and EMTs
  • Lifeguards
  • Police officers
  • Safety managers
  • Bus drivers
  • Firefighters

BLS training is also a prerequisite for organizations or institutions that want to upgrade their CPR training. Therefore, daycare providers, coaches, teachers, and construction managers also take the training.

How Long Does BLS Training Take?

Usually, you will spend 4 hours on training.

Study Resources

The new BLS certification exam features a new syllabus, new objectives, and new questions. Therefore to learn basic life support, you’ll need to do the following:

  • Brush up on your medical terminology and knowledge of anatomy
  • Use flashcards
  • Take practice tests
  • View videos

Pass Your Test the First Time You Take It

Don’t cram for your exam the day before you test. Instead, take your time to make sure you understand what you’ve read. Learn the concepts, terms, and scenarios that you’ll see on the exam. 

Memorize key facts, but don’t overthink it. When you study for the BLS exam, focus on the core concepts of the test.

Practice taking the test under timed conditions. Choose a quiet place with nothing distracting you. Get acquainted with the test format and learn from your mistakes. While the test is not timed, you can use these tips to improve your score.

Final Words

You need to remember a lot of details when preparing for a BLS certification exam. However, if you prepare for the exam, you won’t have too much trouble passing.. You need to score 84% on the exam, so you can only give four incorrect answers.

Follow the above tips, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming certified. With a little preparation and commitment, you can pass the test or even ace it on the first attempt.

What is Bloodborne Pathogens Training?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) supports bloodborne pathogens training. It is used to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens or viruses. The main pathogens include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 

Bloodborne pathogens training is not limited to healthcare workers. Therefore, anyone who works with or around patients can benefit from the program. 

What to Expect from Bloodborne Pathogens Training

When you take bloodborne pathogens training, you will learn about the risks of the related diseases. You will also focus on preventing transmission. The training covers exposure to blood and other bodily fluids. You’ll also go over the use of protective devices.

If you work in a medical setting, you should take the training

Working Conditions and Risks of Healthcare Settings

If you’re in close contact with patients each day, your risk for getting ill increases. That is why you should receive bloodborne training. If you want to help others, you have to help yourself as well.

Infection Control and Safety Practices

A bloodborne pathogens training course will teach you everything you need to know about infection control. You’ll learn the proper safety practices to follow to protect yourself from bloodborne diseases. 

Bloodborne pathogens are spread through direct contact with an infected individual. Therefore, you can contract the microorganisms from bodily fluids, surfaces or items. Avoid direct contact as much as possible.

An Overview of Common Bloodborne Pathogens Diseases

Infection with the hepatitis B virus triggers HBV. Symptoms may include jaundice, exhaustion, abdominal distress, or joint pain. Children, with HBV, may experience chronic illnesses. A chronic HBV infection can lead to cirrhosis (liver scarring) or liver cancer. Doctors can prevent hepatitis B by administering vaccinations.

Infection with the hepatitis C virus causes HCV. Drug users who use needles often contract the disease. If you receive a transfusion of unscreened blood, you’re also at a higher risk for getting sick. However, the majority of those with HCV do not display symptoms at all. Therefore, doctors may find it difficult to make a diagnosis.

A chronic hepatitis C infection may cause severe liver damage. Researchers have not discovered a cure for HCV. However, they can use drugs to treat the liver and improve immune activity.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is spread mostly via the blood or bodily fluids. Unprotected sexual activity or the use of unsterilized needles increase risk. People who receive transfusions with infected blood may also become infected.

AIDS has no vaccine. However, doctors can treat patients who have the virus.

Safeguarding Yourself and Others

Besides learning more about the signs of bloodborne diseases, you need to know how to keep yourself safe. This is especially important if you are in a high-risk job in healthcare. 

Therefore, you need to avoid coming into direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, and contaminated surfaces or items. Wash your hands often. Avoid sharing food, drinks and utensils with others. Use barriers when treating patients. Wear masks, gloves or gowns to stay safe.

Conclusion

You may find working in healthcare fulfilling. However, it also increases your risk of getting sick. Therefore, taking a bloodborne pathogens training course is one smart move to make. 

Bloodborne pathogens treatment

Universal precautions apply to which body fluids?

Cerebrospinal fluid

Blood

Semen

Vaginal secretions

Synovial fluid

Pleural and pericardial fluid

Amniotic fluid

In general, universal precautions do not apply to nasal secretions, feces, sweat, sputum, urine, vomitus, and tears unless they contain visible blood or have obvious signs of an infection.

Who requires training for bloodborne pathogens?

Any individual, irrespective of whether he or she is a healthcare worker, who is at risk for exposure to blood-borne pathogens needs to undergo training and pass the bloodborne pathogens test module. In general, the following professionals should undergo the bloodborne pathogens test:

  • Healthcare workers including nurses, doctors, phlebotomists, lab technologists, etc
  • First responders, EMTs, paramedics
  • Fireman and law enforcement
  • Researchers
  • Medical laboratory personnel
  • Nursing home staff
  • Dentists and dental assistance
  • Janitorial staff, housekeeping, cleaners
  • Blood bank personnel
  • School nurses, and all other school employees
  • Funeral home employees including morticians
  • Tattoo parlor personnel

This is not a complete list but in general, anyone who will come into contact with blood and body fluids should undergo the bloodborne pathogen module test.

Post-exposure treatment

Despite the best efforts and closely following safety precautions, accidental exposure to blood-borne pathogens does occur. Data show that doctors and nurses will suffer at least one needle stick at least once in their lifetime. And healthcare staff who work in the emergency room and operating theaters will suffer a needle or sharp injury one or more times in their career.

After exposure to a patient’s blood or body fluids, pathogens, the key is to act quickly. Every one in the workplace should follow the post-exposure protocol. OSHA requires that all employers offer FREE post-exposure and follow-up appointments to their employees who have been injured from a needlestick at no cost.

  1. After a needlestick or a sharp injury, the first thing to do is immediately wash the area with soap and water. If the blood or body fluid has involved the mucus membrane amounts of water or saline. Do this for at least 10-15 minutes
  2. After the initial cleaning, seek prompt medical attention either at the emergency department or the workplace occupational and health safety department
  3. According to the workplace policy, your injury should be documented and/or photographed.

Blood work

Depending on the severity of your needlestick injury and/or exposure to mucous membranes, your baseline blood work will be done to determine your hepatitis B, C, and HIV status. The blood work will also help determine if you have any protection against hepatitis B.

Treatment

Hepatitis B: If you have already been previously vaccinated against hepatitis B, no further treatment is required. However, if you have never received the hepatitis B vaccine or lack immunity to hepatitis B, you will be offered hepatitis B immune globulin and started on the hepatitis B vaccine.

Hepatitis C: There is no vaccine for hepatitis C but there are currently some very effective treatments to prevent the progression of hepatitis C and even obtain a cure. However, the treatment duration may vary from 1-6 months.

Tetanus: Although tetanus is not a blood-borne infection, you will be asked about your tetanus status if the injury has penetrated the skin. Tetanus vaccine is usually necessary for wounds from dirty objects or when the injury is deep. For only minor injuries, the recommendation is a booster if your tetanus shot was more than 10 years ago. If the wound is from a dirty needle or is a deep puncture wound, a booster is necessary if it has been more than 5 years since the last booster dose.

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV

The decision to prevent HIV infection will depend on the type of injury, severity, patient preference, and the HIV status of the source. In most cases, an infectious disease expert will be present to determine the need for treatment. In some cases, the consultant may start you on antiretroviral therapy and then discontinue it as more blood work data becomes available. But it is important not to delay post-exposure prophylaxis. Ideally, for HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis should start within 2 hours after exposure. Patients are normally have too take a 28-day course of antiretroviral medications. 

Repeat blood test

Irrespective of the type of blood-borne organism suspected, repeat blood work is usually necessary because in some cases, some infections may show up late. For example, hepatitis B and C can take up to 3-6 months to show up in blood and HIV may take even longer. One must follow up with a healthcare provider for repeat testing until all the tests are negative.

Prevent infection transmission in the post-exposure period.

It is vital that you undertake precautions to prevent the spread of infections in the post-exposure period. This means that for the next 6 months, you will have to live life assuming you have an infection.  During this window period, you should:

  • Use a condom
  • Practice safe sex
  • Avoid getting pregnant
  • Refrain from donating blood
  • Avoid sharing personal care products with others like toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, etc.

Follow the above precautions until your healthcare provider recommends that it is no longer necessary.

How do bloodborne pathogens spread?

Blood-borne pathogens spread when an infected individual comes into contact with an uninfected individual. But what type of contact and how much contact is necessary for actual transmission to occur?

The two main methods of transmission of blood-borne pathogens include sharing of hypodermic needles (eg illicit drug use) and sexual activity. In addition, one can also acquire infection by contact between the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals. Finally, infected mothers can also transmit certain infections to their babies during pregnancy and delivery.

How are healthcare workers exposed to blood-borne pathogens?

  • Needlestick injury is quite common
  • Inhalation of aerosolized particles generated during coughing, speaking, sneezing
  • Suffering a puncture wound from a sharp object like a scalpel blade or needle
  • Accidental blood exposure or contact with the mucous membrane of an infected person

In all cases, the risk of acquiring blood pathogens is lowest when the skin is intact and healthy. Secondary staff including cleaners and garbage collectors often get stuck with sharp objects during the cleanup of blood, body fluids and removal of sharp containers.

In most healthcare workers, the primary mode of transmission of blood-borne pathogens is direct contact with infected blood. Besides sharing needles, drawing blood from individuals and handling dirty needles are also common causes of transmission. In general, the highest risk of acquiring an infection is after contact with fresh blood. But most blood borne pathogens can live for 5-7 days outside the body. What this means is even dry blood can also transmit hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

Preventing bloodborne pathogen infections

The ideal way to prevent the spread of blood-borne pathogens is to follow universal precautions. 

Universal precaution steps

  1. Continuous education and seminars; All employers must provide regular training and education to their healthcare workers about blood-borne pathogens. In addition, the employer should provide seminars on the safe handling and disposal of blood and other biological agents 
  2. Frequent Hand washing; employers should make available clean washroom facilities with water, soap, and disposable tissues.
  3. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE);  
  • Employers should provide protective eyeglasses and a mask when an employee is going to be working with blood, body fluids, or feces. 
  • Further, gowns or aprons must be available and worn when there is a high probability that clothing is likely to come into contact with body fluids. 
  • Employers should also provide masks and gloves for all employees that are at risk for exposure to biological fluids.  
  • The employer should train employees on how to use PPE and ensure that all PPE are in working order. 

Sterilizing and cleaning of contaminated areas; 

  • Should always wear gloves during cleaning
  • The use of disposable towel is recommended to wipe away body fluids
  • Always decontaminate the area with household bleach (1:100 solution) or a germicide approved for hospital use
  • After use, thoroughly rinse, wash and disinfect all medical equipment.

Hand Washing

  • Must be a priority for all healthcare workers
  • It is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections
  • Hands should b washed after contact with a contaminated surface or any type of bodily fluid
  • Wet hands with water and then use soap for at least 10 seconds
  • Wash and scrub the fingernails thoroughly with a brush
  • Hands must be clean and dry before contact with another patient

Gloves

  • Employer should provide both vinyl and latex gloves for all employers who have the potential to come into contact with bodily fluids, and fecal material
  • Dispose all gloves after use
  • Wash hands thoroughly after removing the gloves

.Resuscitation Equipment

To reduce the risk of exposure during emergency mouth to mouth resuscitation, the employer should prove disposable mouth and nose pieces

Safe handling/disposal of contaminated material

All healthcare workers should know how to handle biological waste. Employees who are responsible for handling biological waste should wear puncture-resistant gloves and take precautions to prevent body contact. Biological waste should never be mixed with regular waste. Further, all biological waste should be considered potentially infectious.

CPR Instructor classes Minneapolis /St Paul Minnesota

In-Pulse CPR is an American Heart Training Center leader. We are the largest and most respected provider of community based classes in Minnesota. Learn to be an instructor from the best!

Why take an American Heart Instructor Class with us? In-Pulse CPR has trained over 125 thousand students since 2009 . Our instructors are passionate about teaching and it shows. We have thousands of reviews from students on Google and reviews.io that rave about our classes. Do your research, you won’t find a better taught class in the state.

Please note: We limit our instructor classes to only 2 a year. Our next class is on:

[my_calendar id=”inpulse-cpr” ltype=’state’ lvalue=’Minnesota’ above=”none” below=”none” category=”46″ format=”list” time=”month+4″ months=”4″]

Click on class for more information and to register
No dates shown or class full? Request to be on a waiting list!

American Heart Association AHA BLS Healthcare Provider Instructor Training
HeartSaver CPR Instructor Certification Red Cross ARC CPR Instructor Classes

“Why would I want to be a CPR Instructor?”

5 reasons why you should
Easier than you think – View the steps below
Frequently asked questions

Starting a new career as a CPR instructor is affordable and can be very rewarding. The demand for more community taught classes is growing. You could help fill that need.

5 Reasons Why you should become a CPR Instructor

Work for yourself

Upcoming Instructor class dates in Minnesota are listed below.

Becoming an American Heart Instructor:  You believe in the tremendous importance of CPR classes, and you have learned a lot by participating in these courses. If you are passionate about training and helping others, now is a great time to consider taking the next step and becoming an American Heart instructor. Once you complete your training, you’ll be able to take advantage of attractive benefits. Here are some of the reasons why becoming an American Heart instructor could be the perfect fit for you.

You can set your own schedule.

Flexibility is an important benefit to today’s job seekers, and working as a CPR instructor offers the schedule flexibility that you’ve been searching for. Once you are a certified instructor, you can choose the location, dates, and times of your classes. Teach classes on weekday evenings for busy parents, or schedule sessions during the day in corporate environments.

Get support and guidance from your Training Center

You can add impressive experience to your resume.

You want to give yourself every advantage in today’s competitive job market. If you are already working as a health professional, your current and potential employers will appreciate seeing the American Heart Instructor certification on your resume. This certification does not only mean that you are a CPR expert; it also shows that you have experience in teaching, speaking in front of a group, and instructing a class. Employers in a wide range of settings value these skills.

You set your own schedule

You can enjoy networking opportunities.

As we chat with those who are currently working as American Heart instructors, we find that many of them have made valuable connections through their classes. CPR certification is a requirement for all medical professionals, so you’ll have students from medical facilities throughout our local area. Whether you are looking for a new job now or sometime in the future, it’s helpful to have connections with medical professionals from a variety of specialties.

You can enjoy extra income.

Organizations ranging from schools to recreation departments realize the importance of providing quality CPR training for their employees. As they pay for these courses, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefit of extra income. Even if you only teach for part-time hours, you can earn additional funds for vacations, holiday gifts, and more.

You can make a life-changing difference.

We’ve saved the most important benefit of working as a CPR instructor for last. The process of teaching is rewarding, and it is even more so when the methods you are sharing can change lives. You’ll love seeing students leave your classes feeling empowered to act confidently in emergency situations. As your students go out into their families, work places, and communities, they have the power to save lives thanks to your careful instruction.

Steps Needed to Become an CPR Instructor

Instructor class are affordable

The steps are simple – get started today!

  1. Approval to align with a local American Heart Training Center – The American Heart requires this. The good news is In-Pulse CPR is an AHA Training Center (TC) and is currently accepting instructor alignments in Minnesota.
  2. Have a non-expired valid BLS and / or HeartSaver CPR certification before you attend an instructor class. Register Here! (Must be an American Heart certification)
  3. Sign up, attend, and successfully complete the classroom Instructor Course.  Call us at 763-262-4776 for information about our next class or visit the link at the top of this page to register online.
  4. Successfully be monitored teaching your first course within six months of completing Instructor Course. Training Center Coordinators can require additional monitoring.

FAQ’s New CPR Instructors Ask

  • What does it cost to become an American Heart Instructor?
    A new instructor should be prepared to spend a minimum of about $600-$800 to get started. As you grow, you can add to your inventory with more supplies and equipment as needed. The more equipment you have to teach with the larger your classes can be. A few of your startup costs include:
    -The Instructor course, alignment fee, and monitoring ($300-$500)
    -Manikins (a functional manikin can be purchased for around $120)
    Most instructors / teachers have multiple manikins.
    -AED trainers (start at about $100 each)
    -Additional training supplies and start up costs ($ varies)
    -Marketing / Website ($ varies)
    You may be able to help cut initial costs by finding used equipment to start out with.
  • Who do I train?
    Some people you might initially train are your family and friends, your church, or past employers. As you grow your business you may want to reach out to small to medium medical clinics, dental offices, daycares, and schools. There are thousands of people within your community who need this training. Many need CPR/ BLS training as a requirement for their job. This training needs to be completed every two years. BLS stands for ‘Basic Life Support’. It is often synonymous with CPR, more commonly refers to the medical side of CPR training that includes other life support functions like dealing with choking, assisted breathing, AED use, etc. As a BLS Instructor , you can teach healthcare CPR classes, as well as, laymen CPR (commonly known as HeartSaver CPR).
  • Where can I teach?
    Geographically speaking, you can teach anywhere. There are some restrictions on handing out a certification to someone outside the country though.
  • Once I take this class and start teaching CPR, who is my employer?
    This depends. Is an employer paying for your class and startup costs? Then they are probably your employer. If not, you are self employed. Being a self employed independent CPR instructor has many advantages. See 10 Benefits of Being Self-Employed.
  • Do I need a Healthcare background or public speaking experience to be a CPR instructor?
    The short answer is No, anyone can become a CPR instructor regardless of their background. That being said, having past experiences helps. If you are planning on teaching CPR to healthcare workers, it is hard to develop a rapport with your students if they have a medical background and you don’t. If you are only planning on teaching to non-healthcare students like that found at your church, warehouse staff, daycares, teachers, and similar, than a medical background is not important. Likewise, if you have public speaking experience and are an effective communicator, you may be skilled enough to establish a repour with many different types of audiences. Most new instructors have a few fears at first. The more often you teach, the more you can sharpen your communication skills and become a better instructor and communicator. The better you can connect with your students helps develop that trust your students are seeking. Having a good rapport with your students is huge; it is the difference with them giving you repeat business and passing referrals, to never doing business with you again.

When you attend an INSTRUCTOR CLASS with In-Pulse CPR, we will cover many of these questions within the course.

CPR Instructor classes Tampa Florida

In-Pulse CPR is an American Heart Training Center leader. We are the largest and most respected provider of community based classes in the area. Learn to be an instructor from the best!

Why train with us? In-Pulse CPR has trained over 150 thousand students since 2009 . Our instructors are passionate about teaching and it shows. We have thousands of reviews from students on Google, Trustpilot and reviews.io that rave about our classes.

Do your research, you won’t find a better taught class in the state.

Please note: We limit our instructor classes to only 3 a year. Our next class is on:

Click on class for more information and to register
No dates shown or class full? Request to be on a waiting list!

American Heart Association AHA BLS Healthcare Provider Instructor Training
HeartSaver CPR Instructor Certification

Equivalent Red Cross ARC CPR Instructor Classes

“Why would I want to be a CPR Instructor?”

5 reasons why you should
Easier than you think – View the steps below
Frequently asked questions

Starting a new career as a CPR instructor is affordable and can be very rewarding. The demand for more community taught classes is growing. You could help fill that need.

5 Reasons Why you should become a CPR Instructor

Work for yourself

Becoming an American Heart Instructor:  You believe in the tremendous importance of CPR classes, and you have learned a lot by participating in these courses. If you are passionate about training and helping others, now is a great time to consider taking the next step and becoming an American Heart instructor. Once you complete your training, you’ll be able to take advantage of attractive benefits. Here are some of the reasons why becoming an American Heart instructor could be the perfect fit for you.

You can set your own schedule.

Flexibility is an important benefit to today’s job seekers, and working as a CPR instructor offers the schedule flexibility that you’ve been searching for. Once you are a certified instructor, you can choose the location, dates, and times of your classes. Teach classes on weekday evenings for busy parents, or schedule sessions during the day in corporate environments.

Get support and guidance from your Training Center

You can add impressive experience to your resume.

You want to give yourself every advantage in today’s competitive job market. If you are already working as a health professional, your current and potential employers will appreciate seeing the American Heart Instructor certification on your resume. This certification does not only mean that you are a CPR expert; it also shows that you have experience in teaching, speaking in front of a group, and instructing a class. Employers in a wide range of settings value these skills.

You set your own schedule

You can enjoy networking opportunities.

As we chat with those who are currently working as American Heart instructors, we find that many of them have made valuable connections through their classes. CPR certification is a requirement for all medical professionals, so you’ll have students from medical facilities throughout our local area. Whether you are looking for a new job now or sometime in the future, it’s helpful to have connections with medical professionals from a variety of specialties.

You can enjoy extra income.

Organizations ranging from schools to recreation departments realize the importance of providing quality CPR training for their employees. As they pay for these courses, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefit of extra income. Even if you only teach for part-time hours, you can earn additional funds for vacations, holiday gifts, and more.

You can make a life-changing difference.

We’ve saved the most important benefit of working as a CPR instructor for last. The process of teaching is rewarding, and it is even more so when the methods you are sharing can change lives. You’ll love seeing students leave your classes feeling empowered to act confidently in emergency situations. As your students go out into their families, work places, and communities, they have the power to save lives thanks to your careful instruction.

Steps Needed to Become a CPR Instructor

Instructor class are affordable

The steps are simple – get started today!

  1. Approval to align with a local American Heart Training Center – The American Heart requires this. The good news is In-Pulse CPR is an AHA Training Center (TC) and is currently accepting instructor alignments in Florida.
  2. Have a non-expired valid BLS and / or HeartSaver CPR certification before you attend an instructor class. Register Here! (Must be an American Heart certification)
  3. Sign up, attend, and successfully complete the classroom Instructor Course.  Call us at 813-343-4024 for information about our next class or visit the link at the top of this page to register online.
  4. Successfully be monitored teaching your first course within six months of completing Instructor Course. Training Center Coordinators can require additional monitoring.

FAQ’s New CPR Instructors Ask

  • What does it cost to become an American Heart Instructor?
    A new instructor should be prepared to spend a minimum of about $900-$1200 to get started. As you grow, you can add to your inventory with more supplies and equipment as needed. The more equipment you have to teach with the larger your classes can be. A few of your startup costs include:
    -The Instructor course, alignment fee, and monitoring ($300-$500)
    -Manikins (a functional manikin can be purchased for around $160)
    Most instructors / teachers have multiple manikins.
    -AED trainers (start at about $120 each)
    -Additional training supplies and start up costs ($ varies)
    -Marketing / Website ($ varies)
    You may be able to help cut initial costs by finding used equipment to start out with.
  • Who do I train?
    Some people you might initially train are your family and friends, your church, or past employers. As you grow your business you may want to reach out to small to medium medical clinics, dental offices, daycares, and schools. There are thousands of people within your community who need this training. Many need CPR/ BLS training as a requirement for their job. This training needs to be completed every two years. BLS stands for ‘Basic Life Support’. It is often synonymous with CPR, more commonly refers to the medical side of CPR training that includes other life support functions like dealing with choking, assisted breathing, AED use, etc. As a BLS Instructor , you can teach healthcare CPR classes, as well as, laymen CPR (commonly known as HeartSaver CPR).
  • Where can I teach?
    Geographically speaking, you can teach anywhere. There are some restrictions on handing out a certification to someone outside the country though.
  • Once I take this class and start teaching CPR, who is my employer?
    This depends. Is an employer paying for your class and startup costs? Then they are probably your employer. If not, you are self employed. Being a self employed independent CPR instructor has many advantages. See 10 Benefits of Being Self-Employed.
  • Do I need a Healthcare background or public speaking experience to be a CPR instructor?
    The short answer is No, anyone can become a CPR instructor regardless of their background. That being said, having past experiences helps. If you are planning on teaching CPR to healthcare workers, it is hard to develop a rapport with your students if they have a medical background and you don’t. If you are only planning on teaching to non-healthcare students like that found at your church, warehouse staff, daycares, teachers, and similar, than a medical background is not important. Likewise, if you have public speaking experience and are an effective communicator, you may be skilled enough to establish a repour with many different types of audiences. Most new instructors have a few fears at first. The more often you teach, the more you can sharpen your communication skills and become a better instructor and communicator. The better you can connect with your students helps develop that trust your students are seeking. Having a good rapport with your students is huge; it is the difference with them giving you repeat business and passing referrals, to never doing business with you again.

When you attend an INSTRUCTOR CLASS with In-Pulse CPR, we will cover many of these questions within the course.

Presentation of Common Bloodborne Pathogens Part 2

Even though there are many blood-borne pathogens, the three that account for the majority of cases include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. 

Hepatitis B

The cause of Hepatitis B is the hepatitis B virus; the primary injury is inflammation of the liver- which can be acute or chronic. In the acute phase, the infection will last for up to 6 months before complete recovery. In the chronic phase, the infection is lifelong and is most likely occurs in individuals who are immunocompromised.

The majority of adults with hepatitis B usually have full recovery even if the symptoms are severe. On the other hand, children and younger people are more likely to develop chronic hepatitis B infection. There is a vaccine to prevent hepatitis B but once you have acquired the infection, there is no cure for it.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B infection range from mild to severe. The symptoms usually become obvious 4-12 weeks after the initial infection. Rarely one may see the symptoms after about 2 weeks post-infection. Younger people including children may not show any obvious symptoms. The classic signs of hepatitis B infection include:

  • Dark urine
  • Pale stools
  • Vague abdominal pain
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Yellowing of the eyes and skin
  • Itching

If hepatitis B infection becomes chronic it can lead to permanent liver damage and liver failure. There is also a risk of developing liver cancer.

The reason why hepatitis B is of major concern to healthcare workers is because 1) it is highly infectious. After a single needle stick injury, there is a 5%-30% chance of developing a liver infection. Secondly, because symptoms may not present for many months, many people may not know that they have acquired the infection.

Hepatitis C

Another viral infection that can cause inflammation of the liver is hepatitis C. The hepatitis C virus is generally transmitted via contaminated blood products. There is no cure for hepatitis C and if left untreated can lead to permanent liver damage and liver cancer. The good news is that over the past decade, newer medications have been developed that can cure chronic hepatitis C. However, these medications need to be taken for at least 4-to 6 months and are costly.

Unfortunately close to 50% of people with hepatitis C don’t know if they are infected chiefly because they have no symptoms, which can take many years to appear. For this reason, the USPSTF recommends that all adults above age 18 undergo a screening test for hepatitis C.

Symptoms

Unlike other types of hepatitis, hepatitis C infection tends to remain silent for many years. At the same time, the virus continues to damage the liver and can even be transmitted to others.

Signs and symptoms include:

  • Easy bruising
  • Bleeding easily
  • Very little appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Dark urine
  • Pale colored stools
  • Yellow discoloration of skin and eyes
  • Itchy skin
  • Abdominal distention due to fluid accumulation
  • Weight loss
  • Confusion
  • Numerous spider-like blood vessels on the abdomen

Even though hepatitis C starts as an acute infection, most patients have no symptoms. The acute symptoms if they occur will include fatigue, jaundice, muscle aches, and fever. The acute symptoms usually last 1-3 months after the initial virus exposure.

Some people can clear the hepatitis C virus and the acute infection does not always become chronic. It appears that about 15-25% of the people have the ability to spontaneously clear the virus. Sometimes acute hepatitis C will also respond to available antiviral treatment. To date, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C but there are effective treatments.

HIV and AIDS

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a life-threatening infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus is known to damage the immune system and interferes with the body’s ability to fight disease and infections. HIV is known to infect and kill white blood cells, known as T Cells or CD4 Lymphocytes. These cells are vital for fighting organisms. When the number of CD4 cells drops to less than 200, one is unable to fight infections. At this stage the individual becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections- organisms that are normally not infective but because the immune system is suppressed now start to thrive.

HIV is predominantly acquired via sexual activity. But it can also spread via blood transfusion, use of illicit IV drug injections, or sharing dirty needles. It is also known to spread from the pregnant mother to the fetus during pregnancy.

Without treatment, the virus slowly weakens the immune system and destroys the ability to fight off infections. There is no cure for HIV but there are medications available that can control and prevent the progression of the disease. Over the past 2 decades, antiviral drugs have significantly decreased the death rate from AIDS.

Symptoms

The symptoms of HIV and AIDs vary on the infection phase:

Primary infection

Most people who acquire HIV will develop a flu-like illness within 10-21 days. This primary acute viral infection my last 2-6 weeks.

Typical signs and symptoms may include

Headache

Fever

Rash

Muscle pain

Swollen glands under the armpit or neck

Sore throat

Painful mouth sores

Cough

Diarrhea

Weight loss

Loss of appetite

Night sweats and chills

The above symptoms are usually mild. However, as the concentration of the virus builds up in the bloodstream, the symptoms will become more obvious.

Latent infection

During this stage of the infection, the virus is still present in the blood circulation but most people do not have any symptoms. Without antiretroviral treatment, the latent stage can last for 2-7 years. Some individuals may develop much more severe disease much earlier.

Symptomatic HIV infection

As the virus continues to multiply in the body and the load increases, soon the patient will start to develop symptoms. The individual may be unable to fight off even the common cold. At this stage the symptoms will include:

Generalize fatigue

Fever

Swollen gland under the armpit and neck

Weight loss

Diarrhea

Thrust (oral infection of the mouth)

Skin rash

Pneumonia

Shingles

Loss of appetite

Progression to AIDS

Today availability of antiretroviral treatment has significantly slowed the death from AIDS. If untreated most patients with HIV develop AIDS in 8-10 years.

Rare Bloodborne pathogens

There are many other blood pathogens but most healthcare workers will rarely encounter them in clinical practice. Some of these include the ebola virus, West Nile virus, zika virus, Lassa fever, Marburg virus, dengue, and so on. For the most part, it is unlikely that a healthcare worker will have exposure to these organisms unless working in an area of an outbreak.

Bloodborne Pathogens Part 1

All individuals who work in a clinical setting, medical laboratory, healthcare institution, or research facility may come in contact with body fluids from another person. This places them at high risk for coming into contact with bloodborne pathogens. But what are bloodborne pathogens?

Blood-borne pathogens are organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi) that can cause potentially serious and fatal diseases. To be safe from blood-borne pathogens requires being up to date on the information and practicing avoidance.

Today nearly 5.6 million healthcare workers in the US regularly encounter blood-borne pathogens in their daily work. Unfortunately despite the best precautions, a few healthcare workers continue to develop signs and symptoms of an infection every year. The only way to protect yourself is by being proactive and using standard infectious disease protocols.

What Are Bloodborne Pathogens?

By definition, bloodborne pathogens are disease-causing organisms that can be transmitted from one person to another, through blood or other bodily fluids or materials. They include the following:

  • Blood
  • Serum
  • Genital secretions
  • Semen
  • Amniotic fluid
  • Cerebrospinal fluid
  • Saliva
  • Peritoneal, Pleural, and synovial fluid

Unlike blood, the transmission of bloodborne pathogens from other body fluids is not common. In general, urine, saliva, sweat, and fecal material are said to be low-risk materials for transmission. However, most institutions recommend wearing appropriate PPE and taking universal precaution measures. On the other hand, exposure to genital secretions or semen is considered a high risk for transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Of course, the risk also depends on the type of activity (ie vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse).

Examples of Blood borne pathogens

The majority of blood-borne pathogens tend to occur after contact with blood. Classic examples of bloodborne pathogens include the following:

Hepatitis B, C

HIV

Malaria

Zike virus

West Nile virus

Ebola 

Hepatitis B, C, and HIV make up the vast majority of blood-borne pathogens today. 

Once acquired, these blood-borne pathogens can cause both acute and chronic illnesses. These illnesses may present with fever, weakness general malaise, jaundice, weight loss, rash, etc. The condition may flare up now and then. To date, only hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccination, but there is no cure for hepatitis C or HIV.

The OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

In 1991, OSHA (the Occupational Safety And Health Administration) published the first guidelines on blood-borne pathogens. This guideline recommended employers be proactive and take steps to decrease the employee’s risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. The OSHA standard describes which employees are at risk, what the common bloodborne pathogens are, and the steps to lower the risk of transmission. The OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard has the following mandatory steps for employers:

  • Develop an Exposure Control Plan that has to be available to all employees. It also needs a regular update every year
  • Enforce the practice of universal protocol
  • Ensure that physical steps like engineering precautions are in place. This includes availability of sharps disposal bins, self sheathing needles, and needleless procedures where feasible
  • Ensure that employee work practices are safe and done in a manner that minimizes the risk of exposure
  • Have in place proper methods for handling and discarding infected laundry
  • Have in place methods for sanitizing infected surfaces
  • That employees have individual protective equipment like gloves eye protection masks and gowns
  • That free hepatitis B vaccination is available to all employees. Ten days prior to any tasks, the employee needs to receive the hepatitis B vaccine
  • Ensure that all potentially infected individuals have free post-exposure examination according to CDC guidelines
  • Have a reporting mechanism for all documented injuries to potential bloodborne pathogens
  • Regularly educate workers about the risk of bloodborne pathogens, place signage throughout the facility and use proper labels

Revised OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen Standard

In 2001, OSHA revised the bloodborne pathogens standard and included the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. In addition, it also made more recommendations for employers which include the following

  • Documenting all sharp injuries within the facility, the type of device, and the seriousness of the injury
  • Maintaining a sharp injury data bank
  • An expanded definition of engineering controls
  • Ensuring that novel needle and sharp technology changes also have exposure control protocol in place

What is CPR: an update

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving procedure that can be used to save lives in emergencies like drowning or heart attack, where the individual’s heartbeat and/or breathing have suddenly stopped. CPR can be performed anywhere when an individual develops cardiac arrest including areas outside the hospital like an airplane, swimming pool, or even a shopping mall. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), when you witness a cardiac arrest, CPR should be quickly started with fast and hard chest compressions. The ‘hands only’ CPR recommendations apply to both first responders and all untrained bystanders.

The AHA states that individuals who are unsure how to perform CPR or are afraid to initiate CPR should be aware that it is better to at least make an attempt- this is better than doing nothing at all; by doing even the most basic CPR- this can help save someone’s life.

Ample data show that CPR can keep oxygen-rich blood from the heart flowing to the brain and other body organs until emergency medical services can restore the heart’s natural rhythm. When the heart stops beating, the brain and other organs no longer receive the oxygen-rich blood. To prevent serious injury to the brain and other organs, it is vital to resume blood flow in a matter of minutes.

AHA recommendations

Untrained individuals: Even if you have not been trained in CPR or worry about giving rescue breaths, then at least perform hands-only CPR. To be effective, the chest compressions should be uninterrupted at a rate of 100-120 a minute until the first responders (paramedics) arrive. It is not absolutely necessary for untrained individuals to offer rescue breathing.

Trained individuals with up-to-date knowledge and skills: for those who have training in CPR and feel confident about their ability, the first task is to check if the person is breathing and has a pulse. If the individual is not breathing or there is no pulse, start chest compression ASAP. The goal is to initiate CPR with 30 chest compressions prior to giving two rescue breaths.

Trained individuals but not up to date with skills: for those individuals who have received CPR training some time ago and do not feel confident with their ability, the AHA recommends starting chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 a minute

The above recommendations only apply to infants, children, and adults who need CPR these recommendations do not apply to newborns- those less than 4 weeks of age.

Call 911

Individuals who are bystanders or those untrained in CPR should assist by calling 911 or the local emergency services as soon as possible before starting CPR. TIn many cases, the dispatcher can guide you on how to perform the procedure effectively until EMS arrives. To save a life, learn how to do CPR by taking an accredited first aid course that includes CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) 

CPR 101

Before you start CPR, you need to do the following:

  1. Check if the area is safe for the individual who has arrested
  2. Check if the individual is responsive or unresponsive?
  3. If the individual appears unresponsive, shake or tap his upper body (shoulder) and ask loudly, ‘are you okay?’
  4. When you discover a person who is not conscious, and if you are with another person who can assist, have him or her call the local emergency number or call 911.
  5. If the individual has developed cardiac arrest in a mall, plaza, or another public place, ask if there is an AED available
  6. While one person is communicating, the other person should start CPR- do not try to do everything on your own, especially when help is available. The key is to start CPR and avoid wasting time.
  7. If you are alone and have access to a phone, call the local emergency number or 911 before starting CPR. Ask for an AED if available
  8. As soon as the AED is available, deliver one shock as instructed by the device and then start CPR

Remember C-A-B

The AHA recommends that people who do CPR remember C-A-B in order to perform the sequence of CPR:

C: Chest compressions

A: Airway should be open

B: Rescue breathing

Compressions

The primary reason for the compressions is to restore blood flow to the brain and other organs. Compression requires the use of both hands. Place both hands over the mid chest and push down hard and fast. This is the most important maneuver in CPR and has to be done right to be effective. The technique of chest compressions is as follows:

  1. The arrested individual has to be on his/her back against a solid/firm surface
  2. Kneel on the right or left next to the individual’s shoulder and neck
  3. Apply the heel of your hand over the center of the individual’s chest should be in between the two nipples
  4. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Maintain your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands
  5. Push down with your hands on the chest. Compress the chest for at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) but not more than 2.5 inches. The compressions have to be performed using the entire body and not just the hands
  6. Push hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions a minute. After every compression, permit the chest to recoil back into its original position.
  7. If you have had no CPR training, continue with chest compressions until medical personnel arrive or until you see signs of movement in the individual. If you have training in CPR, go to the mouth area and perform rescue breathing.

The Airway

The goal is to keep it open

For those individuals trained in CPR, once you have performed 30 chest compressions, go to the mouth and open the airway using the chin lift, head-tilt maneuver. To do this, place your palm of the left hand on the individual’s forehead and gently tilt the head back. Then with your right hand, gently raise the chin forward to open the airway

Start breathing for the individual

Rescue breathing can be done either via mouth to mouth or mouth to nose. The latter approach may be necessary if the individual’s mouth has an injury or if you are not able to open it. In the Covid-19 era, current recommendations for rescue breathing involve the use of a bag-mask device that has a high-efficiency particulate air filter.

  1. After you open the airway using the chin lift and head tilt maneuver, pinch the nostrils with your left hand. At the same time cover the individual’s mouth with your mouth. For mouth-to-mouth breathing to be effective, the seal has to be good.
  2. Next, give the first rescue breath that lasts 1-2 seconds and watch the chest to see if it rises. If the chest shows an upward motion, give the second rescue breath
  3. If the chest fails to rise, repeat the chin lift, head tilt maneuver, and give the second rescue breath. Always be careful not to breathe with too much force or provide too many breaths.
  4. One cycle of CPR involves 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
  5. After every 2 rescue breaths, resume chest compressions

Use AED

As soon as an AED is available, apply the paddles to the chest. The newer generation of AEDs are fully automatic, easy to use and provide voice prompts. Follow the prompts. Initially give one shock and then resume chest compressions for at least 120 seconds before administering a second shock. If you have no idea how to use an AED, the 911 operator or the local emergency services. Many times, these individuals can provide you with instructions. Continue CPR until the emergency medical personnel arrive.

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Disclaimer:
Use of any advise on this site is purely at your own risk.  The information supplied is designed to accompany CPR and first aid training not to replace.  In-Pulse CPR, Inc disclaims any liability for losses you incur as a result of inaccuracy of the information provided on this website.  Information on this site is for education, supplemental to examination by and advice of medical professionals.   Any information regarding first aid treatments is not meant to replace the advice of medical professionals including physicians, paramedics, emergency room attendants, nurses or other licensed medical personnel.