Blood is something that most people don’t think about on a regular basis, since it’s busy flowing throughout our bodies, out of sight and out of mind. We’re also not strangers to our own blood, from a simple paper cut to a bloody nose, we may get a bit squeamish but it’s nothing too out of the ordinary. However, what most people aren’t prepared for is what to do with another person’s blood, especially if it gets on you in some way.
You may come in contact with another person’s blood due to a number of reasons, such as playing sports and coming into contact with someone who has a cut or performing first aid on someone in need. At OC Safety, preparing people for emergency situations is what we do, so we’ll be looking at what the risks and necessary steps are for when you come in contact with someone else’s blood.
The Biggest Dangers Of Getting Someone’s Blood On You
Coming into contact with another person’s blood does have risks, specifically something known as a BBV, or “blood-born virus”. BBV’s are typically only transferred through the sharing (willing or unwilling) of bodily fluids such as blood and sometimes saliva that has been mixed with blood in the mouth. While there are many types of BBV’s, the most dangerous and well-known ones are:
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
Your risk of contracting these viruses when you come into contact with a person’s blood that has any of them, depends on where the blood came into contact with you.
How Blood-Born Viruses Are Contracted
You are only at risk of contracting a BBV if the other person’s blood comes into contact with a route of transmission, which is typically a cut on your body that the infected blood can enter your own bloodstream. It is also possible to contract the viruses if the blood comes into contact with exposed body parts such as your eyes, mouth, or nose, but the risk is much lower.
Step-By-Step Guide If You Come Into Contact With Someone Else’s Blood
Below are the immediate steps to take if you get someone’s blood on you. In most cases where a person is exposed to a BBV, it is possible to halt the infection of the virus in the first 72 hour after exposure.
- Clean The Area – Wash off the blood with soap and running water. For blood in the eyes, take out any contact lenses and rinse thoroughly. For blood in the mouth, rinse your mouth and spit out the water (do not swallow the water).
- Assess The Risk – If the blood got on an open wound or in an exposed area, you may be at a higher risk of contracting a BBV. If the blood was on unbroken skin, you are at very low risk of contracting a virus. If possible, find out if the person does have any transferrable BBV’s that you could have been exposed to.
- Consult A Medical Professional – If you did come into contact with a BBV and are at risk of infection, contact the accident and emergency department at your local hospital to get a assessment from a trained medical professional.
How Being First Aid Certified Can Help
By being first aid certified, you will be armed with the knowledge of what to do in crisis situation, allowing to be calm and collected in emergencies that require quick thinking and reactions. At OC Safety, we offer professionally led first aid certification and safety classes that will help you protect yourself, those you care about, and the people around you. These classes will teach you what to do in medical emergencies, such as coming into contact with someone else’s blood and assessing the risk of contracting a blood-born virus.
Contact OC Safety To Prepare Yourself For Any Situation!
If you want to be more prepared when you’re faced with a medical emergency, sign up for a first aid certification program with your local Orange, CA safety training experts! We at OC Safety offer a wide range of classes to help you be more knowledgeable and capable when it comes to crucial first aid techniques. If you have any questions about what to do in certain emergency situations, or would like to schedule a class with us, contact us today!