Blood Borne Pathogens and Transmission Methods

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Questions and Answers

What should be done with a used biohazard bag?

Dispose of it in the trash

Notify the Captain and store it in the lavatory waste receptacle (correct)

Dispose of it during the in-range call

Store it in the cabin equipment

Who is responsible for removing the biohazard bag per station procedures?

Station personnel (correct)

The Captain

STAT-MD

Flight Attendants

What is one of the methods of transmission of blood borne pathogens?

Walking near an infected person

Touching an infected person's skin

Exposure of broken skin to the body fluids of an infected person (correct)

Sharing food with an infected person

What is the purpose of the Emergency Medical Kit (EMK)?

For life-threatening emergencies in flight Signup and view all the answers

What should you do immediately if you come into contact with blood?

Use alcohol wipes to sterilize Signup and view all the answers

Who can access the outer pocket of the EMK without permission?

Any crew member Signup and view all the answers

What is a type of personal protective equipment used to prevent exposure to blood borne pathogens?

Gloves Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to remove gloves properly after handling a first aid emergency?

To prevent exposure to bloodborne pathogens Signup and view all the answers

What should a Flight Attendant do if they find a needle or need to dispose of one during a medical event?

Follow the same procedures as for a biohazard bag Signup and view all the answers

Where should items soaked with blood be disposed of?

AFT lavatory trash bin Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you have blood on your clothing?

Change into new clothing immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Sharps Shuttle?

To dispose of needles and other sharp objects Signup and view all the answers

Who can use the items in the EMK?

Flight Attendants under the direction of STAT-MD or the Captain Signup and view all the answers

What is a key step in preventing the transmission of airborne pathogens?

Avoiding close contact with infected individuals Signup and view all the answers

What should you do after cleaning up a blood spill?

Lock the lavatory to quarantine Signup and view all the answers

Why should you consider all body fluids as potentially infectious?

Because they may contain blood Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a Sharps Shuttle?

To dispose of contaminated needles Signup and view all the answers

Where are the two Sharps Shuttles located?

In the Flight Attendant Supply Drawer Signup and view all the answers

What should the customer do with the used needle?

Place it in the Sharps Shuttle with the needle facing the tip of the container Signup and view all the answers

What should the flight attendant do after the customer places the needle in the Sharps Shuttle?

Take the container from the customer and lock the lid Signup and view all the answers

What should the flight attendant use to protect themselves from exposure to the contaminated needle?

The protective gloves from the Body Fluid Cleanup Kit Signup and view all the answers

What should the flight attendant do with the used protective gear and the Sharps Shuttle?

Place them in the biohazard containment bag Signup and view all the answers

Why are the Sharps Shuttles in the Emergency Medical Kit (EMK) not easily accessible?

Because the EMK requires approval to open Signup and view all the answers

What should the flight attendant do with the red biohazard bag after sealing it?

Dispose of it in the lavatory waste receptacle Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Borne Pathogens (Infectious Diseases)

Any bodily fluid may contain blood and is considered potentially infectious.
Precautions must be taken to prevent contact with potentially infectious body fluids.
If you come into contact with blood, use alcohol wipes to sterilize and call STAT-MD immediately.

Methods of Transmission

Blood borne pathogen transmission can occur through:
A prick from a needle used by an infected person.
Human bites from an infected person.
Exposure of broken skin to the body fluids of an infected person.
Exposure of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth to the body fluids of an infected area.
Airborne transmission can occur through respiratory droplets in the air.

Blood Borne Pathogens Prevention

Immediately protect yourself by putting on gloves, found in the Biohazard Kit, EMK, First Aid Kit, or AED (Supplemental Pouch).
Obtain the Body Fluid Cleanup Kit (Biohazard Kit).
Put on protection equipment, including a face shield and a plastic apron.
Dispose of items soaked with blood in the red trash bag found in the kit.
Place the bag in an AFT lavatory trash bin and lock the lavatory to quarantine.

Sharps Shuttles

A Sharps Shuttle is a portable medical waste disposal container used for disposing of contaminated needles.
Two Sharps Shuttles are located in the Flight Attendant Supply Drawer.
Sharps Shuttles are not a "No-Go" item.

Sharps Shuttles Procedure

If a customer needs to dispose of a needle:
Obtain the Sharps Shuttle from the FA Supply Drawer.
Obtain a Body Fluid Cleanup Kit from the FA Supply Drawer.
Don protective gloves.
Provide the Sharps Shuttle to the customer and advise them to place the needle into the container with the needle facing the tip of the container.
Take the container from the customer and lock the lid.
Place the container into the biohazard containment bag along with the used protective gear.
Seal the red biohazard bag.
Place the red biohazard bag in a lavatory waste receptacle.
Lock off the lavatory and notify the Captain that a biohazard bag has been used, where it is being stored, and that the inbound station needs to be notified during the in-range call for proper retrieval.

Glove Removal

After handling a first aid emergency, it is important to remove gloves properly to prevent exposure from any bloodborne pathogens.

Emergency Medical Kit (EMK)

The EMK is used for life-threatening emergencies in flight and is only for use by medical personnel.
Flight Attendants may use specific items under the direction of STAT-MD or the Captain.
The outer pocket of the EMK containing the stethoscope and blood pressure cuff can be accessed without STAT-MD or the Captain's permission.

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Description

Learn about the risks and prevention methods of blood borne pathogen transmission, including precautions to take and what to do in case of contact. Understand the different ways blood borne pathogens can be transmitted.