Emergency Workers and the AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Epidemic: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement, Fire Service, and Ambulance Service Personnel

• NCJ Number: 109386
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 43 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: California Dept of Health Services
• Corporate Author: American Red Cross; California Firefighter Foundation
• Sale Source: California Firefighter Foundation
• Publication Type: Policy/Procedure Handbook/Manual
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Second Edition. Originally prepared as part of a Special Project 'AIDS Education for Emergency Workers.'

Annotation

This guidebook, geared toward emergency workers, provides information about AIDS, discusses how AIDS infiltrates the body, and defines clear and specific procedures to reduce risk of inadvertent exposure.

Abstract

AIDS is a bloodborne disease that can undermine and eventually destroy the body's ability to fight off infection. The virus may be transmitted by any activity or situation that results in direct contact between certain body fluids of an infected person and the body fluids of another. While certain precautions should be taken when handling AIDS cases, no emergency worker who is not in a high risk group has ever contracted AIDS as a result of job-related activity. Guidelines discussed in detail include using soap and water to sterilize, avoiding needlesticks, and using pocket masks and rubber gloves. Information about AIDS testing and treatment and a listing of resources for additional information are included. Glossary.