Paramedic exposure to BBPs

A study of paramedics that estimates the national incidence rate of on-the-job blood exposure suggests they are at high risk for contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C from bloodborne pathogens.

The study, by the Constella Group, featured a mail survey sent to certified paramedics in the U.S. to determine the frequency of exposure and the routes of exposure, including accidental needlestick, contact with "non-intact skin" (i.e. cuts, lesions), contact with mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, nose, and mouth), patient bites, or cuts from other sharp objects containing patient blood, such as broken glass.

"Our study indicates that more than 20 percent of paramedics are exposed to patient blood at least once a year," according to Dr. Jack Leiss, chief epidemiologist at Constella. "Just as many of those exposures occur through contact with mucous membranes as through needlesticks. While the primary focus of prevention efforts has been on needlesticks, our study indicates that exposures to the eyes, nose and mouth may be equally important."

The study suggests that paramedics continue to be at substantial risk for blood exposure and that more attention should be given to reducing blood exposures through mucus membranes.

JCAHO/OSHA compliance

Safety and health managers in healthcare face a challenge when it comes to administering JCAHO and OSHA standards, according to Business & Legal Reports. They must address the requirements of both entities. Joseph McFadden, president of McFadden and Associates, safety and health consultants in Denver, Colorado, offers helpful tips on the standards:

* JCAHO standards are for healthcare facilities only. OSHA covers many industries.
* JCAHO does not issue monetary fines. OSHA does.
* A non-compliant review by JCAHO may lead to non-accreditation. Failure to comply with OSHA standards leads to citations which many include monetary fines.
* JCAHO may perform unannounced inspections, but not always. OSHA inspections are usually unannounced.
* JCAHO requires written follow-up reports. OSHA requires a written plan of action.
* JCAHO requires written policies and procedures. OSHA may require written safety and health plans and procedures.
* JCAHO covers patients, visitors and staff safety. OSHA covers employee safety only.
* JCAHO requires staff training. OSHA requires employee training.
* JCAHO follows OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard. OSHA enforces the bloodborne pathogens standard.