Overview

Welcome to the Save a Life Initiative: Bloodborne Pathogens Course. Through this course, you will become better prepared to tackle health concerns involving bacteria and pathogens. You will learn how to properly take care of others by reducing exposure to bloodborne pathogens and harmful bacteria you may encounter at work. This course is unique in that it teaches practical ways for dealing with bacteria and pathogens, helping to decrease the spread of diseases and infection. By the end of this course, you will be better equipped to care for and protect yourself and others.

The materials and information provided in this course contain knowledge for protecting yourself and others from exposure to harmful microorganisms that you may be faced with throughout your career.

Your employer may require this type of training for bloodborne pathogens. Additionally, the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) requires this type of training on an annual basis. You may also receive additional training, referred to as an exposure control plan, on bloodborne pathogens from your employer, depending on your assigned responsibilities.

1. Identify where bloodborne pathogens come from.
2. Recognize the risks you may face when caring for people and working in an environment where you come into contact with blood.
3. Learn how to properly clean up blood and blood-containing fluids.
4. Identify personal protective equipment (PPE) and understand its importance in preventing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
5. Understand and explain the transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
6. Learn preventive measures for avoiding exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
7. Learn proper actions to take should exposure occur.
8. Establish a core sense of responsibility among participants to strengthen preventive measures against exposure and transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge necessary to actively prevent bloodborne pathogen transmission in your place of employment. Although the amount of patient contact varies from job to job, there is always a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.