Bloodborne PathogensAthletic Medicine

Objectives

By the end of this section, you should:● Understand how pathogens are spread.● Know how the immune system fights pathogens.● Know what the three common BBPs are, and how they are

spread. ● Understand how to prevent the spread of BBPs.● Know the steps to take when dealing with a bleeding athlete. ● Be able to take contaminated gloves off appropriately.

Universal Precautions

● Athletic Trainers must take precautions against the spread of diseases and infections.

● You never know what diseases/infections someone has!

Infectious Diseases

● Infectious diseases are the invasion of a host (person) by microorganisms called pathogens.

● Pathogens cause disease.

Infectious Disease

● Infections can be transmitted through the following:o Direct

Contact between body surfaces (sexual intercourse)

Droplet spread (sneezing) Fecal-oral spread (feces on hands passing to

mouth)

Infectious Disease

● Transmissiono Indirect

Infections travel through inanimate objects (water, food, towels, clothing, eating utensils).

Vectors (insects, birds, animals)

Immune System

● The immune system is the body’s defense system against invading pathogens.

● The immune system will fight and destroy the pathogen.

● Also creates antibodies to fight the pathogen.

Immune System

● Two lines of defense:o Mechanical defenses

Skin, mucous membranes, nasal hair, ciliao Cellular defenses

Eliminates microorganisms Antigen triggers the immune response, and

leukocytes and macrophages trigger T cells and B cells to combat the antigen and make antibodies.

Bloodborne Pathogens

● Bloodborne Pathogens are viruses transmitted through contact with blood or other bodily fluids. o Bloodo Semeno Vaginal secretionso Cerebrospinal fluido Synovial fluid

Bloodborne Pathogens

● Hepatitis B● Hepatitis C● Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Prevention

● Wash hands frequently● Review medical histories of athletes● Prepare/handle food properly● Safe sex● Healthy habits

Protecting Ourselves in an Athletic Setting

● Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) established standards for people to follow.o Protect BOTH the provider and patient from

Bloodborne Pathogens.

When Bleeding Occurs:

● Preparing the Athlete:o Cover all open skin wounds prior to participation

● Athletes with active bleeding must be removed from participation ASAP.o Covero Uniform

● ALWAYS wear gloves when you are dealing with a bleeding athlete!

Steps to take when bleeding occurs:

1. PUT ON GLOVES.a. If the athlete is bleeding profusely, you can hand

them gauze to hold themselves until you get gloves on.

2. Use gauze to clean blood around area.3. Sanitize wound.4. Cover with dressing and fix it into place.

Taking Gloves Off

● Pinch one glove toward the bottom and pull it off, turning it inside out.

Taking Gloves Off

● Hold the inside out glove in the palm of your gloved hand.

● Pinch the bottom of the glove and pull it off, turning it inside out with the other glove inside it.