American Heart Association: Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens
Date/Time:	Call to schedule
Location:	Call to schedule
Class Price:	$50.00

The American Heart Association's Bloodborne Pathogens Training Course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and mitigate the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens in the workplace. Bloodborne pathogens, including viruses such as HIV, HBV, and HCV, pose a serious occupational hazard to healthcare workers, emergency responders, and other professionals who may come into contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). This course educates participants on the fundamentals of bloodborne pathogens, including transmission routes, prevention strategies, and appropriate response protocols, ensuring they can protect themselves and others from exposure and infection.

Course Objectives:

1. Understanding Bloodborne Pathogens: Gain a comprehensive understanding of bloodborne pathogens, including common viruses (such as HIV, HBV, HCV) and other infectious microorganisms, their modes of transmission, and the risks they pose to human health.

2. Occupational Risks and Legal Requirements: Learn about the occupational risks associated with bloodborne pathogens exposure, including regulatory requirements outlined in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, and the responsibilities of employers and employees in preventing occupational exposures.

3. Infection Control Measures: Explore a range of infection control measures and best practices for preventing bloodborne pathogens exposure, including engineering controls, work practice controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe work procedures.

4. Universal Precautions: Understand the concept of universal precautions and standard precautions as foundational principles for infection control, emphasizing the importance of treating all blood and potentially infectious materials as if they are contaminated.

5. Exposure Control Plans: Learn about the components of an effective exposure control plan, including risk assessment, exposure determination, employee training, post-exposure management, and recordkeeping requirements.

6. Safe Work Practices: Explore safe work practices for minimizing the risk of bloodborne pathogens exposure in various occupational settings, including healthcare facilities, laboratories, emergency response operations, and other high-risk environments.

7. Post-Exposure Procedures: Understand the appropriate response protocols for occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens, including immediate first aid measures, reporting procedures, medical evaluation and follow-up, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) options.

8. Interactive Learning and Assessment: Engage in interactive learning activities, case studies, and assessments to reinforce key concepts and ensure understanding of bloodborne pathogens risks and prevention strategies.

Target Audience:

• Healthcare professionals
• Emergency responders
• Laboratory workers
• Janitorial and custodial staff
• Tattoo artists and body piercers
• Anyone with potential occupational exposure to blood or OPIM

Duration: The Bloodborne Pathogens Training Course typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the depth of content coverage and the specific needs of participants.

Outcome: Participants who complete the course will have the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize the risks associated with bloodborne pathogens exposure and implement appropriate infection control measures to prevent occupational exposures and protect themselves and others from infection. By understanding bloodborne pathogens risks and prevention strategies, participants contribute to creating safer work environments and reducing the transmission of infectious diseases in the workplace.