|  | Public Health Safety | Work Safety

Bloodborne Pathogens Training for Police Officers

Police officers are accustomed to the sight of blood. What they may not know, however, is that blood can carry dangerous pathogens, including HIV/AIDS, and a host of other viruses and bacteria. Therefore, many police officers are required to learn how to safely handle blood.

  1. Lesson Content

    • The three core components of bloodborne pathogen training for police officers are how pathogens are transmitted, protecting yourself and cleaning up blood safely. Officers learn that bloodborne pathogens enter the body through the ears, eyes, mouth, nose or a cut on the body. In addition, they must not touch blood with bare hands or clean up pools of blood if it is unnecessary.

    Required Training

    • Some municipal police agencies require that all officers undergo bloodborne pathogens training. Consult your superior officer to find out whether you need to complete a course. If training is mandatory, it is likely your department will offer in-house classes or will refer you to an available program elsewhere. Many police officers complete pathogens courses while they are finishing basic police training.

    Finding a Course

    • If your department does not offer in-house courses, you should ask your employer for a referral. If your employer does not offer any suggestions, check local listings. Many companies, such as 6P International, offer bloodborne pathogens training courses online and in many locations around the United States.

Work Safety - Related Articles