Professionals who serve the public are routinely exposed to pathogens through their contact with patients and the general population. Below is some published information related to pathogen exposure by profession.

EMT/Paramedics


EMT/Paramedics have the highest exposure rate of all reported and tracked occupations. Exposure to such pathogens through contact with blood or other bodily fluids is common. According to a study published in the Annals of Epidemiology in 2006, the overall exposure rate for a paramedic is 21.6% (>49,000/year). The findings of this study indicate that paramedics remain at substantial risk for blood exposure, and further interventions to prevent such exposures are needed. When exposed, time is of the essence; the quicker the treatment of the affected area, the less the chance of actually contracting a disease.

EMT/Paramedic Studies
Blood Exposure Among Paramedics: Incidence Rates From the National Study to Prevent Blood Exposure in Paramedics. Annals of Epidemiology, Vol.16, Issue 9, September 2006, pg. 720-725.

Four in Five Medics Injured on the Job, NAEMT Survey, NAEMT News, November/December 2005.

Fire Fighters and Law Enforcement


Like EMTs and Paramedics the potential of exposure for fire fighters and law enforcement is a very real threat. Commonly the first to arrive to a scene, law enforcement and fire fighters may be exposed to potentially dangerous pathogens while helping victims of fire, accidents, and other emergency situations. Although there are no published studies on exposure rates for the fire fighters and law enforcement officers, it is clear that their exposure to pathogens should be immediately treated.

Correctional Officers


The exposure to blood or other body fluids for correctional officers is also common. Correctional officers deal with a population that has a high incidence of transmissible diseases. Although there are no published studies on exposure rates for correctional officers, the threat is real and if exposed the area should be treated immediately.

Health Care Professionals


The potential of exposure for Health Care Professionals is an everyday reality. OSHA estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including human immununodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and others. Numerous studies have been conducted on blood borne exposure and other bodily fluid exposure in these occupations worldwide.

A study published in Clinical Microbiology Review in 2000 titled "Risk and Management of Blood-Borne Infections in Health Care Workers," states "Exposure to blood-borne pathogens poses a serious risk to health care workers. Transmission of at least 20 different pathogens by various forms has been reported. Despite improved methods of preventing exposure, occupational exposures will continue to occur." The study also found that as of June 1999, a total of 191 U.S. workers had been reported to the CDC's national surveillance system for occupationally acquired HIV infection. 

Health Care Professional References
Risk and Management of Blood-Borne Infections in Health Care Workers. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, July 2000, p. 385-407.

Occupational Risk of Blood-Borne Viruses in Healthcare Workers: A 5-Year Surveillance Program. Infections Control and Hospital Epidemiology, June 2002, Vol. 23 No.6, p.325-327.

Exposure to Blood: What Healthcare Personnel Need to Know. Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030)