Exposure During Clinical Experiences
Blood during physical activity and games shall be handled utilizing the following additional guidelines: ● All open wounds and/or breaks in the skin are to be fully covered by a bandage before allowing the athlete to return to participation. The certified staff shall assess the feasibility of dressing the wound on the field. If this is not feasible, the athlete shall be removed from the field to the sidelines or athletic training facility where it can be appropriately cleaned and covered. ● If an athlete's uniform is grossly soiled with blood, or other bodily fluid, the athlete shall be removed from participation and the uniform changed, prior to return to participation. ● Any article of clothing that has been saturated with blood or other bodily fluids shall be disinfected by washing separately from other uniforms and washed in a 10% bleach solution. ● Action if Exposed o All incidents that involve actual exposure shall be reported immediately to the Supervising Athletic Trainer. Examples of exposure include needle sticks, splashing of blood into face, contact with vomit or other bodily fluids on mucus membranes. The exposed individual will be referred immediately to the Head Athletic Trainer, AT Program Director and team physician for evaluation, documentation, and possible testing and treatment as determined by the team physician. ● Spill Clean Up o The athletic training staff will be the primary individuals responsible for the clean-up of all bodily fluid spills within the athletic environment. Clean-up will be done in a manner consistent with the universal precautions described above.