Officer Exposure to Needles
What Officers Should Do if They are Accidentally Stuck by a Needle
- If law enforcement officers are accidentally stuck, seek medical assistance immediately to obtain baseline testing for HIV, Hepatitis and Syphilis, as well as an evaluation for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (medications). If you are prescribed medication, take as prescribed. Do not stop medications without first discussing with your doctor.
- Obtain signed copies of an HIV Testing Consent form and a Testing Disclosure Authorization form from the source person, or request a court order to test and disclose the results if the individual will not voluntarily consent to testing.
- Complete form EMS 6 Notification of Possible Communicable Disease Exposure
- FAX a copy of the EMS 6, the Testing Consent form, and the Disclosure Authorization form to Public Health Communicable Disease Control at FAX 925-313-6465
In Contra Costa County, the number of needlestick exposures compared to all exposures reported among all responders remains small, with two needlestick injuries reported out of 115 potential exposures (blood, saliva, cuts, bites, flu, etc.) reported between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.
For more information on exposure, contact Public Health Communicable Disease Control at 925-313-6740