Final answer:
Contact your immediate supervisor or health safety officer first if exposed to blood or other potentially infectious material. Health-care workers must use personal protective equipment and follow post-exposure protocols, and those in non-healthcare settings should seek immediate medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are exposed to blood or other potentially infectious material, the first person you should contact is your immediate supervisor or a health safety officer at your place of work. These individuals are trained to handle such situations and can guide you through the necessary steps to minimize the risk of infection.
Health-care workers facing exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as HBV must take appropriate precautions and follow detailed protocols to prevent infection. These precautions may include the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and face protection, and adhering to proper sterilization practices. In the event of exposure, washing the skin with soap and water, post-exposure treatment with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and vaccination should be commenced as per protocols.
If the exposure was outside a professional healthcare setting, such as a school or community center, seek immediate medical attention and inform the medical professionals about the details of your exposure. Detailed protocols for exposure management also suggest the use of specific antiseptics and cleanup measures to minimize the risks.