Final answer:
The first step in responding to a blood exposure incident is to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of the rescuer. Then, control the bleeding and administer the necessary first aid while following established protocols for reporting the incident.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step in responding to a blood exposure incident is to ensure the safety of the rescuer by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include gloves, a gown, eye protection, and a mask to prevent contact with blood. Once protected, the responder should proceed to control the bleeding using methods such as direct pressure, and then clean the wound. After initial first aid, the responder should administer further care as needed and as training allows, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing.
It is crucial to remember that before providing any assistance, personal safety must be secured to avoid contaminating oneself with potentially infectious material. In addition to on-site initial care, the incident should be reported according to the established protocols to facilitate appropriate follow-up and treatment if necessary.