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June 27: National HIV Testing Day

June 27, 2009 is National HIV Testing Day. According to the CDC National HIV Testing Day, “promotes testing as an important strategy to prevent and control transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States.” As an EMS professional you know the important of selecting and using personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of a bloodborne pathogens exposure.

Have you ever had an exposure? If you have a bloodborne pathogens exposure through contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials follow these Everyday EMS Tips:


  • Immediately wash the exposure site with copious amounts of water with soap
  • Follow local procedures to report the exposure to your supervisor, infection control officer, or designee
  • Abide by the testing and potential treatment regime directed to you by the testing physician

To learn more about HIV/AIDS RapidCE.com offers a two part training program designed to meet annual or bi-annual refresher training requirements for HIV/AIDS awareness. The two part RapidCE lesson reviews HIV/AIDS transmission, clinical management, and consequences of infection. In part two information on what to do if you have a bloodborne pathogens exposure is presented. Accurate and reliable testing methods are available. Emergency response personnel who test positive for HIV/AIDS have rights for additional testing, treatment, and counseling.

By Greg Friese

Greg Friese, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is an author, educator, paramedic, and marathon runner.

Greg was the co-host of the award winning EMSEduCast podcast, the only podcast by and for EMS educators. Greg has written for EMS1.com, JEMS.com, Wilderness Medical Associates, JEMS Magazine, EMSWorld.com and EMS World Magazine, and the NAEMSE Educator Newsletter.