NCJ Number
154921
Date Published
1988
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video, information brochure, and poster focus on the nature and transmission of AIDS and the actions police officers can take to protect themselves from it.
Abstract
The presentation emphasizes that AIDS is always fatal, but is also preventable. Speakers also note that police officers receive training in dealing with varied hazards and that infectious diseases are one of many kinds of hazards. They point out that AIDS is transmitted through sexual contact, the sharing of needles by intravenous drug users, blood transfusions, intrauterine transmission to the fetus, and accidental transmission. Police are advised to protect themselves in situations involving contact with blood or body fluids, through the use of gloves, masks, and eyewear. They should also try to prevent violence, use mirrors in conducting searches, use a special mask when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, avoid accidental exposure, wash their hands after contacting blood or body fluids, and clean surfaces as needed. The instructions emphasize that using safety equipment and taking precautions is analogous to wearing a seat belt in a police car.