Bloodborne Pathogens [Revised 2023]

Course Preview

Course Author(s)

Dr. Kevin Jablonski - LAPD Police Psychologist

Course Summary

Overall General Course Goal(s):
Goal 1: To instruct officers on the different bloodborne pathogens.
Goal 2: To instruct officers about the several ways in which bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted from one person to another.
Goal 3: To instruct officers on how to protect themselves from bloodborne pathogen transmissions.
Goal 4: To instruct officers on COVID-19. Is it a bloodborne pathogen or not?

Learning Objectives:
In this course, you will learn:

  • What are Bloodborne Pathogens?
  • Dangerous pathogens: Hepatitis B and C Virus
  • The Elements of an Exposure
  • Common Occupational Exposures
  • Universal Precautions
  • Prevention and Post Exposure Protocol
  • Treatments
  • Do viruses like the Coronavirus fall into the bloodborne pathogen category?

    • SUMMARY

    The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated, and instilled again, the critical importance for law enforcement officers, jailers, and correctional officers to be aware of the ever-increasing number of people who might be or who are infected with bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis. Officers need to pay special attention to possible bloodborne pathogen transmissions.

    Individuals who have been incarcerated are at greater risk for infection, and this is a population that officers frequently come into contact with.

    Law enforcement and jail/corrections officers also may encounter hypodermic needles, drug paraphernalia, and combative subjects, bringing them within close proximity to blood and bodily fluids. This course teaches officers methods and practices to keep themselves and their coworkers from becoming infected with a bloodborne pathogen such as hepatitis or HIV.

    Professionals who take this course in conjunction with our COVID-19 Overview for First Responders course will be well-trained to be safer on the job. 

    Course Syllabus

    • Introduction Module - Bloodborne Pathogens - Course Introduction

      • Course Goals and Objectives
      • SME Introduction to Bloodborne Pathogens

    • Module 1 - What are Bloodborne Pathogens?

      • Module Objectives and Introduction by Dr. Jablonski
      • What are Bloodborne Pathogens?
      • HIV
      • Hepatitis B Virus
      • Hepatitis C Virus
      • Module Summary
      • Assessment

    • Module 2 - Occupational Exposures to Bloodborne Pathogens

      • Module Objectives and Introduction by Dr. Jablonski
      • Elements of Exposure
      • Occupational Exposures
      • Module Summary
      • Assessment

    • Module 3 - Reducing the Risk of Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens

      • Module Objectives and Introduction by Dr. Jablonski
      • Agency Policy and Procedure
      • Prevention
      • Universal Precautions
      • Module Summary
      • Assessment

    • Module 4 - Steps to Take If Exposed to Bloodborne Pathogens

      • Module Objectives and Introduction by Dr. Jablonski
      • Post Exposure Protocol
      • Treatment for Exposures
      • Serial Blood Testing
      • Module Summary
      • Assessment

    • Module 5 - Bloodborne Pathogens and the Coronavirus

      • Bloodborne Pathogens, the Coronavirus, and How to Protect Yourself
      • Assessment

    • Module 7 - Final Assessment

      • Final Assessment