Occupational risk exposure reports among first responders in Oklahoma, January 1989-December 1990

In response to the risk of occupationally acquired infection with hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus, the State of Oklahoma enacted legislation which provided for a system of notification of emergency medical personnel who sustain risk exposures to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids. The system is based on the immediate report of the exposure to the STD/HIV Division of the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 1990, emergency response facilities reported 115 exposures to blood or other body fluids. There was a mean delay of 12 days between exposure and report to the STD/HIV Division. Only 10 (9%) of the exposed workers had been previously vaccinated against hepatitis B, and universal precautions were in use only 40% of the time. Forty-eight reports (41.7%) indicated exposures that did not pose a risk of disease transmission. These data indicate that emergency response facilities are in need of further education directed at the risk and prevention of transmission of bloodborne pathogens.