1. If you have been gassed and exposed to bloodborne pathogens (HIV or hepatitis A, B, or C), know that every minute counts. Treatments can lessen the rate of seroconversion. Therefore, time is critical. Be aware there is a two-hour window period for treatment to be maximally effective.

8. Bargaining Unit Six employees are not to be tested by institutional staff or "baseline" communicable diseases ( i.e. HIV, hepatitis A, Band C). An employee has the option to request testing from an emergency medical facility or health care provider of their choice.

2. When exposed to potentially infectious blood or fluids, you must immediately seek first aid and clean up wounds. Exposures should be treated as a medical emer­gency and medical attention should be received within two hours to be maximally effective. The incident should be reported to the supervisor on duty as soon as possible.

9. Bargaining Unit Six employees have the right within two days of the exposure incident to request the involuntary testing of the inmate for communicable disease.

3. Both the Bargaining Unit Six employee and the institution CMO (all other medical staff are precluded) may determine when it is necessary to begin preventive treatment at the institution rather than at an off-site medi­cal facility. Although CDC must legally offer on-site treatment, Bargaining Unit Six staff continues to retain the right to seek medical treatment at an off- site medical facility.

10. If testing of an inmate is required for the gassing incident, no inmate consent is required. However, all HIV testing-whether consensual or non-consensual-requires adherence to legal guidelines.

4. Following an exposure to potentially infectious blood or fluids, Bargaining Unit Six employees have an absolute right to immediately leave the work site to seek medical attention, regardless of the recommendations of the medi­cal staff.

11. The institution is responsible for submitting a written request no later than two working days after a gassing/aggravated battery incident has occurred to the county district attorney's office for prosecution and HIV testing of the inmate.

5. Bargaining Unit Six employees who wish to seek off­site medical treatment will not be detained at the insti­tution for any reasons, including the completion of incident reports, medical reports or to receive post expo­sure counseling.

6. Should transportation to the nearest emergency medical facility (per medical staff recommendation or em­ployee request) be necessary, such transportation will take place immediately, regardless of the shift assignment or time of day.

12. For the purposes of potential criminal prosecution, garments soiled with bodily fluids must be processed using the same procedures required in the collection of evidence. This includes and is not limited to: processing evidence while wearing gloves, in evidence storage designated areas, utilizing drying racks, taking special care not to come into contact with a possible bloodborne pathogen or other hazardous material.

7. Any medical follow-up care required by the employee, with the exception of the hepatitis B vaccine series, is the responsibility of the Workers Compensation provider.

13. If you have any questions regarding what to do when exposed to potentially infectious blood and fluids, contact your CCPOA representative or CCPOA headquarters (at 800-821-6443) to be directed to your representative.

50 VOL.20 NO.5

CCPOA