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Law Enforcement
Response to Bio-Hazards
Bio Hazards: 1. A biological agent, such as an
infectious microorganism, or a condition that constitutes a threat to humans,
especially in biological research or experimentation. 2. The potential danger,
risk, or harm from exposure to such an agent or condition.
I wrote this
short article in hopes of creating the importance of Bio Hazards. Generally the
Police officer is the first responder to an emergency, like homicides, robbery
or simple DUI offenses. In any scenario, the officer must be alert to potential
hazardous areas or people infected with a potentially infectious disease. These
diseases can be Hepatitis B, HIV or TB, they are found in bodily fluids, blood,
or on other items present.
Over 300,000
caretakers are infected each year from contact with infectious disease carriers
or from improper handling procedures. Needle sticks is a major contributor to
accidents and from drug interdictions. Needles should always be capped after use
and destroyed properly. All needles should never be used twice. Proper hand
wear, heavy duty gloves is a must when handling anything that may be potentially
infectious or sharp, and protects against saturation and moisture of any kind.
When rolling up
on a call or scene, check the area out for signs of activity, evidence factors,
bodily fluids or blood before getting out of your vehicle. When stepping out of
your vehicle, check the ground around you carefully for any signs of a potential
hazard. Remember, protecting the scene and your safety has priority here. Look
around for anyone that may be present. Before approaching anyone visually check
them for injuries or care needed. Dawn your gloves for your protection. Ask
questions as to what is going on, are their any injuries or if there are any
more people present. Separate your witnesses or suspects until more help arrives
depending on the type of call you are on.
When making any
arrest or handling a prisoner the officer should always wear some light latex
gloves. Look for all possible signs of existing injuries, potential bleeding or
bodily fluids before a pat-down. When searching a suspects pockets, have the
suspect remove all contents first before making a thorough search with heavy
duty gloves. There may be sharp objects in the suspects pockets, your gloves
should protect you from most punctures or cuts.
Always handcuff
your suspect first, to control and reduce the movement of your suspect. This
procedure will often eliminate any spread of potential infections as well as
protecting you more as the officer. Every officer should be furnished PPE
(Personal Protection Equipment) by their agency. This includes the requirements
that all gloves and equipment is sized per officer accordingly with proper fit.
If you use your
handcuffs or other equipment in any situation, always clean afterward with a
proven Bio cleaner. Always wash your hands after making any contact. Use warm
soapy water and allow your hands to air dry. If you receive a cut or puncture,
scrub your wound immediately. In my own experiences, I have scrubbed my wounds
with the Clorox mixture, then rinsed it off thoroughly afterward with warm soapy
water. I dont recommend that for anyone, Im just making a point as to what I
have done. Cleaning surfaces or potentially exposed areas, use 10% clorox and
90% water mixture. Simple Green is an excellent Bio Cleaner and highly
recommended. If you believe that you have been exposed to a potential infectious
disease, contact your supervisor immediately. The most affective protection
against most diseases is proper hand washing. I hope this article has helped
somebody and especially if it prevents an officer or anyone from contracting a
disease or illness.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jim Heitmeyer was born in Phoenix, Arizona and raised in
Paradise Valley. Jim joined the United States Marine Corps and completed his
service to our country. Jim later joined the Oklahoma Army National Guards 745
Military Police Company. Jim served during the Just Cause war in Panama and
Operations Desert Shield & Desert Storm. Jim Heitmeyer attained the rank of
sergeant (E5).
Jim Hietmeyer is a retired lieutenant from the Oklahoma
County Sheriff's Office (Oklahoma). After his retirement from the Oklahoma
County Sheriffs Office he worked as a police officer for the Arcadia Police
Department from 2001 through 2004. During his career, he worked as a jailer,
deputy sheriff, CLEET instructor, American Red Cross Instructor, and biohazards
instructor. He is the author of two books under the pen name of Jim Daly:
Lockdown Madness and Behind Steel Doors.
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