Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

EMT - Chance of exposure?

Hi, I'm an EMT. Earlier this night I came in contact with an HIV+ patient, and I was not aware of his HIV status at the time. It was fairly dark in his house while I was assisting him, and he was sweating profusely. While helping him move, I briefly touched something on his arm that might have been a sore or a wound, it was too dark to tell. A few seconds later I remember rubbing my nose with the same hand. Is there a significant enough chance that I might have been exposed to HIV?

Thanks for your replies, I'm a bit concerned about this.
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Move on.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It's really the mucous membrane contact that concerns me. What if there was blood on the sore and it came in contact with my nose?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also forgot to mention, I had a small cut on my finger, near the cuticle where I might have pulled some skin off. It was not actively bleeding, but it was open enough to burn when I used hand sanitizer. This is the same hand with which I touched the sore/wound.

I understand my concern might come across as paranoia, but I'm just looking for a little reassurance, and if this incident warrants testing.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Where did you get your EMT certification?
Helpful - 0
1033212 tn?1253725629
Lol, Teak.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
What EMT that is so concerned about HIV doesn't practice Universal Precautions ?

-JC-
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.