IAEM Publications 2013
Emergency Management of Injuries
In conjunction with Irish Association for Emergency Medicine
April 2013
Introduction
Injuries where there is a risk of transmission of infection frequently present in emergency departments, occupational health departments and primary care settings. Bloodborne virus (BBV) infections such as hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are of particular concern because of the potential long-term health effects for people who become infected, the anxiety experienced by the injured persons, and the increase in their prevalence in the population in recent decades. The appropriate management of such injuries, in the emergency and follow-up periods, has important implications in terms of minimising the risk of transmission of BBVs and in allaying the psychological impact on the injured person.
Purpose and scope
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide comprehensive guidance on the appropriate management of injuries where there is a risk of transmission of BBVs and other infections.