Risk of exposure doing CPR

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I was at the library yesterday with my son, and while walking back to my car I saw a man slumped over sitting by a tree, I walked by and discovered him unconscious and blue. I dialed 911 and was instructed to do CPR. I am freaked out because the 911 officer had me check his mouth for any objects and I had to stick my non-gloved hand into his mouth. I had to preform CPR until EMS arrived but no mouth to mouth (they didnt ask, I would not have done it anyway!) But the reason I am scared is bc while laying him flat he had track marks all up his arms, and I had a small cut on my middle finger on the hand I had to stick into his mouth. Can you get any type of diseases from exposure to saliva?

I was so scared, I feel like a horrible person bc I kind of wish I would have never went to the library yesterday bc now all I can think of is possible diseases I could be infected with, or if this guy could possibly sue me in the future (I had to give EMS and 911 my name, so they know exactly who I am)

Crystal

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

No reason for him to sue you. You acted under the good sam act and did the CPR.

That is such a small amount of exposure I wouldn't worry. You could however get tested withthe county health dept and they could ask him to be tested also. I would check with the EMS people regarding this as their probably is a policy. Saliva transmission is extremely rare.....

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Specializes in Palliative.

in ontario we have the ''good samaratin law'' which protects the public (cpr giver) from being sued if the victim is unconsious (since u cannot get consent from them).... if you are in the states I am sure you have something like this, otherwise people would be scared of providing cpr.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through bodily fluids.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

New bystander CPR guidelines don't call for mouth to mouth anyway.

As to exposure, you can always have the pt tested. Depending on the state, you don't need their consent.

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Thanks! That makes me feel better, If I call EMS would they be able to give me information or would that violate HIPPA? I dont know the mans name, or if he even made it, the only thing I know is his description and that he appeared to be a transient.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

As the first poster said, he can't sue you because you are covered under the good Samaritan law. The risk of contracting anything is low unless there was direct blood to blood contact. You can go to your local health department or PCP to get tested. Kudos to you for helping this person, but I wouldn't be sticking anything in someone's mouth.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.
Thanks! That makes me feel better, If I call EMS would they be able to give me information or would that violate HIPPA? I dont know the mans name, or if he even made it, the only thing I know is his description and that he appeared to be a transient.

They can't tell you anything. However it might be better to err on the side of caution here based on your description of track marks on his arm.

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As the first poster said, he can't sue you because you are covered under the good Samaritan law. The risk of contracting anything is low unless there was direct blood to blood contact. You can go to your local health department or PCP to get tested. Kudos to you for helping this person, but I wouldn't be sticking anything in someone's mouth.

I whole heartedly regret sticking my fingers in his mouth! I am horrified I actually did bc Ive had this discussion about what I would do in this situation but my mind went blank, I definitely would do things different if I could, and I definitely will do so in the future. I have learned my lesson to not forget to use my brain!!

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

Get tested right away, for piece of mind. I think you are fine, but I am not you and I know how our minds can take over, when we feel we are or may be in danger.

My last CPR class, we were told, if you did not have the tools to protect yourself, don't do it. Our instructor was a fireman. He went on to tell us, that many fireman contracted Hep C., over the years. They will not, perform CPR without the proper equipment. I am surprised, you were lead to do so. But, you did a good thing and I hope you dwell on that, rather than the minuscule chance, you contracted something.

A finger in the mouth is very very small, even if they are positive. ((( (hugs))) to you!

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.
I whole heartedly regret sticking my fingers in his mouth! I am horrified I actually did bc Ive had this discussion about what I would do in this situation but my mind went blank, I definitely would do things different if I could, and I definitely will do so in the future. I have learned my lesson to not forget to use my brain!!

We all have 20/20 hindsight and I'm sure when you are caught up in the moment you might not be thinking about it. Just take it as a lesson learned and do what you need to to put your mind at ease.

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Thank you all so much for responding:) I took your advice and made a doctors appointment just to ease my mind.

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Specializes in CICU.

Good for you for helping out someone in need.

Please don't stick your fingers in anyone's mouth - good way to get bit.

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