What is the FIRST step if you get blood or other potentially infectious materials in your eyes, nose, mouth, or on broken skin?

The first step if blood or other potentially infectious materials come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin is to immediately flood the exposed area with water. This action is crucial because it helps to dilute and wash away any harmful pathogens or contaminants, reducing the risk of infection. Prompt irrigation of the eyes or affected skin is essential for minimizing potential damage and preventing pathogens from entering the body, especially in sensitive areas such as the eyes or broken skin where infections can occur more easily.

Following this initial action, it is important to seek medical attention, but flushing the area takes precedence to ensure immediate decontamination. The effectiveness of rinsing plays a key role in preventing any adverse effects from exposure to infectious materials.