If your skin is exposed to a patron's bodily fluids, what should be your first action?

The correct action when your skin is exposed to a patron's bodily fluids is to wash the area with soap and water. This is crucial because it helps to reduce the risk of infection and remove any contaminants from the skin's surface. Immediate washing is considered a first line of defense against potential pathogens that may be present in bodily fluids.

Using soap and water facilitates effective cleansing, as soap helps to break down and eliminate harmful substances. Moreover, prompt washing minimizes the time pathogens can stay in contact with your skin, thereby decreasing the likelihood of disease transmission.

While applying a bandage might be necessary for covering a wound or injury, it does not address the issue of contamination from bodily fluids. Ignoring the exposure could lead to significant health risks, regardless of whether there is visible bleeding. Reporting to a supervisor is important, but immediate personal hygiene to protect oneself should take precedence.