Occupational exposure to biological agents in Polish paramedics: a narrative review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Research into occupational exposure to biological pathogens during medical personnel work is to a small degree concerned with paramedics. Coming in contact with biological pathogens, like HIV, HCV and HBV viruses, tubercle bacilli, or recently the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the workplace is a contamination risk. This study aims to analyze the occupational exposure of paramedics to biological pathogens at work, the possibilities of paramedics developing contagious diseases as occupational illnesses, and the prophylaxis this involves. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The publication was prepared on the basis of a literature review of works available in the PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases, and on websites of institutions functioning in the area of public health. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: In Poland, in 2020, there were 1 255 625 cases of SARSCoV- 2 registered, 3020 of which are cases found in paramedics, and 12 524 cases of Lyme borreliosis, 990 HBV cases, 942 HCV cases, 934 HIV cases. In 2020, there were 1861 occupational diseases, 504 of which were contagious or parasitic. Approximately 37 000 needlesticks are estimated to happen every year in medical facilities. 40% to 80% of the people who got injuries or cut in the workplace did not report the incident. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to implement prophylactic and preventative measures to prevent occupational needlestick injuries and blood-borne infections amongst paramedics. Paramedics show insufficient knowledge of their ability to apply for an occupational disease diagnosis caused by exposure to biological pathogens present in the work environment.