What is the first step you should take if your skin comes into contact with blood or bodily fluids?

When your skin comes into contact with blood or bodily fluids, the first step you should take is to wash cuts and needle sticks with soap and water. This action is crucial because it helps to effectively remove any potential pathogens that may have entered through a break in the skin. Immediate washing can significantly reduce the risk of infection by physically cleansing the area and diluting any contaminants.

It is important to act swiftly in these situations, as timely decontamination of the affected area can prevent the transmission of bloodborne diseases. Furthermore, using soap and water is a fundamental practice in infection control and represents an essential initial response to minimize risk.

While reporting the incident and seeking medical treatment may also be important steps to follow, they are secondary to the immediate need to cleanse the affected area. Flushing with saline solution, while it may have its place in certain medical scenarios, is not the first line of defense compared to washing with soap and water.