When should EMTs wear high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirators?

Wearing high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) respirators is crucial in specific situations to protect emergency personnel from airborne pathogens. The use of HEPA respirators is specifically indicated when EMTs are in contact with patients who have Tuberculosis (TB). TB is an airborne disease, and the bacteria that cause it can be transmitted through tiny droplets expelled into the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sneezes.

HEPA respirators are designed to filter out at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size, which includes the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. This level of filtration significantly reduces the risk of transmission to the EMT, aiding in the prevention of infection during patient interactions.

In contrast, while there may be other precautions necessary for HIV, Hepatitis B, or when dealing with open wounds, those situations do not require a HEPA respirator. HIV and Hepatitis B are primarily transmitted through blood and certain bodily fluids rather than through the air, and open wounds would necessitate different kinds of protective equipment, such as gloves and gowns, but not necessarily a HEPA respirator.