What should you do if you come in contact with body fluids at a crime scene?

When coming into contact with body fluids at a crime scene, the correct action to take is to immediately wash hands thoroughly. This is crucial for several reasons. First, body fluids can carry pathogens that pose serious health risks, including HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases. Washing hands immediately helps to remove any contaminants and minimizes the risk of infection or disease transmission.

Using soap and water is the most effective way to reduce the presence of harmful bacteria and viruses that may be present in these fluids. It is also a part of standard safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) practices that all personnel should follow when handling potential biohazards in a crime scene investigation.

Other options, such as ignoring the contact or simply wiping it off with a cloth, do not adequately address health safety concerns. Reporting the incident to another officer may be prudent but is not the immediate priority compared to personal decontamination, which is vital for the safety of the individual who came into contact with the fluids.