BLOOD RULES KNOW THE SCORE What’s the blood rule?
Keep it to yourself... Sharing isn’t always caring; there only needs to be a tiny drop of blood with the hep C virus present for there to be a risk.
SPORT + BLOOD = STOP GAME + FIRST AID
PROTECT
PLAY THE BLOOD RULE Report all cuts and grazes to game official/coach and come off court for treatment by a first aider Bleeding must be stopped, the wound covered and blood on your body cleaned off before returning to the game Change blood stained clothing straight away Play must stop until all blood on the ground or equipment is cleaned up (see Blood Spill) Check out playthebloodrule.com for more information
WHY PLAY THE BLOOD RULE? Blood Borne Viruses (BBV) If you get a cut or graze, play the blood rule and stay safe from blood borne viruses (BBV), like HIV, hepatitis B & C. Blood can contain viruses that can make you very ill if they get into your bloodstream. Get attention off the court from the first aider, cover your cuts and grazes so another person’s blood can’t get in.
How are bBVs transmitted?
Playing with an open wound means other people’s blood can get into your blood. Hepatitis B & C are blood borne viruses that can harm your liver. Hep C lives in blood. There is no vaccine to prevent Hep C. Hep B lives in blood and sexual fluids. There is a vaccine for Hep B.
yourself and protect your family & friends
get vaccinated. Get the 3 hep B shots - it’s the best way to avoid getting hepatitis B. Remember, there is no vaccine against hepatitis C or HIV.
BLOOD SPILLS All sports from time to time involve injury, and the playing field is only one area in which the risk of infection needs to be reduced. The blood spill kit consists of: soap, bleach, paper towels, disposable gloves, cleaning materials and rubbish bags. Make sure a blood spill kit is always on hand and all players and staff know how to use it. Check out playthebloodrule.com for more information
COMING IN CONTACT WITH BLOOD If another person’s blood has come into contact with your open wound, eyes or nose: • Wash the area of contact gently with water • Cover the wound with waterproof dressing • See your doctor to have your risk assessed
Remember: Anyone could have a BBV Play the blood rule
For more information call Hepatitis SA 1800 437 222 (1800 HEP ABC) Reformatted and reproduced with permission from HepatitisWA. Thank you. Volleyball player graphic courtesy of VectorOpenStock.com under Creative Commons Licence