Making contact with unknown persons daily and often having to place your hands on them may be putting yourself and others at risk.
Once, while responding to a person urinating in public and sleeping on the grass, I saw an unknown white male adult lying facedown. I approached the person and saw he was breathing. I also noticed that he had several sores on his left arm. I called to him and he responded but he was combative. I called for backup and put my gloves on.
My backup arrived and the person now attempted to leave. Myself and my backup had to take this person to the ground and cuff him. I saw that his left arm had started to bleed from his sores. I requested medical and he was sent to the hospital.
Before he was transported, I removed the handcuffs, which were covered in blood, while my hands were protected by my medical gloves. I took precautions and made sure none of the blood went on my person and I cleaned the handcuffs.
My partner and I were contacted later and advised that the suspect had Hepatitis A, B, and C.
Because of my training I did not expose myself or possibly my family to this medical nightmare.
Regardless of who you make contact with, if there is a chance that you will place your hands on that person, please wear gloves.