ABSTRACT
Some pathogens a Ÿrst responder may be exposed to may be present in the air. Flu viruses and tuberculosis (TB) can be transmitted when someone with the œu or active TB breaths out air that has the bacteria in it and another person breaths in the bacteria from the air. TB can cause damage to the lungs and other organs.* TB bacteria can survive even ažer the death of the infected person. ™ere has even been a documented case of an embalmer contracting TB from a cadaver.†
A Ÿrst responder at a crime scene who has a concern over possible TB infection should wear a face mask. Although it may not be practical to wear a mask at all crime scenes, the Ÿrst responder should wear one in those cases where there may be a risk of exposure to TB bacteria.
