The Hero Wipes brand, which recently launched on-site decontamination wipes specifically formulated for firefighters, has expanded its product line to tackle another threat faced by first responders: bloodborne pathogens. With the launch of Hero Wipes EMS, first responders now have a wipe that effectively cleans and kills 99.9% of germs to reduce the risk of infection that bloodborne pathogens present.

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms present in blood than can cause disease in humans. Workers, like first responders, who are exposed to bloodborne pathogens are at risk for serious and life-threatening illnesses. OSHA provides a Bloodborne Pathogens standard that provides for what employers should do to protect workers.

As exposure to needlesticks and bloodborne pathogens is the second most common type of injury to EMS providers, according to a research study by the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), Hero Wipes endeavored to create a product that addressed their needs.

The wipes are thick and stretchable enough to stand up to vigorous use in cleaning. The product also features an exceptional absorption quality, and log reduction testing showed it kills 99.9% of germs. Moreover, as with original Hero Wipes, Hero Wipes EMS are kind to skin. The product is EWG VERIFIED for its commitment to using safe ingredients, providing transparency and engaging in quality manufacturing practices.

Hero Wipes EMS also complies with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard requirements and meets the CDC’s guideline for hand hygiene in healthcare settings.

“With our original Hero Wipes, we educated ourselves about the very real cancer threat that firefighters are facing and we put our capabilities to work to create the only tested on-site decon wipe available,” says Eve Yen, founder and CEO of Diamond Wipes International, Inc., parent company of Hero Wipes. “Now, with Hero Wipes EMS, we are utilizing that same ingenuity to make a wipe that is remarkably effective and also meets rigorous standards for safety. We are very confident that Hero Wipes EMS will serve the needs of first responders.”