Oklahoma tattoo artists draw on first aid, CPR classes

Tuesday, December 26th 2006, 6:14 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma tattoo artists whose training has focused primarily on how to etch fanciful designs beneath people's skin are now learning how to protect workers and customers from blood-borne diseases.

Jeff Mitchell has been practicing his art for seven years. He recently completed a two-night course to earn certification in CPR, blood-borne pathogens and first aid and comply with Oklahoma's new licensing rules for tattooists.

The health training aims to protect workers and customers from contamination from blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis. It also gives workers guidelines for screening customers and even reviving them if they stop breathing or have a heart attack.

Oklahoma has licensed more than 50 tattoo artists since the profession became legal November 1st.