G Manual - Infectious Disease
INFECTIOUS DISEASE POLICY STATEMENT
The Toledo Department of Fire and Rescue Operations recognizes that communicable disease exposure is an occupational health hazard. Potential communicable disease transmission is possible at any time including emergency response, non-emergency situations and in-house activities.
The Toledo Department of Fire and Rescue Operations is committed to a program that will provide the best available protection from occupationally acquired communicable disease.
The policy of the Toledo Department of Fire and Rescue Operations is:
To provide fire, rescue and EMS services to the public without regard to known or suspected diagnosis of communicable disease in any patient.
To regard all patient contact as potentially infectious; Body/Substance Isolation (Universal precautions) will be observed at all times by Toledo Fire and Rescue members.
To provide training, immunizations and all personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to be effectively protected from possible exposures.
To recognize the need for work restrictions of personnel due to concerns involving infection control.
To hold all medical information confidential. (No information will be released without the written consent of the person involved).
To educate the department on Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (C.I.S.D.) and encourage members to participate.
EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
Purpose: To identify tasks and corresponding job classifications for which it can be expected or anticipated to be exposed to infectious and contagious materials (blood, body fluids, etc.); to develop, establish and maintain an Infection Control Plan. To identify the procedure for the evaluation of circumstances surrounding exposure incidents.
I. Exposure determination
The following tasks can be expected to involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials.
Provisions of emergency medical care to injured or ill patients;
The rescue of victims from hostile environments including burning structures or vehicles, water contaminated atmospheres, or oxygen deficient atmospheres;
Extrication of persons from vehicles, machinery or collapsed excavations or structures;
Recovery and/or removal of bodies from any situation cited above; and
Response to hazardous materials emergencies, both transportation and fixed site, involving potentially infectious substances.
The following job classifications are reasonably anticipated to involve exposure to blood, body fluids or other potentially infectious substances in the performance of their duties.
Firefighter
Company Officer
Paramedic and EMS Supervisor (#122)
Hazardous materials response team members
Water Rescue team response members
Any other specialized rescue
Chief Officers
Safety Officers (#136)
EMS and Training Bureau members
Other emergency response personnel not otherwise classified
II. Implementation
The Infection Control Program is applicable to all members of the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department providing fire, rescue, or emergency medical services. It is effective immediately.
The Infection Control Program consists of a policy statement, identification of roles and responsibilities, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), training and recordkeeping. SOPs identify specific procedural guidelines for all aspects of response and station environments where disease transmission can be reasonably anticipated, as well as training, administrative aspects of the program, and post exposure evaluation/investigation. Specific program components are identified as follows:
SOP #IC 1: Health Maintenance
SOP #IC 2: Infection Control Training
SOP #IC 3: Station Environment
SOP #IC 4: Personal Protective Equipment
SOP #IC 5: Scene Operations
SOP #IC 6: Post-Response
SOP #IC 7: Post-Exposure Protocols
SOP #IC 8: Compliance and Quality Monitoring/Program Evaluation
III. Evaluation of Exposure Incidents
The procedure for the evaluation/investigation of circumstances surrounding incidents of exposure to blood, other body fluids, or other potentially infectious materials is detailed in SOP #IC 7: Post Exposure Protocols. Medical follow-up, documentation, recordkeeping, and confidentiality requirements are also defined in SOP #IC 7.
INFECTION CONTROL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
I. Chief of the Department
The ultimate responsibility for the health & welfare of all members remains that of the Chief of the Department. The tasks of managing the department’s Occupational Health & Safety and Infection Control Programs are delegated to appropriate staff officers and committees as noted below.
II. Infection Control Officer
The Department Infection Control Officer will be appointed by the Chief of the Department and will:
III. The Department Physician
We currently use St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Occupational Health for technical assistance and guidance in the implementation of the Infection Control Program. Any members exposed to disease or any post exposure follow-up care is directed to SVMMC for treatment. After-hours exposures are treated in the emergency center.
IV. Department Officers and Supervisors
Chief Officers and Company Officers will:
Company Officers will not allow new members to assume emergency response duties until initial medical evaluation, immunizations, and infection control training has been completed. (These measures should be taken prior to the new members release from Fire Recruit Training).
V. Toledo Fire Division Members
VI. Safety Officer (#136)
INFECTION CONTROL
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
The Toledo Fire and Rescue Department will work towards compliance with the following SOP's as soon as funds become available. These procedures involving building changes will be adhered to in any remodeling of existing station and any new construction of fire stations. This will be done in consultation with the Infection Control Officer.
I. SOP #IC 1 HEALTH MAINTENANCE
All members will be offered immunizations against Hepatitis B. Influenza vaccine will be offered annually when available. Members should also stay current on measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis (polio), tetanus, and diphtheria vaccines. The risks and benefits of immunization will be explained to all members and informed consent obtained prior to immunization.
Members may refuse immunizations, or may submit proof of previous immunizations. Members who refuse immunization will be counseled on the occupational risks of communicable disease, and required to sign a refusal of immunization release of liability, upon request.
Abstracts of medical records without personal identifiers may be made for quality assurance, compliance monitoring, or program evaluation purposes, as long as the identity of individual members cannot be determined from the abstract.
Patient Protection
Disease or Condition | Work Status |
Positive PPD skin test | May work with follow-up |
Conjunctivitis | Off work, no patient contact until drainage is absent. |
Draining Wound | OFF until cleared up |
Herpes Simplex (cold sores) | May work but no patient contact until lesions crusted. |
Herpes Zoster (shingles) | May work but no patient contact until lesions are crusted. |
Hepatitis A | No patient contact until 7 days after jaundice disappears. |
Hepatitis B | No patient contact until proven serologically non-effective. |
Mononucleosis | OFF until directed by physician |
Lice or Scabies | OFF until treated |
Streptococcal Infection | OFF until directed by physician |
Measles, Chickenpox, Mumps | OFF until directed by physician |
Influenza | OFF until directed by physician |
Impetigo | May work but no patient contact until lesions healed |
II. SOP #IC 2: INFECTION CONTROL TRAINING
All members providing emergency services will be required to complete:
1. Initial infection control training at the time of assignment to tasks where occupational exposure may occur.
2. Refresher infectious control training periodically.
3. All infection control-training materials will be appropriate in content and Voluntary to the education level, literacy and language of members being trained.
4. Training will be in compliance with NFPA Standard 1581 and shall include;
Information on the types, proper use, location, removal, handling, decontamination and disposal of personal protective equipment;
A review of the requirement to wear Infection Control pouches (fanny Packs) and the items inside them. This would include a N95mask, gown, safety glasses, antimicrobial wipes or a waterless hand cleaner.
Information on the Hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, and the benefits of being vaccinated and notification that the vaccine and vaccination will be provided at no charge.
5. Infection control trainers shall be knowledgeable in all of the program elements listed above, particularly as they relate to emergency services provided by this department.
6. Written records of all training sessions will be maintained after the date on which the training occurs. Training records will include:
III. SOP #IC 3: STATION ENVIRONMENT
All stations will designate areas for:
Under no circumstances will kitchens, bathrooms, or living areas be used for decontamination or storage of patent care equipment or infectious waste.
All disposal of biohazard waste will be in accordance with EPA and local regulations and will be performed by an approved licensed contractor. Currently the contractor being used is B.F.I.
IV. SOP #IC 4: Personal Protective Equipment
Specification, purchase, storage and issue of personal protective equipment (PPE)
The department is responsible for the supply, repair, replacement, and safe disposal of infection control PPE.
Sharps containers will be closable, puncture resistant, and leak-proof. Sharps containers will be color coded, labeled as biohazard, and immediately accessible.
Selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Emergency response often is unpredictable and uncontrollable. While blood is the single most important source of HIV and HBV infection in the workplace, in the field it is safest to assume that all body fluids are infectious. For this reason, PPE will be chosen to provide barrier protection against all body fluids.
In general, members should select PPE appropriate to the potential for spill, splash, or exposure to body fluids. No standard operating procedure or PPE ensemble can cover all situations. Common sense must be used. When in doubt, select the maximal rather than the minimal PPE.
Disposable latex or nitrile gloves will be worn during any patient contact when potential exists for contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, or other infectious material. All members will carry extra pairs of disposable gloves in turnout coats and/or EMS jumpsuits and/or EMS fanny packs.
Facial protection will be used in any situation where splash contact with the face is possible. Facial protection may be afforded by using both a face mask (N95) and eye protection, or by using a full-face shield. When treating a patient with a suspected or known airborne transmissible disease, face masks (N95) will be used. The first choice is mask the patient; if this is not feasible, mask the member(s)
A 5’ hot zone shall be observed around every patient. Any member inside the 5’ zone shall have on a minimum of safety glasses and latex/nitrile gloves. Any patient with symptoms of respiratory illness of unknown origin, a productive cough or bronchitis, TB, pneumonia, MRSA, SARS, etc… should be masked with a N95 mask along with anyone else in the 5’ hot zone. Considerations should be given by the Incident Commander to expand the patient hot zone.
Fluid resistant gowns are designed to protect clothing from splashes. Structural firefighting gear also protects clothing from splashes and is preferable in fire, rescue, or vehicle extrication activities. Gowns may interfere with, or present hazard to, the member in these circumstances. The decision to use barrier protection to protect clothing and the type of barrier protection used will be left up to the member. Structural firefighting gear will always be worn for fire suppression and extrication activities.
SUMMARY:
If it's wet, it's infectious-use gloves
If it could splash onto your face, use eye shields and mask or full-face shield.
If it's airborne, mask the patient and/or yourself.
If it could splash on your clothes, use a gown or structural firefighting gear.
If it could splash on your head or feet, use appropriate barrier protection.
V. SOP #IC 5: Scene Operations
The blood, body fluids, and tissues of all patients are considered potentially infectious, and Universal Precautions/ Body Substance Isolation procedures will be used for all patient contact.
Hand washing is the most important infection control procedure. Members will wash hands:
Hand washing with soap and water will be performed for ten to fifteen seconds. If soap and water are not available at the scene, a waterless handwash may be used, provided that a soap and water wash is performed immediately upon return to quarters or hospital.
Eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses, or applying cosmetics or lip balm is prohibited at the scene of operations.
Used needles and other sharps shall be disposed of in approved sharps containers. Needles will not be recapped, re-sheathed, bent, broken, or separated from disposable syringes. The most common occupational blood exposure occurs when needles are recapped.
Personal protective equipment will be removed after leaving the work area, and as soon as possible if contaminated. After use, all contaminated PPE will be placed in leakproof bags, color-coded and marked as biohazard, and transported back to the station for proper disposal. All non-contaminated gloves, etc., can be thrown in station trash.
On-scene public relations will be handled by the Incident Commander or the Department Public Information Officer, if available. The public should be reassured that infection control PPE is used as a matter of routine for the protection of all members and the victims that they treat. The use of PPE does not imply that a given victim may have a communicable disease.
VI. SOP #IC 6: POST – RESPONSE
Gloves will be worn for all contact with contaminated equipment or materials. Other PPE will be used depending on splash or spill potential. Heavy-duty utility gloves may be used for cleaning, disinfection, or decontamination of equipment.
Eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses, or applying cosmetics or lip balm is prohibited during cleaning or decontamination procedures.
VII. SOP #IC 7: EXPOSURE PROTOCOLS
VIII. SOP#IC 8: Compliance and Quality Monitoring/Program Evaluation
1. Compliance and quality monitoring
The Infection Control Officer will collect compliance and quality monitoring date including:
Inspections of station facilities
Observations of on-scene activities
Analysis of reported exposures to communicable diseases
The Infection Control Officer will coordinate with St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Occupational Health or designated facility in assuring all members get the follow-up treatment required.
2. Program Evaluation
The Infection Control Program will be reevaluated at least annually to ensure that the program is both appropriate and effective.
In addition, the Infection Control Program will be re-evaluated as needed to reflect any significant changes in assigned tasks or procedures; in medical knowledge related to infection control; or regulatory matters.
EMERGENCY CARE WORKER (ECW) EXPOSURE FOLLOW-UP PROCEDURE
According to Ohio Law (Ohio Revised Code, Section 3701.248) Emergency Care Workers have access to information regarding patients that may have a contagious or infectious disease. In the event that an Emergency Care Worker suffers a significant exposure through contact with a patient, they must submit a written request (attached) to be notified of the results of any tests performed to determine the presence of a contagious or infectious disease.
I. Emergency Care Worker (ECW)
1. Report incident to your immediate supervisor or infection control coordinator.
2. Fill-out part 1 of attached form. (Above)
3. Submit form to head nurse at hospital receiving patient.
4. Seek attention for exposure per your department's protocol.
II. Nurse or Physician:
1. Accept written request from Emergency Care Worker (ECW)
2. Determine if significant exposure occurred
3a. if significant:
1. For Blood or Body Fluid Exposure
a. Apprise patient and/or family of exposure, obtain written informed consent for source patient blood draw protocol, council patient on HIV and test results.
b. Hand deliver Emergency Care Worker (ECW) written request to the infection control department. If not available, slide request under the door.
2. For All Other Exposures: Council Emergency Care Worker (ECW) on what action he/she needs to take (e.g. seek immediate attention, etc.)
3b. If exposure is not significant, return form to Emergency Care Worker (ECW) and explain why there will be no follow-up.
APIC, Inc. Northwest Ohio
Executive Committee
The Toledo Hospital
Infection Control Department
ATTACHMENT #2