Communicable Diseases Policy Quiz

Communicable Diseases Policy

• This policy outlines guidelines for preventing and managing communicable diseases within the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department.
• The policy aims to minimize the risk of department members contracting and spreading communicable diseases.

Definitions

• Communicable disease: A disease caused by microorganisms transmitted through blood, bodily fluids, tissue, or breathing. Examples include hepatitis B virus (HBV), HIV, and tuberculosis.
• Exposure: Direct contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials through eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or injections. This also includes exposure to airborne diseases, such as tuberculosis.

Department Commitment and Responsibility

• The department is committed to a safe work environment.
• Department members are responsible for their own health and safety.

Exposure Control Officer (ECO)

• The Safety, Health, and Wellness Division Chief serves as the ECO.
• The ECO develops an exposure control plan with the following elements:
  • Procedures preventing and decontaminating exposures.
  • Procedures for obtaining medical attention in case of exposure or suspected exposure.
  • Provision of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to all members.
  • Compliance with communicable disease laws and regulations, including the Ryan White law.
• The ECO acts as a liaison with the Division of State Fire Marshal (DSFM) and the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training (BFST).
• The ECO reviews and updates the exposure control plan annually.

Post-Exposure Procedures

Initial Steps

• Members experiencing exposure or suspected exposure must:
  • Begin decontamination immediately (e.g., washing with soap and water, flushing mucous membranes).
  • Obtain medical attention as needed.
  • Notify a supervisor as soon as possible.

Reporting Requirements

• The supervisor investigates every exposure incident.
• The supervisor documents the following information:
  • Names of the members exposed.
  • Date, incident number, and time of the incident.
  • Location of the incident.
  • Potentially infectious materials and source of exposure.
  • Work being performed during exposure.
  • How the incident occurred.
  • PPE used at the time of the incident.
  • Actions taken after the event.
• The supervisor advises members that disclosing the identity or infectious status of a source is prohibited.

Medical Consultation and Treatment

• Members have access to confidential medical evaluations immediately after an exposure and for follow-up as needed.
• The ECO requests a written opinion/evaluation from the treating medical professional including:
  • Whether the member has been informed of the evaluation results.
  • Whether the member has been notified of any medical conditions resulting from exposure requiring further evaluation or treatment.

Counseling

• Both the member and their family are offered counseling and consultation regarding the exposure.

Source Testing

• Testing a person for communicable diseases is done when desired by the exposed member or considered appropriate.
• The ECO is responsible for source testing.
• Source testing is achieved by:
  • Obtaining consent from the individual.
  • Utilizing § 381.004, Fla.Stat., for HIV testing.
  • Applying § 384.287, Fla.Stat., for sexually transmissible disease screening.
• The ECO coordinates testing to prevent unnecessary or duplicate testing.

Confidentiality of Reports

• Medical information remains confidential and is not disclosed without the member's written consent, except as required by law.
• Test results from sources of exposure are kept confidential.

This quiz assesses your understanding of the policies related to preventing and managing communicable diseases within the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department. Key topics include definitions, responsibilities, and guidelines for maintaining a safe work environment. Test your knowledge on the essential components of the policy.