Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is defined as a communicable disease?
What is defined as a communicable disease?
Who is appointed as the Exposure Control Officer (ECO) in the department?
Who is appointed as the Exposure Control Officer (ECO) in the department?
What should members do to maintain their own health and safety according to the policy?
What should members do to maintain their own health and safety according to the policy?
Which of the following is NOT a criteria for an exposure event?
Which of the following is NOT a criteria for an exposure event?
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What type of equipment must the department provide to its members at no cost?
What type of equipment must the department provide to its members at no cost?
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What is the primary purpose of the Exposure Control Plan?
What is the primary purpose of the Exposure Control Plan?
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Which of the following diseases is commonly listed as a communicable disease?
Which of the following diseases is commonly listed as a communicable disease?
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What does the term 'exposure' include according to the policy?
What does the term 'exposure' include according to the policy?
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What is the initial step members must take immediately after exposure or suspected exposure?
What is the initial step members must take immediately after exposure or suspected exposure?
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What documentation is required from the supervisor after an exposure incident?
What documentation is required from the supervisor after an exposure incident?
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What must the ECO do if source testing is needed after an exposure incident?
What must the ECO do if source testing is needed after an exposure incident?
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Which of the following statements regarding medical consultations after an exposure is true?
Which of the following statements regarding medical consultations after an exposure is true?
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What is prohibited regarding the identity of the source of exposure?
What is prohibited regarding the identity of the source of exposure?
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What type of counseling is provided to members after an exposure?
What type of counseling is provided to members after an exposure?
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What happens if the ECO is unavailable for source testing after an exposure?
What happens if the ECO is unavailable for source testing after an exposure?
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How often should the exposure control plan be reviewed and updated?
How often should the exposure control plan be reviewed and updated?
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What should be included in the written opinion from the medical professional after an exposure evaluation?
What should be included in the written opinion from the medical professional after an exposure evaluation?
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What are the conditions under which source testing for communicable diseases should occur?
What are the conditions under which source testing for communicable diseases should occur?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
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.