EMT Health and Safety Standards

Study Notes

Essential for EMTs to maintain personal health to provide optimal patient care.
Key components include strong personal relationships, regular exercise, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, limited alcohol and caffeine, and regular medical check-ups.
Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is critical for individual and public health.

Pathogens cause infections and can be transmitted through blood or air.
Standard Precautions are implemented based on patient assessment and include various safety measures.
OSHA enforces strict guidelines to minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Follow local protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE).

Consistently wear PPE to safeguard against contagious diseases.
Always use non-latex gloves, replacing them between patient interactions.
Heavyweight, tear-resistant gloves are required for cleaning and handling soiled equipment.

Hand washing with soap and water is crucial and should be done vigorously.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective alternatives when soap and water are unavailable.
Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces the risk of transmitting contagious diseases.

Protection is necessary to prevent bodily fluid splashes; use goggles or face shields that cover the front and sides.
Surgical masks should be worn in situations with potential blood or fluid splatter.
For suspected tuberculosis cases, use N-95 respirators or HEPA masks.

Gowns protect clothing and skin from spills and splashes, especially during childbirth or when dealing with arterial bleeds.

Hepatitis B & C: Infect the liver, can survive in dried blood, and pose high risks to healthcare workers. Vaccination available for Hepatitis B; no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
Tuberculosis: A highly contagious airborne disease affecting the lungs.
AIDS/HIV: Attacks the immune system, leading to AIDS, which is less common among healthcare workers than Hepatitis or Tuberculosis.
Ebola: Causes hemorrhagic fever, has a high mortality rate, and lacks definitive treatment.
SARS & MERS: Spread via respiratory droplets, mainly affecting the Arabian Peninsula.
Avian Flu & Influenza: Not easily transmitted human-to-human; historical impacts include the 1918 pandemic with estimated 30-50 million deaths globally.

EMS personnel face a heightened risk of infectious disease exposure; OSHA and CDC set operational safety guidelines.
Employers and employees share responsibility in infection control under OSHA standards.
EMS agencies are required to provide training, PPE, and vaccinations.

Must include education, vaccination, PPE, control methods, housekeeping, and proper labeling.
Post-exposure evaluations streamline the response to potential infectious exposures.

Allows EMS providers to be informed about potential exposure to life-threatening diseases.
Designated officers compile information on exposure incidents.

Employers maintain two systems: one for airborne disease exposure and another for bloodborne pathogens.
After reporting an exposure, a healthcare professional evaluates the situation and facilitates follow-up.