18 Questions
What is the primary concern regarding patient information about exposures?
Respecting patient privacy
What should TFS personnel do after a potentially significant exposure?
Accompany the patient to the hospital in the ambulance unit
Who can act as a Designated Officer for TFS?
All of the above
What is the role of the TFS Communications Centre in the event of a potential exposure?
To contact the Designated Officer
What is the first step in assessing a potential communicable disease exposure?
Reviewing the situation and circumstances
What is the purpose of contacting the Designated Officer in the event of a potential exposure?
To receive specific instructions on the appropriate assessment and treatment of the exposure
What is the role of the Company Officer in the event of a potential exposure?
To contact the Designated Officer
When should consultation with the Chief Medical Officer occur?
Whenever an exposure has or is possible to have occurred
What is the primary goal of the Designated Officer?
To advocate for the treatment available to the firefighter in an appropriate time frame
What should an exposed firefighter do if they require immediate medical attention?
Proceed to the hospital with the source patient
What is the role of the Chief Medical Officer in the exposure protocol?
To work with the City of Toronto Corporate Employee Health Services
Why should personnel not contact other TFS personnel directly regarding potential exposure?
Because information on the street is often incorrect
What should an exposed firefighter do to report their exposure?
Complete a Worker's Report of Suspected Exposure and forward it to the Office of the TFS Chief Medical Officer
Why should the Designated Officer be contacted through the TFS Communications Centre?
Because the Designated Officer can speak with the receiving hospital before the patient is discharged
What happens to the completed Worker's Report of Suspected Exposure?
It is kept confidential and deposited in the member's TFS medical file
Why may follow-up testing for a communicable/infectious disease be necessary?
Because the testing may continue from several months to years
What is the role of the Chief Officers in the exposure protocol?
To shuttle the Worker's Report of Suspected Exposure to the Designated Officer or Chief Medical Officer
What is the purpose of the Designated Officer contacting personnel at home?
To leave a message to contact the Designated Officer
Study Notes
Exposure Notifications
- Patient information regarding exposures is highly confidential, and the Designated Officer Protocols are designed to obtain vital information in a timely manner while respecting the patient's right to privacy.
Steps for TFS Personnel with a Potentially Significant Exposure
- Proceed to the same hospital as the patient by accompanying the patient in the ambulance unit, if possible.
- The Company Officer shall contact the TFS Communications Centre to access a Designated Officer.
- Receive specific instructions from the Designated Officer on the appropriate assessment and treatment of the exposure.
Designated Officers
- Designated Officers for TFS include the TFS Chief Medical Officer, TFS Infection Control Practitioner, or TFS personnel trained as Designated Officers.
- The Designated Officer will assess whether an exposure has occurred, advise on the appropriate care plan, and advocate for the treatment available to the firefighter.
Protocols for Exposures
- If an exposure requires immediate medical attention, the exposed firefighter should proceed to the same hospital as the patient in the paramedic unit.
- The Designated Officer will assist the concerned firefighter with authorized investigation, exposure risk evaluation, and suggested medical follow-up.
- The Chief Medical Officer has worked with the City of Toronto Corporate Employee Health Services to institute protocols for specific infectious disease exposures.
Reporting Exposures
- Each exposed Firefighter shall complete a Worker's Report of Suspected Exposure (Haz Mat or Pathogens) and forward it to the Office of the TFS Chief Medical Officer as quickly as possible.
- The completed Worker's Report of Suspected Exposure will be deposited in the member's TFS medical file, where it remains confidential.
Follow-up and Confidentiality
- Follow-up testing for a communicable/infectious disease can continue for several months to years.
- The Designated Officer will maintain confidentiality and may contact personnel at home, leaving a message to contact them if necessary.
- The Communications Centre shall contact the Designated Officer(s) or their approved alternates with confidential information.
This quiz assesses understanding of protocols for handling patient information and responding to potential exposures to blood or body fluids. It covers the importance of confidentiality and timely information gathering.
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