903 - Communicable Diseases

• The Chesapeake Fire Department has a policy to minimize the risk of communicable diseases among its members.
• Communicable diseases are defined as human diseases caused by microorganisms that can be transmitted through bodily fluids, tissue, or breathing.
• The Health and Safety Officer serves as the Exposure Control Officer (ECO) and develops an exposure control plan.
• The plan includes procedures for exposure prevention and decontamination, obtaining medical attention, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Members are expected to use good judgment and follow procedures related to mitigating the risks associated with communicable diseases.
• Immunizations for hepatitis B are available at no cost for members who could be exposed due to their positions.
• Emergency Communications Centers screen callers for signs and symptoms of diseases of public health threat (DoPHT).
• Hazardous Materials Team provides guidance and support for decontamination of occupancies or vehicles and disposal of contaminated waste.
• Patient-care surfaces are likely to become contaminated and will be cleaned and disinfected after transport.
• A designated officer oversees post-exposure procedures.
• Officers can assist with enforcing the Exposure Control Plan but are not the designated officer.
• All notifications regarding exposures must go through the Health and Safety Officer.
• Members who experience exposure must begin decontamination procedures immediately and obtain medical attention.
• The supervisor on-duty must investigate every exposure and document specific information.
• Members cannot disclose the identity or infectious status of the source to the public or uninvolved parties.
• Department members have the opportunity for confidential medical evaluation and counseling after exposure.
• Source testing is the responsibility of the ECO and may require consent from the individual.
• Medical information and test results must remain confidential except as required by law.
• The ECO should request a written evaluation from the treating medical professional containing specific information.
• The supervisor should complete incident documentation in conjunction with other reporting requirements.

Think you know how to prevent the spread of communicable diseases in the Chesapeake Fire Department? Test your knowledge with our quiz! From exposure control plans to decontamination procedures, this quiz covers the important policies and procedures in place to protect department members and the public from infectious diseases. Keywords: Chesapeake Fire Department, communicable diseases, exposure control plan, decontamination procedures, personal protective equipment, medical attention, hazardous materials team, post-exposure procedures.