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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of the Infection Control Office (ICO) in the event of exposure to a communicable disease?
What is the primary purpose of the Infection Control Office (ICO) in the event of exposure to a communicable disease?
Which of the following best describes 'Bodily Fluid Exposure'?
Which of the following best describes 'Bodily Fluid Exposure'?
What should an employee do before and after any patient contact to prevent the spread of disease?
What should an employee do before and after any patient contact to prevent the spread of disease?
What action must be taken with any minor cuts or open areas of skin on an employee?
What action must be taken with any minor cuts or open areas of skin on an employee?
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During what time frame should follow-up education and treatment be provided after a confirmed disease exposure?
During what time frame should follow-up education and treatment be provided after a confirmed disease exposure?
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Which type of fluids does not qualify under the definition of bodily fluid exposure?
Which type of fluids does not qualify under the definition of bodily fluid exposure?
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Why is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) considered physically weak?
Why is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) considered physically weak?
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If proper hand washing facilities are unavailable, what alternative should employees use?
If proper hand washing facilities are unavailable, what alternative should employees use?
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What is considered a bloodborne pathogen exposure?
What is considered a bloodborne pathogen exposure?
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What should an employee do if they experience an exposure to blood or bodily fluids?
What should an employee do if they experience an exposure to blood or bodily fluids?
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Who is responsible for immediately notifying the FAO Chief/Supervisor after an exposure incident?
Who is responsible for immediately notifying the FAO Chief/Supervisor after an exposure incident?
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What action should be taken when a major exposure is confirmed?
What action should be taken when a major exposure is confirmed?
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Which bodily fluids do NOT transmit HIV or Hepatitis unless visible blood is present?
Which bodily fluids do NOT transmit HIV or Hepatitis unless visible blood is present?
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What is the first step an employee must take after a potential exposure to a communicable disease?
What is the first step an employee must take after a potential exposure to a communicable disease?
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What is one of the responsibilities of the EMS Field Supervisor after an exposure incident?
What is one of the responsibilities of the EMS Field Supervisor after an exposure incident?
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What should be done if an exposure occurs while treating a patient?
What should be done if an exposure occurs while treating a patient?
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What documentation is required following a possible communicable disease exposure?
What documentation is required following a possible communicable disease exposure?
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What must the EMS Field Supervisor ensure regarding the source blood tubes?
What must the EMS Field Supervisor ensure regarding the source blood tubes?
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Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of an employee after an exposure incident?
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of an employee after an exposure incident?
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What should be done if medications need to be administered to a female employee after exposure?
What should be done if medications need to be administered to a female employee after exposure?
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What type of exposure is included in the definition of ''non-intact skin''?
What type of exposure is included in the definition of ''non-intact skin''?
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In the event of a minor exposure, what documentation is required?
In the event of a minor exposure, what documentation is required?
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What should be done with specimens of blood or other infectious materials during transport?
What should be done with specimens of blood or other infectious materials during transport?
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When is the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) exempt?
When is the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) exempt?
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What should be done with food and drinks in areas where there is a risk of exposure to blood or other infectious materials?
What should be done with food and drinks in areas where there is a risk of exposure to blood or other infectious materials?
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Which of the following is NOT an appropriate practice after applying antiseptic foam?
Which of the following is NOT an appropriate practice after applying antiseptic foam?
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Which PPE is necessary when facing possible respiratory contamination?
Which PPE is necessary when facing possible respiratory contamination?
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What is mandated regarding the disposal of contaminated needles and sharps?
What is mandated regarding the disposal of contaminated needles and sharps?
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What action should be taken if reports or paperwork are contaminated with bodily fluids?
What action should be taken if reports or paperwork are contaminated with bodily fluids?
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Which of the following situations requires the use of all protective equipment?
Which of the following situations requires the use of all protective equipment?
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What should be done regarding the use of gloves when handling possible hand contamination?
What should be done regarding the use of gloves when handling possible hand contamination?
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Which of the following infections requires masks and goggles to be worn during treatment?
Which of the following infections requires masks and goggles to be worn during treatment?
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What action is prohibited regarding the handling of intravenous (IV) lines?
What action is prohibited regarding the handling of intravenous (IV) lines?
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How should sharps containers be managed during use?
How should sharps containers be managed during use?
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What is required for the use of disposable facemasks?
What is required for the use of disposable facemasks?
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When should a mask be applied to patients suspected of having TB?
When should a mask be applied to patients suspected of having TB?
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What is the primary reason for wearing gloves during EMS operations?
What is the primary reason for wearing gloves during EMS operations?
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What should be done when there is fluid found on gloves during patient care?
What should be done when there is fluid found on gloves during patient care?
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When should double gloves be utilized?
When should double gloves be utilized?
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What type of gloves should be worn when dealing with broken glass?
What type of gloves should be worn when dealing with broken glass?
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What must be done before initiating disinfecting procedures?
What must be done before initiating disinfecting procedures?
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Why must the driver of a fire rescue vehicle remove gloves before operating the vehicle?
Why must the driver of a fire rescue vehicle remove gloves before operating the vehicle?
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In what situation is it recommended to wear gowns with attached sleeves?
In what situation is it recommended to wear gowns with attached sleeves?
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What is the appropriate method for removing gloves?
What is the appropriate method for removing gloves?
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What must be done with used nitrile gloves?
What must be done with used nitrile gloves?
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What should be done with biohazardous waste containers?
What should be done with biohazardous waste containers?
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Which PPE is essential to protect the eyes in potentially infectious situations?
Which PPE is essential to protect the eyes in potentially infectious situations?
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How often should personnel conduct handwashing and change soiled uniforms?
How often should personnel conduct handwashing and change soiled uniforms?
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What is the purpose of using biohazardous waste bags and containers?
What is the purpose of using biohazardous waste bags and containers?
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What is the maximum duration between scheduled pick-ups for biohazardous waste containers?
What is the maximum duration between scheduled pick-ups for biohazardous waste containers?
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What should be done with sharps containers once they are full?
What should be done with sharps containers once they are full?
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What solution is recommended for cleaning surfaces after contact with blood or infectious materials?
What solution is recommended for cleaning surfaces after contact with blood or infectious materials?
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How often should trash receptacles likely contaminated with infectious materials be decontaminated?
How often should trash receptacles likely contaminated with infectious materials be decontaminated?
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What should be done with broken glass that may be contaminated?
What should be done with broken glass that may be contaminated?
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Where should the decontamination of equipment NOT occur?
Where should the decontamination of equipment NOT occur?
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How often should kitchen sponges be replaced or cleaned?
How often should kitchen sponges be replaced or cleaned?
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How frequently should Department bedspreads and dormitory curtains be washed?
How frequently should Department bedspreads and dormitory curtains be washed?
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What is a critical precaution when handling food in relation to raw meat?
What is a critical precaution when handling food in relation to raw meat?
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What type of detergent should be used for washing contaminated uniforms?
What type of detergent should be used for washing contaminated uniforms?
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What should be confirmed by the unit OIC every shift regarding exposure kits?
What should be confirmed by the unit OIC every shift regarding exposure kits?
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What indicates an airborne exposure?
What indicates an airborne exposure?
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What should be done with linens in the sleeping quarters?
What should be done with linens in the sleeping quarters?
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What should be done if an exposure kit is about to expire?
What should be done if an exposure kit is about to expire?
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What information must be provided to the Infection Control Nurse (ICN) within 24 hours of an incident?
What information must be provided to the Infection Control Nurse (ICN) within 24 hours of an incident?
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What is one of the responsibilities of the Infection Control Nurse (ICN) regarding employee contact?
What is one of the responsibilities of the Infection Control Nurse (ICN) regarding employee contact?
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Which vaccinations are required for healthcare workers according to the infection control plan?
Which vaccinations are required for healthcare workers according to the infection control plan?
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What must be done if a healthcare worker declines immunization?
What must be done if a healthcare worker declines immunization?
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What is required from the EMS Field Supervisor regarding source blood tubes?
What is required from the EMS Field Supervisor regarding source blood tubes?
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Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Infection Control Nurse (ICN)?
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Infection Control Nurse (ICN)?
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In case of a biological exposure, what should be done with exposure records?
In case of a biological exposure, what should be done with exposure records?
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When will training on infection control be conducted?
When will training on infection control be conducted?
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What should personnel do when performing biohazardous material decontamination?
What should personnel do when performing biohazardous material decontamination?
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What action should be taken if a biohazardous decontamination vendor is unavailable?
What action should be taken if a biohazardous decontamination vendor is unavailable?
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Which of the following is a priority during a scene size-up for decontamination?
Which of the following is a priority during a scene size-up for decontamination?
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What should be the maximum area for biohazardous material management?
What should be the maximum area for biohazardous material management?
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What protective measures should be taken during biohazardous cleanup?
What protective measures should be taken during biohazardous cleanup?
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What should be done if a source patient's blood sample is not obtained by MDFR personnel?
What should be done if a source patient's blood sample is not obtained by MDFR personnel?
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Study Notes
Health and Safety Policies
- Continuous review of work-related infectious disease exposures by the Health and Safety Division.
- Infection Control Office (ICO) provides safety engineering, training measures, and post-exposure treatment within 72 hours.
- Employees exposed to communicable diseases must follow outlined procedures for assessment, prophylaxis, and documentation.
Exposure Guidelines
- Bodily fluid exposure includes contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes via infected fluids (blood, semen, CSF, vaginal fluids, and more).
- Mucous membranes are the membrane linings of body passages that connect to the outside.
Safety Precautions
- Impervious dressings cover minor cuts and abrasions.
- Hand washing is crucial before and after patient contact, even when wearing gloves.
- Antiseptic foams used when hand washing facilities are unavailable, with emphasis on thorough washing as soon as possible.
- Mucous membranes should be flushed with water immediately after potential contamination.
- Prohibition of eating, drinking, or applying cosmetics in exposure-prone areas.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Mandatory PPE use for all personnel during patient contact to prevent exposure.
- Officers ensure proper precautions for all crew members, with exemptions only for rare situations.
- Judgement on PPE amount/type is situational and may change based on exposure risks.
Types of Exposure Risks and Corresponding PPE
- Hand contamination: Gloves and sleeves.
- Respiratory contamination: Masks and eye protection.
- Splash contamination (e.g., from combative patients): Full PPE including masks, gloves, gowns, eye protection, booties, and sleeves.
PPE Donning and Doffing Procedures
- Proper sequential removal of PPE is vital to minimize contamination during doffing.
- Used PPE must be discarded in biohazard waste containers.
Housekeeping and Waste Management
- Regular cleaning and sanitizing of emergency response areas are required.
- Biohazardous waste should be disposed of in designated containers and properly labeled.
- Containers for waste are to be scheduled for pickup every 14 days, with emergency pickup arranged as needed.
Biological Exposure Kits
- Each unit maintains biological exposure kits located with controlled drugs, distinct from narcotics.
- Unit Officers confirm the presence and expiration of kits each shift.
Airborne Exposure Criteria
- Airborne exposure is defined by the presence of a source patient with suspected communicable diseases or confirmed history of airborne infections.
General Recommendations
- Frequent hand washing, changing of soiled uniforms, and thorough cleaning are essential for infection control.
- Trash receptacles and biohazard waste containers must be emptied after each call to prevent contamination.
- Bunker gear must not be washed in station machines; specific protocols must be followed for cleaning uniforms and equipment.### Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure
- Importance of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to prevent exposures.
- Bloodborne pathogen exposure classifications:
- Breaking of intact skin (needle sticks, lacerations).
- Exposure to non-intact skin (open wounds, dermatitis).
- Splashes to mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose).
- Bites with blood present in saliva.
- Sweat, tears, saliva, and urine are not means of HIV or Hepatitis transmission unless visible blood is involved.
Source Patient Blood Drawing
- Drawing blood from source patients is crucial in exposure situations.
- Consult the infection control officer for guidance following an exposure incident.
Reporting and Documentation Protocols
- Immediate reporting of potential communicable disease exposure to a supervisor is mandatory.
- Employee responsibilities:
- Exercise precautions to prevent injuries and exposures.
- Report unsafe conditions.
- Wash contamination sites immediately and report exposures.
- Adhere to relevant policies for injury/illness/exposure documentation.
- Supervisors must:
- Notify the FAO Chief/Supervisor promptly.
- Manage the unit’s status post-exposure.
- Follow up with the appropriate incident reporting procedures.
FAO Chief/Supervisor Responsibilities
- Dispatch EMS Field Supervisor regardless of exposure severity.
- Maintain exposure logs with employee details and incident information.
EMS Field Supervisor Responsibilities
- Respond with an exposure kit and ensure employee decontamination.
- Assist in obtaining source patient blood samples and history.
- Conduct rapid HIV testing as necessary.
- Deliver medications as per protocols, including pregnancy tests where applicable.
- Ensure timely delivery of source blood tubes to testing facilities.
Infection Control Nurse (ICN) Responsibilities
- Consult and contact affected employees post-exposure.
- Provide ongoing support and counseling to exposed employees.
- Ensure appropriate documentation and follow-up care are performed.
Post-Exposure Protocol
- Referrals for treatment at Authorized Care Centers include baseline testing and counseling.
- Maintain exposure records for employees during and post-employment (30 years).
Vaccination Guidelines
- Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Tdap vaccinations are mandatory for healthcare workers and provided at no cost.
- Employees can decline vaccinations but must complete a declination form.
- Annual seasonal influenza vaccinations are offered to all employees.
Training Requirements
- Mandatory training upon employment, biennially, and as needed regarding vaccinations and infection control.
- Training records kept in VectorSolutions.
Biohazardous Material Decontamination
- MDFR will respond to requests for decontamination from law enforcement but primarily will coordinate with third-party vendors.
- Scene size-up must ensure safety and manageability of decontamination tasks.
- Proper PPE is essential during decontamination, with strict disposal protocols for absorbed materials.
- If conditions are unsuitable for on-scene management, the situation will be escalated to request specialized assistance.
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Description
This quiz assesses knowledge on workplace policies regarding work-related infectious disease exposures. It covers safety engineering, training measures, and protocols for employees exposed to communicable diseases. Understanding these measures is essential for maintaining health and safety in the workplace.