III-F-13 Infection Control Plan 07/10/2023

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Infection Control Office (ICO) in the event of exposure to a communicable disease?

To ensure workplace safety regulations are enforced

To provide legal resources for affected employees

To conduct the initial medical assessment and treatment (correct)

To offer mental health support to affected employees

Which of the following best describes 'Bodily Fluid Exposure'?

Exposure to non-intact skin or mucous membranes by potentially infected bodily fluids (correct)

Contact with airborne pathogens only

Contact with any fluid from the body, regardless of infection status

Accidental ingestion of infected bodily fluids

What should an employee do before and after any patient contact to prevent the spread of disease?

Change gloves frequently

Use hand sanitizer only

Ensure no bodily contact is made

Wash hands thoroughly (correct)

What action must be taken with any minor cuts or open areas of skin on an employee?

Apply an impervious dressing Signup and view all the answers

During what time frame should follow-up education and treatment be provided after a confirmed disease exposure?

Within 72 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fluids does not qualify under the definition of bodily fluid exposure?

Saliva Signup and view all the answers

Why is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) considered physically weak?

It is easily destroyed by physical and chemical agents Signup and view all the answers

If proper hand washing facilities are unavailable, what alternative should employees use?

Antiseptic foam or liquid Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a bloodborne pathogen exposure?

Breaking of intact skin Signup and view all the answers

What should an employee do if they experience an exposure to blood or bodily fluids?

Immediately wash the affected area Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for immediately notifying the FAO Chief/Supervisor after an exposure incident?

The employee's supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken when a major exposure is confirmed?

Draw a blood sample from the source patient Signup and view all the answers

Which bodily fluids do NOT transmit HIV or Hepatitis unless visible blood is present?

Urine, tears, saliva Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step an employee must take after a potential exposure to a communicable disease?

Report the exposure to their supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities of the EMS Field Supervisor after an exposure incident?

Ensure employee decontamination has been performed Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an exposure occurs while treating a patient?

Complete treatment and then manage the exposure incident Signup and view all the answers

What documentation is required following a possible communicable disease exposure?

Document according to P&P II-K-5 Signup and view all the answers

What must the EMS Field Supervisor ensure regarding the source blood tubes?

They are delivered to the diagnostic facility within testing timeframe Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of an employee after an exposure incident?

Submit to medical follow-up on their own time Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if medications need to be administered to a female employee after exposure?

Perform a pregnancy test first Signup and view all the answers

What type of exposure is included in the definition of ''non-intact skin''?

Burned or cut skin Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a minor exposure, what documentation is required?

National Fire Incident Reporting System report Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with specimens of blood or other infectious materials during transport?

They must be put in a biohazard container that prevents leakage. Signup and view all the answers

When is the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) exempt?

When it hinders the delivery of healthcare or public safety services. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with food and drinks in areas where there is a risk of exposure to blood or other infectious materials?

They are prohibited from being stored in those areas. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an appropriate practice after applying antiseptic foam?

Using a mouth-operated suctioning device. Signup and view all the answers

Which PPE is necessary when facing possible respiratory contamination?

Mask and eye protection. Signup and view all the answers

What is mandated regarding the disposal of contaminated needles and sharps?

They must be disposed of in an approved biohazard waste container. Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if reports or paperwork are contaminated with bodily fluids?

They must be rewritten on a clean report. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following situations requires the use of all protective equipment?

Handling violent or combative patients. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done regarding the use of gloves when handling possible hand contamination?

Gloves must always be worn. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following infections requires masks and goggles to be worn during treatment?

Chicken Pox. Signup and view all the answers

What action is prohibited regarding the handling of intravenous (IV) lines?

Holding the catheter in your mouth. Signup and view all the answers

How should sharps containers be managed during use?

They should be stored safely throughout use. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the use of disposable facemasks?

They should be discarded in the biohazardous waste container after use. Signup and view all the answers

When should a mask be applied to patients suspected of having TB?

Whenever they are coughing or sneezing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for wearing gloves during EMS operations?

For the protection of both the employee and the patient Signup and view all the answers

What should be done when there is fluid found on gloves during patient care?

Change the gloves before treating another patient Signup and view all the answers

When should double gloves be utilized?

When dealing with a large amount of contamination or when the risk of ripping exists Signup and view all the answers

What type of gloves should be worn when dealing with broken glass?

Firefighting gloves over nitrile gloves Signup and view all the answers

What must be done before initiating disinfecting procedures?

Remove soiled gloves and don new ones Signup and view all the answers

Why must the driver of a fire rescue vehicle remove gloves before operating the vehicle?

To prevent contamination of the vehicle's controls Signup and view all the answers

In what situation is it recommended to wear gowns with attached sleeves?

When there is a risk of becoming soiled with blood or bodily fluids Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate method for removing gloves?

Grasp the first glove on the contaminated side and roll it off inside out Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with used nitrile gloves?

Discard them in approved biohazardous waste containers Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with biohazardous waste containers?

They should be labeled with fluorescent colors and warnings Signup and view all the answers

Which PPE is essential to protect the eyes in potentially infectious situations?

Safety goggles or approved protective eyewear Signup and view all the answers

How often should personnel conduct handwashing and change soiled uniforms?

After every patient contact and as needed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using biohazardous waste bags and containers?

To prevent the spread of infection and ensure safe disposal Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum duration between scheduled pick-ups for biohazardous waste containers?

14 days Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with sharps containers once they are full?

Place them into puncture-resistant biohazardous waste containers Signup and view all the answers

What solution is recommended for cleaning surfaces after contact with blood or infectious materials?

1:10 household bleach and water solution Signup and view all the answers

How often should trash receptacles likely contaminated with infectious materials be decontaminated?

Regularly scheduled basis Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with broken glass that may be contaminated?

Use a broom and dustpan to clean it up Signup and view all the answers

Where should the decontamination of equipment NOT occur?

In areas where food is prepared Signup and view all the answers

How often should kitchen sponges be replaced or cleaned?

Regularly, depending on use Signup and view all the answers

How frequently should Department bedspreads and dormitory curtains be washed?

Monthly Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical precaution when handling food in relation to raw meat?

Clean cutting boards before and after preparation Signup and view all the answers

What type of detergent should be used for washing contaminated uniforms?

Detergents available through the Inventory and Supply Bureau Signup and view all the answers

What should be confirmed by the unit OIC every shift regarding exposure kits?

The presence and expiration date of exposure kits Signup and view all the answers

What indicates an airborne exposure?

A source patient with suspected symptoms of a communicable disease Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with linens in the sleeping quarters?

Laundered at least once per compensatory relief cycle Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an exposure kit is about to expire?

Generate an EMS service request and contact EMS Support Signup and view all the answers

What information must be provided to the Infection Control Nurse (ICN) within 24 hours of an incident?

Employee’s name, date of birth, phone number, and incident synopsis Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the responsibilities of the Infection Control Nurse (ICN) regarding employee contact?

Provide ongoing treatment evaluation every 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which vaccinations are required for healthcare workers according to the infection control plan?

Hepatitis A and B, and seasonal influenza Signup and view all the answers

What must be done if a healthcare worker declines immunization?

They must complete an attestation document Signup and view all the answers

What is required from the EMS Field Supervisor regarding source blood tubes?

Ensure they are delivered to the designated diagnostic facility Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the Infection Control Nurse (ICN)?

Make contact with the employee every 48 hours Signup and view all the answers

In case of a biological exposure, what should be done with exposure records?

Keep them for the employee's career plus 30 years Signup and view all the answers

When will training on infection control be conducted?

At the time of initial employment and biennially Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do when performing biohazardous material decontamination?

Apply absorbent and collect materials in approved bags Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if a biohazardous decontamination vendor is unavailable?

Request MDFR unit to assist if circumstances are rare and extraordinary Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a priority during a scene size-up for decontamination?

Accessibility and size of the area to manage Signup and view all the answers

What should be the maximum area for biohazardous material management?

No more than the size of the largest available trauma dressing Signup and view all the answers

What protective measures should be taken during biohazardous cleanup?

Use double gloves and eye protection Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a source patient's blood sample is not obtained by MDFR personnel?

Coordinate with the receiving facility's Charge Nurse or Infection Control Officer Signup and view all the answers

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.