Medical Services - Infectious Disease - 1

A pathogen that can be spread through contact with contaminated blood or body fluids.

An infectious disease that can be transmitted from one person to another, often through contact with bodily fluids.

Any fluid that can transmit pathogens.

A potentially deadly disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The presence of blood or body fluids on a surface or object.

Pathogens that can spread through the air, often through coughing, sneezing, or talking.

The process of removing contaminating biohazards from surfaces or objects.

Measures taken to prevent the spread of pathogens.

Contact with potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of the employee's duties.

A situation in which blood, other bodily fluids (saliva, urine, respiratory secretions, or feces) from a source patient/individual enter the body of an employee.

Washing hands and other skin surfaces after exposure, wearing gloves, gowns, masks, and protective eyewear.

The IDCO for the OPD is the Police Services Bureau Employee Resources Sergeant.

Infection and inflammation or swelling of the liver, to include cancer or death. Certain drugs, toxins, or infectious agencies can cause hepatitis, including viruses found in human blood, urine, semen, saliva, and other bodily secretions.

A suspected contamination includes blood or body fluids (vomit, urine, sweat, feces, or saliva) on intact skin or on a uniform, or when unprotected in close proximity or prolonged contact with a source patient/individual who is coughing, sneezing, etc.

Cover all open cuts, abrasions, or sores with waterproof bandages before reporting for duty.

Place contaminated garments and/or protective equipment in designated areas or containers for storing, washing, decontaminating, or discarding.

Wear appropriate gloves when there is potential for hand contact with blood, other potentially infectious materials, mucous membranes, and non-intact skin; when performing vascular access procedures; and when handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces.

Do not recap, bend, break, or otherwise handle needles by hand; also do not remove needles from disposable syringes.

Place needles in puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers when collected for evidence, disposal, or transportation.

Do not smoke, eat, drink, apply makeup or lip balm, or handle contact lenses around body fluid spills or in work areas where there is a reasonable likelihood of Occupational Exposure.

Never put your hands directly into a person's belongings. Instead, carefully empty the contents before searching.

Move slowly and deliberately during a search, avoiding sudden movements. This helps prevent accidental injuries or escalation of the situation.

After a quick check for weapons, politely ask the person to empty their own pockets. This respects their autonomy and helps ensure a thorough search.

Inquire about the person's history of communicable diseases, but respect their right to not answer. Always follow Universal Precautions regardless of their response.

Transport individuals with bodily fluids on them separately from others in a vehicle. This helps prevent contamination and exposure.

When transferring custody, notify relevant support personnel if the suspect has bodily fluids present or claims a communicable disease.

Document any instances of bodily fluids or claimed communicable diseases on the booking sheet during intake at Douglas County Department of Corrections (DCDC).

Every marked police vehicle is equipped with a safety kit containing protective gear like a jumpsuit, gloves, mask, wipes, and a biohazard bag.

When using an item from the safety kit, notify your supervisor that the kit is depleted. They will replace it from the stock maintained at the assembly.

Once a safety kit is used, it is NOT re-used. The remaining contents are returned to the police supply unit where they may be reissued individually, if unopened.

All officers are encouraged to carry disposable gloves on their person at all times while on duty. This helps minimize exposure to bodily fluids.

Always wash your hands immediately after dealing with bodily fluids, even after wearing gloves. This helps prevent the spread of any potential pathogens.

Red biohazard bags are designated for the disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) contaminated with bodily fluids. Ensure they are sealed properly and disposed of in an OPD-owned or approved City of Omaha trash receptacle.

If body fluid contamination occurs on a uniform, immediately change out of the contaminated clothing. Remain on duty in clean clothing.

Handle contaminated clothing as little as possible to minimize exposure to air and potential contamination of others.

For small areas of contamination, the clothing can be decontaminated by washing with laundry detergent. Larger areas or significant saturation require professional cleaning.

A blood sample provided by an individual involved in a potential exposure incident, used to determine if they have a blood-borne pathogen.

If a source patient refuses to provide a blood sample voluntarily, this department can assist in obtaining a court order to get a sample.

The complete Hepatitis B vaccination series takes 6-8 months to complete. It involves three shots administered over time.

Refusal of the Hepatitis B vaccination by an employee must be documented and kept on file by the Employee Resources Sergeant.

The initial training for at-risk employees covers blood-borne pathogens, personal protective equipment (PPE), exposure reporting, and proper handling of contaminated items.

Updates to the initial exposure training are conducted periodically to ensure employees stay up-to-date on best practices.

All records related to exposure incidents, testing, treatment, and follow-up are confidential and require the employee's written consent for release.

The City Human Resources Department maintains a record of the employee's immunizations, exposures, investigations, testing, treatment, and refusal of any medical interventions.

An employee's medical records are stored separately within their personnel file and are accessible only by the City Human Resources Director or a designated representative.

If an employee requests a disability accommodation, their medical records may become public information.

Any object or material that has been in contact with blood or other potentially infectious bodily fluids.

A designated container used for collecting and disposing of potentially contaminated items.

A specialized cleaning service that handles the decontamination of items exposed to bodily fluids.

Items intended for single use and discarded after contamination, such as gloves, masks, or paper towels.

To clean an item, such as a police vehicle, with a disinfectant solution of soap and water.

To use bleach diluted in water to disinfect equipment or surfaces.

An individual responsible for inspecting and cleaning police vehicles at the beginning of each shift.

To remove potentially contaminated items from a hospital to preserve them as evidence.

Items that are contaminated with bodily fluids and have potential evidentiary value.

Thoroughly drying contaminated items before packaging them to prevent mold and mildew growth.

To document the incident, even if the employee took precautions and the incident did not meet exposure standards.

A procedure that involves removing contaminated items from the employee, cleaning the affected areas, and disposing of contaminated items properly.

Any situation where an employee may have come into contact with potentially infectious material like blood or bodily fluids.

An employee who suspects they've had a Significant Exposure must immediately report it to their supervisor.

A designated professional from a contracted medical provider who oversees exposure protocols and medical referrals.

The infected individual who may have caused the exposure to the employee.

The "Source Patient" must be tested to determine whether they are carrying a contagious disease.

If a "Source Patient" tests positive for a contagious disease, the exposed employee should receive timely medical treatment.

The "State Infectious Disease Exposure Report" (OPD Form 274D) is a critical form documenting the exposure event.

The "Source Patient's results from a blood test will determine the kind of additional treatment the exposed employee needs.

If an exposed employee's test results are negative, no further treatment is needed.

If an exposed employee's test results are positive, the Employee Resources Sergeant will coordinate further actions.

To ensure proper record-keeping, the employee's supervisor should complete several forms in the event of an exposure.

Explain that they will receive their blood test results and have the option of a free blood screen.

The City's contracted Infectious Disease Exposure vendor will work with the health facility's Infectious Disease Coordinator to determine what, if any, additional treatment is needed for the affected employee.

An exposed employee will be directed to have a baseline blood draw completed the next business day at the City's contracted occupational health clinic.