18 Questions
What should a firefighter do immediately after being exposed to a communicable disease?
Contact the on call Designated Officer through the TFS Communications Centre
What is one of the routes of entry for HIV infection?
Bloodstream contact
What personal protective equipment (PPE) should a firefighter wear to prevent the transmission of Tuberculosis?
N95 mask and gloves
Why is it essential to report the exposure to a Designated Officer?
To determine if an exposure has occurred and what further treatment is required
What should a firefighter provide to the Designated Officer during the initial contact?
Detailed verbal answers to a standard series of questions
What is the purpose of the Communicable Disease Protocol?
To facilitate access to assessment, prophylaxis, and follow-up treatment
Who should a firefighter contact in case of a communicable disease exposure?
The on call Designated Officer through the TFS Communications Centre
What is the role of the Designated Officer in case of a communicable disease exposure?
To assess the exposure and determine the course of action
Why should a firefighter not delay contacting the Designated Officer?
Because every minute counts in determining the course of action
What should a firefighter do after contacting the Designated Officer?
Wait for further instructions from the Designated Officer
What is the primary purpose of the guideline?
To outline the procedures for preventing the spread of communicable diseases
Who is responsible for ensuring an appropriate response is provided to personnel affected by a communicable disease exposure or potential exposure?
The Designated Officer
What is the primary responsibility of all personnel in preventing the spread of communicable diseases?
To practice universal/routine precautions
What should Firefighters do when attending medical calls to prevent potential exposure to infectious and/or communicable diseases?
Use universal/routine precautions and wear proper protective equipment
What may be included in the proper protective equipment (PPE) worn by Firefighters when attending medical calls?
Some or all of the above
What should personnel do in the event that precautions fail or other circumstances result in a potential exposure?
Follow the procedures in this guideline to ensure safety and minimize complications
What is the source of the guidelines for preventing the spread of communicable diseases?
The Ontario Ministry of Health's Designated Officer and Infectious Disease Notification Procedure
Who is responsible for notifying the Designated Officer in a timely manner when requested?
The Communications Centre Officer
Study Notes
Purpose and Responsibility
- The purpose is to provide guidelines for preventing the spread of communicable diseases and notification process in the event of potential exposure.
- All personnel are responsible for taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
- The Designated Officer is responsible for ensuring an appropriate response to personnel affected by a communicable disease exposure or potential exposure.
- The Communications Centre Officer is responsible for notifying the Designated Officer in a timely manner when requested.
General Guidelines
- The procedures are consistent with the Ontario Ministry of Health's Designated Officer and Infectious Disease Notification Procedure.
- Personnel should practice universal/routine precautions when providing emergency medical care.
- Universal precautions include wearing proper protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, N95 or surgical mask, gown, and bunker pants and boots.
Determining an Exposure
- Exposed personnel should answer questions to determine if an exposure has occurred, including:
- Was there direct contact with the medium carrying the disease?
- Was protective clothing and/or equipment worn or used?
- Was the personal protective equipment compromised?
- Is it reasonable to believe the patient/person was infected with an infectious disease?
- Was there an applicable "route of entry" for the disease?
Disease Transmission and Route of Entry
- HIV: Body fluids (blood), needle stick, broken skin, bloodstream (blood to blood contact).
- Hepatitis B, C: Body fluids (blood), saliva, bloodstream.
- Hepatitis A: Fecal/oral, contaminated fingers or foodstuffs.
- Tuberculosis: Airborne, respiratory secretions, sputum or saliva.
- Meningitis: Direct contact with discharge from nose or throat, respiratory/oral.
Exposure
- The Ontario Ministry of Health has developed a protocol for use when emergency service workers are exposed to a communicable disease.
- The protocol facilitates access to assessment, prophylaxis, and follow-up treatment for potentially exposed personnel.
- The protocol provides a contact person to inform allied agencies of possible exposure and for other agencies to call if they become aware of potential exposure.
Notification and Reporting
- Exposed personnel should immediately contact the on-call TFS Designated Officer through the TFS Communications Centre.
- Personnel should provide detailed verbal answers to a standard series of questions and submit written reports on the applicable TFS forms.
- The Designated Officer will determine if an exposure has occurred and what further treatment is required.
- DO NOT DELAY CONTACTING THE DESIGNATED OFFICER FOR ANY REASON.
This quiz covers the guidelines for preventing the spread of communicable diseases and the notification process in the event of potential exposure for Toronto Fire Services personnel.
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