Infection control 2017

INFECTION CONTROL & SAFETY

MRS. STACEY WRIGHT, AAS, EMT-P

DEPUTY CHIEF, SAFETY OFFICER

PENDER EMS AND FIRE, INC.

CONTACT INFORMATION

• Stacey Wright, AAS, EMT-P

• 910-470-0982

• 910-259-4612

• [email protected]

• 910-675-9198

mailto:[email protected]

ACCOUNTABILITY

• SOG CO-28

• Purpose:

• The purpose of this guideline is to ensure the location and

safety of all Emergency Personnel working on the Incident

scene.

• To maximize the efficiency of operations used to stabilize the

incident.

• Review the SOG CO-28 that goes in detail the Accountability.

SAFETY FORMS

• Purpose: To provide the employer and employee with

the means to document injuries, exposures, and

unsafe practices.

• Company Safety Forms are located on the Shared

Drive in the 2016 Policy and Guidelines Company

SOG’s --CO 26 Thru CO 26-K

SAFETY• The safety and health of employees is a

priority. Pender EMS and Fire makes every effort to comply with all federal and state workplace safety requirements. All members are required to have all departmental issued Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), with them while at work and/or a departmental function that may require the use of any or all of the PPE.

• Each employee is expected to obey safety rules and exercise caution and common sense in all work activities.

• Note: See Safety Manual for complete Safety Guidelines and Policies.

INFECTION / EXPOSURE CONTROL

• GOAL: It is intended to offer you the basic

understanding to protect yourself against such

pathogens as HIV, HBV, and other infectious diseases.

• PLEASE DO NOT let this replace your “COMMON

SENSE”…..If you see a risk, take precautions.

BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS ALSO KNOWN AS STANDARD PRECAUTIONS

REDUCING RISKS

1. Maintenance Controls

* Equipment maintenance

2. Work Practice Controls

* Proper hand washing (done frequently)

(If water not available, use antiseptic wipe)

* Proper Hygiene

* Keep possible exposure areas free from food items

3. Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

* Gloves are to be used when handling any body fluid

* Careful removal of gloves (not touching outside area)

* Using appropriate equipment in all situations

ISOLATION PRECAUTIONS

Standard Precautions— used with every patient all the time that includes but not limited to gloves, goggles, and gowns.

Airborne Precautions- use standard precautions and n-95 or n-100 masks. Patient should have a Surgical mask on during transport.

Isolation Precautions

Contact Isolation Level 1- GOWN, GLOVES, and SURGICAL MASK MUST be worn when entering the room at a facility or on dealing with patients at home under home health care Esp. MRSA AND SARS

Contact Isolation- GOWN and GLOVES This is used for any Contact Isolation cases esp. VRE, LICE SCABIES, AND WOUNDS.

Droplet Isolation- SURGICAL MASK

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by a type of staph bacteria that's become resistant to many of the antibiotics used to treat ordinary staph infections.

Two Types of MRSA

First one is MRSA infections that occur in people who've been in hospitals or other health care settings, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers. When it occurs in these settings, it's known as health care-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA).

HA-MRSA infections typically are associated with invasive procedures or devices, such as surgeries, intravenous tubing or artificial joints.

Two Types of MRSA

Second type of MRSA infection has occurred in the wider community — among healthy people. This form, community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA), often begins as a painful skin boil. It's spread by skin-to-skin contact.

At-risk populations include groups such as high school wrestlers, child care workers and people who live in crowded conditions

CAUSES

Different varieties of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, commonly called "staph," exist.

Staph bacteria are normally found on the skin or in the nose of about one-third of the population.

The bacteria are generally harmless unless they enter the body through a cut or other wound, and even then they usually cause only minor skin problems in healthy people.

MRSA

“COLONIZED” VS “INFECTED”

People who carry MRSA are said to be colonized. Many kinds of bacteria can live in (colonize) your body without causing an infection. In fact, everyone is colonized by many kinds of bacteria all the time. Being infected means bacteria are multiplying and the body is trying to defend itself against them.

RISK FACTORS of HA-MRSA

Being hospitalized. MRSA remains a concern in hospitals, where it can attack those most vulnerable —older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Having an invasive medical device. Medical tubing —such as intravenous lines or urinary catheters — can provide a pathway for MRSA to travel into your body.

Residing in a long-term care facility. MRSA is prevalent in nursing homes. Carriers of MRSA have the ability to spread it, even if they're not sick themselves.

Risk Factors of CA-MRSA

Participating in contact sports. MRSA can spread easily through cuts and abrasions and skin-to-skin contact.

Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions. Outbreaks of MRSA have occurred in military training camps, child care centers and jails.

Men having sex with men. Homosexual men have a higher risk of developing MRSA infections.

Preventing HA-MRSA

In the hospital, people who are infected or colonized with MRSA often are placed in contact precautions as a measure to prevent the spread of MRSA.

Visitors and health care workers caring for people in isolation may be required to wear protective garments and must follow strict hand hygiene procedures.

Contaminated surfaces and laundry items should be properly disinfected

Preventing CA-MRSA

Wash your hands. Careful hand washing remains your best defense against germs. Scrub hands briskly for at least 15 seconds, then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer containing at least 62 percent alcohol for times when you don't have access to soap and water.

Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores may contain MRSA, and keeping wounds covered will help prevent the bacteria from spreading.

Keep personal items personal. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. MRSA spreads on contaminated objects as well as through direct contact.

Shower after athletic games, practices, or workout sessions. Shower immediately after each game or practice. Use soap and water. Don't share towels.

Sanitize linens. If you have a cut or sore, wash towels and bed linens in a washing machine set to the hottest water setting (with added bleach, if possible) and dry them in a hot dryer. Wash gym and athletic clothes after each wearing.

MRSA

Because of that, workers comp. will not cover MRSA exposure’s without direct documentation of exposure at work but even then it is very hard to get worker compensation coverage.

Is a contact spread disease

WEARING of PPE is essential in the prevention of MRSA.

CONTACT ISOLATION LEVEL 1: Stands until off antibiotics and 3 negative cultures have been obtained. If the negative cultures cannot be obtained YOU MUST follow CONTACT ISOLATION LEVEL 1 which is Gloves, gowns, and surgical mask.

Respirator ProgramPender EMS & Fire

RESPIRATOR PROGRAM

PURPOSE: This is a guideline to help ensure the protection of all employees from respiratory hazards through proper selection and use of respirators.

USAGE: Respirators will be used primarily for the exposure of Tuberculosis or in emergencies where there are suspected AIRBORNE health hazards.

Respirator Program Cont.

Assignment: 1 Respirator per employee

Training: Once a year

Selection: N-95/N-100 Sm., Med., Large, Regular

Inspection: Should be thoroughly inspected prior wearing and when units are checked off for any deterioration.

Medical Evaluations: Done once a year

Pulmonary Function Test done if required by Cooperate Health based on Medical Evaluations.

Respirator use under Special Conditions

Facial Hair: should not interfere with the seal of the respirator

All employees should come to work clean shaven.

Eye Glasses: Should NOT interfere with the nose clip of the mask…..this could cause interference with the seal

Facial Deformities: scars, lack of teeth, dentures, severe acne, prominent cheek bones

Communications: Make sure seal is maintained during conversation with Patients and Fellow Co-workers.

FINAL ANALYSIS

To have a safe and effective program, the employees must use the equipment as they have been trained!

What is Airborne Pathogens

Is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air.

TUBERCULOSIS

Purpose: Is to provide guidelines and procedures that will minimize the risk and consequences associated with exposures to communicable diseases.

BACKGROUND

Communicable diseases can be transmitted several different ways:

Direct>>>Person to Person

Indirect…..Person to Object

Inhalation…..unprotected exposure to an airborne pathogen such as TB

Ingestion…Eating or drinking contaminated food or water

Indentification of TB

Transmitted through the air

Most dangerous indoors……especially areas with poor air circulation

Can survive for long periods of time

Carried through the air in infectious droplets (1-5 microns in size)

Generated by infectious persons cough, speach, sighs, or spits

EMPLOYEES ARE IN DANGER OF EXPOSURE WHENEVER THEY TRANSPORT TB – INFECTED PATIENTS

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

INFECTIONVS

ACTIVE TB

Patients that are infected with TB will have no symptoms

Will not be contagious

Only detection is by TB skin test

Takes months to years to develop TB

May never develop TB at all

Patients with active TB will have the S/S as listed in previous slide

General Measures

Treatment will be conducted by Local Health Department. Treatment can last 9-24months.

Review policy once a year

TB Skin test every six months or as directed by Medical Control

Medical screening as needed

Pender County Health Department, Safety Officer,& Medical Direction will assist with all questions and or concerns!

Handling of Suspected TB Patient

**Immediately apply HEPA Respirator issued to you

**Follow policy and procedures for proper donning of HEPA Mask

**If possible, place mask/face shield on patient

**Gloves, Gowns, & Protective Eye Wear should be worn

**Outside vents should be turned on

Post Exposure Policy

Treated at PCHD during MONDAY –FRIDAY 8am to 4pm

Remember, Treatment will not start immediately……just PAPERWORK

Shift supervisor should be notified ASAP

Safety Officer notified ASAP

Incident report completed immediately which is located on the shared drive or assigned Jump Drive

Copy of Suspected Patient Run Sheet or Face Sheet

WORK RESTRICTIONS

All workers will be out of work until Medically cleared by Pender County Health Department and or EMS Medical Direction.

Workers who are otherwise healthy and receiving preventive Tx for TB infection may be allowed to work but this is at the discretion of the Medical Director and EMS Director.


• Purpose: As stated by OSHA 1910.1030 Pender EMS

and Fire shall have in place an infection/exposure

control plan that applies to all occupational exposure

to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

• This is includes the following:

• Training….Once a year

• Vaccinations….Hepatitis B, TB Skin Test, and Tetanus.


GENERAL MEASURES

• Remember, use common sense when it comes to EXPOSURE

CONTROL

• Use gloves at all times when involved in patient care!

• Use gowns and protective eyewear when potential fluid splatter

could take place.

• Use good hand-washing techniques after all patient contact.

GENERAL MEASURES CONTINUED…….

• All blood and or body fluids should be

immediately cleaned with proper supplied

infection control solution

• All contaminated linen should be placed in

proper biohazard bag and placed in storage bins

at stations and/or hospitals.

• Re-usable equipment should be cleaned before

carrying back to the station. If not possible, it

should be RED BAGGED then cleaned at the

station.

GENERAL MEASURES CONTINUED…

• Things you should not do on the Ambulance!!!!!!!!

GENERAL MEASURES CONT…

Sharp Safety

• DO NOT recap needles unless in the process of Medication Therapy and only use the one handed technique

• ALL sharps MUST be disposed of in the established sharps containers, not in the stretchers, bench seats, floor of the unit, or the trash can.

GENERAL MEASURES

Follow

manufacturer's

directions when it

comes to

cleaning and

washing assigned

Turn Out Gear.

DO NOT DO THIS…..

• Please do not leave

syringes laying around

the units or stations like

this ….NO matter what

they are being used for..

CLEANING AND SANITIZING

• This should be done on each unit

after every call using the proper

disinfectant.

• Do Not leave gloves and/or trash on

the units for the next crew to find.

• Units and equipment should be air

dried when possible.

• All contaminated linen and waste

should be properly disposed of at the

station or hospital.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TOPICS….

• Listed below is general knowledge topics with further discussion in the Infection Control Manual located at each station.

• IV Cannulation Should be done with

• Patent Airway/Suctioning All PPE in place to

• Universal Isolation protect each crew

• Bleeding member involved with

• Emesis, Defecation, Urination the call!!!!

• Labor and Delivery

REGULATED WASTE

• DEFINITION PER OSHA 1910.1030

• Means liquid or semi-liquid or other potentially infectious materials; contaminated items that

would release blood or other potentially infectious materials in a liquid or semi-liquid

state if compressed; items that are caked with dried blood or other potentially infectious

materials and are capable of releasing these materials during handling; contaminated sharps;

and pathological and microbiological wastes containing blood or other potentially infectious

materials.

REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL

• All sharps containers that are ¾ full must be sealed and replaced.

• SHARPS CONTAINERS must be placed in biohazard trash once sealed!

• All medical wasted produced as a result of a call must be collected and placed in a biohazard bag and removed from the scene.

• Simple Terms: IF YOU TAKE IT IN, YOU

MUST TAKE IT OUT!

REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL CONT.

• All waste must be disposed in the proper containers at

each station.

• All regulated waste must be sent to St. 7 for Stericycle to

pick up every 6 weeks.

• Please do not place regular trash in these

containers………this cost Pender EMS and Fire unnecessary

expenses.

• When containers are full Contact Calvin Wright to have it

moved to Station 7.

REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL CONT.

• All expired drugs must

be put in separate a

container.

• Expired drugs must be

transferred to St. 7 to be

placed in the supplied

WHITE BOX by Stericycle

for proper disposal.

REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL..HOW NOT TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF REGULATED

WASTE……

DO NOT DO THIS…..

Not sealing the sharps container

could mean a dirty unknown needle

stick for someone else!

No Sharps Container!!!

Missing Red Bag

#1 RULE

EXPOSURE MANAGEMANT

• Defined as if a parental (i.e. needle stick or cut),

mucous-membrane exposure (i.e. splash to the eyes or

mouth), or cutaneous exposure involving large

amounts of blood or prolonged contact with blood

especially when the exposed skin is chapped, abraded,

or afflicted with dermatitis the provider is to

ASAP………….

EXPOSURE MANAGEMANTCONT.

• Wash hands/exposed area thoroughly

• Notify Shift Supervisor ASAP

• Notify Safety Officer

• File an exposure/injury form located on the shared

drive.

• Seek Medical attention at PMH or Facility designated

by supervisor.

• File a workman’s compensation form

PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

• All patient related information, whether medical or personal in nature, MUST be kept strictly confidential.

• This is very important to the patient, family members of the patient, but most of all to YOU and YOUR COWORKERS.

• Follow Pender EMS and Fire HIPPA Policy

• Also Review Section 3.25 Confidential Information and Disclosure of the Employee Manual.

SAFE WORK PRACTICES FOR THE STATION

• Keep medical equipment out of the kitchen area

• Food must be dated and labeled

• Do not wear/store protective clothing such as bunker pants in living areas

• Transport equipment in a sealed equipment bag when transporting in personal vehicle.

• Clean work areas properly each shift

• Use liquid soap for showers and sink

• Use paper or air drying for hands

• Stations MUST be cleaned each shift

FOUND UNCLEAN SITUATIONS…THINGS LEFT AT STATIONS OR ON UNITS AT THE END OF SHIFTS FOR OTHERS…….REMEMBER THE STATIONS AND UNITS MUST BE KEPT CLEANED.

FOUND IN FRONT SEAT OF UNIT ON FLOOR…

DIRTY GLOVES LEFT ON UNIT………

Something is in the

wrong place!

SUPPLIES SHOULD BE PUT UP AND NOT LEFT OUT FOR OTHERS TO PUT UP……

HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS

PENDER EMS & FIRE


• Mandated by OSHA 1910.1200

• Once Called MSDS but changed to SDS

• It is used to reduce chemical source illness and injuries through the transmission of hazard information

• Knowing the risk of chemical involved i.e. physical or health

• ALL products MUST be LABELED.

• Purchased products must, by law, have warning labels attached.


• All new containers are labeled when it is transferred to

another container.

• All portable containers will be labeled with name, date

and initials of person placing chemical in container.

• SDS shall be provided on each hazardous chemicals in

the workplace.

SDS

• MSDS Books

• Newer Books

• SDS

SDS— SAFETY DATA SHEET

• What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?• A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is designed to provide both

workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance. SDS's include information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point,flash point etc.), toxicity,health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. These are of particular use if a spill or other accident occurs. SDS's vary in length depending on their format, content, and font size. We have seen them from 1 to 10 pages, with most being 2 to 4 pages.

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/freezingpoint.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/boilingpoint.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/flashpoint.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/toxic.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/ppe.html

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/faq/partc.html#formats

SDS— SAFETY DATA SHEET

• Who are SDS's for?

• SDS's are meant for:

• Employees who may be occupationally exposed to a hazard at

work.

• Employers who need to know the proper methods for storage

etc.

• Emergency responders such as fire fighters, hazardous material

crews, emergency medical technicians, and emergency room

personnel.

http://www.ilpi.com/msds/ref/hazardous.html


• SDS’s shall be in English and placed in an area that all employee’s can access.

• Employee’s should take the time to review SDS’s to make themselves familiar on how to navigate them in a time of need……

• Employee’s should have suppliers send them SDS’s with all chemical orders.

• Training on this is once a year

• All new SDS sheets must be sent to every station in Pender EMS and Fire System.

FIRE & EMERGENCY PLAN


• Mandated by OSHA 1910.35 – 1910.38

• Purpose: Is to provide employees with references to

major workplace fire hazards, proper handling of such,

storage, reference personnel/contacts, housekeeping,

training, and maintaining equipment.


• As per PEMS policy NO excess linen is to be stored at any station this is to include but not limited to linen for general use, personnel linen such as sleeping gear, uniforms, and turnouts. All SOG’S concerning housekeeping issues should be followed. There should be no storage of excess materials in any stations that would contribute to combustible, fire, and or smoke hazards. OSHA 1910.38 Subpart E

LINEN COLLECTED FROM STATIONS


Fire Alarms will be placed at each station

Carbon Monoxide detectors will be placed at each station that has LP gas.

Batteries need to be checked monthly

DO NOT REMOVE BATTERIES

BECAUSE THEY GO OFF AND ANNOY YOU!!!


• Please do not take the light bulbs out of the EXIT lights because they are too bright at night. We will get Fined by EM during annual inspections if you do.

• These lights are in place to help individuals get out of a burning building.


• Exits routes must be free from all obstructions and not be blocked in a way that prevents the use as an exit.

• Properly Marked with signs designating exits from the building with proper lighting available.

• Evacuation maps at each station

• All doors must have functioning locks


• Fire Extinguishers

• All buildings will be equipped with proper type of fire extinguishers by order of the local Fire Marshall

• Must have annual training

• Use the PASS Method

• P-pull the pin out

• A- aim the hose at the base of the fire

• S- squeeze the handle

• S- sweep the hose or nozzle from side to side


• Inspections will be done once a year by a certified

company.

• Employee’s are responsible to know where all

extinguishers are located at each station and on each

unit.

• If a fire extinguisher is used please have it replaced

ASAP. Also, notify the safety or logistics officer so it

can be checked out.

Post Blood Borne Exposure


To offer post exposure treatment to employees of Pender EMS and Fire.

Includes but not limited too……..iv sticks, mucous membrane exposures, and fluid splatter….

ALL post blood borne exposure’s will be handled at Designated Facility by Safety Officer. This could be Pender Memorial Hospital, Medac, or a Urgent Care.


Purpose: All staff members of Pender EMS and Fire know how

to report exposure / injury and what takes place after the fact.

Shift supervisor must be notified ASAP Shift supervisor and Employee will notify the

Safety Officer Injury / Exposure form will be filled out by the

employee at the time of reporting the incident A written statement must be submitted ASAP.


These forms are located on the Shared Drive or assigned Jump Drive.

Located on each unit is a Post Exposure Packet that the employee should get and follow the directions.

Do not waste any time when reporting exposures to proper personnel!


Flush or Wash the wound with soap and water and or liquid sanitizer

Report to will follow up with all testing with PEMS Safety Officer.

If transporting patients to another hospital besides Pender …you must notify the receiving hospital of the exposure and request the patient get the necessary testing.

Safety Officer needs the patient demographics to be able to follow up on the situation.

Repeat Lab Work in 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months or as determined by medical direction.

OSHA Required Paperwork

Sharps Injury Log (located in post exposure packet)

Unsafe Practices Notification Form—this is a log to show that PEMS & Fire is Following up on all incidence’s of sharps be left in un-proper locations.

Hepatitis B Declination Form

General Topics / Knowledge

Reflective Vest

should be worn

on all roadside

scenes.

Remember to

wear supplied

EMS gear and or

Turn out Gear

when

Required!!


No Vest is

required if you

are wearing a

company

issued Blauer

or 511 coat.


Please Put Oxygen in its proper place with chains in place and secured. Each station has a place for empty and full cylinders.

At each station, know where the circuit breaker box is located.

If an OSHA inspector shows up, allow him to do his inspection, then contact Supervisor ASAP.

Same follows for Fire Inspections by the local Fire Marshall.

Be cooperative with the inspectors.

All units have proper place for portable

oxygen tanks to be secured not on the

jump seat.

Needs to be secured!!!

Improper way to store

Oxygen………..

Wrong Way

Both Chains have to be secured around

the Oxygen bottle……

Wrong

Way

Proper Way to store Oxygen…….

The chains must be

secured at the top and

bottom of the oxygen

tank to keep it in

place.

The small oxygen

bottles can be placed

in the plastic drink

holders.

Correct

Way

Worker’s Compensation

Injury, Exposure, or Possibility of the 2, must be reported ASAP.

Notify Immediate Supervisor and Safety Officer.

Fill out INJURY/ EXPOSURE form located on “S” drive.

Safety Officer and/or Supervisor will direct you on the next steps.

Worker’s Compensation Cont.

The First 7 calendar days of LOSS time is the

employee’s responsibility. The 7 calendar days

begins on day of treatment.

Workers Comp. goes back and covers those 7

days if you miss 21 calendar days or more.

Also remember when you are out on workers

comp. you must pay your part of insurance

premiums for health care, colonial, and so-

on. You MUST contact Audrea if this situation

comes about.

Worker’s Compensation Cont.

There will be several forms mailed to your residence

that must be completed by you in a timely matter. Some

have to be returned with 30 days or they can be denied.

I will assist anyone in filling out of these forms but

please complete each form.

Pender EMS & Fire Drug Policy

Pender EMS and Fire maintains a firm commitment to provide a safe and productive work environment for its employees.

As a company, drug and/or alcohol test are ordered for pre-employment, post accident, post injury, random, and reasonable cause.

Random testing is done 4 times a year. The list is generated by an outside company.

Pender EMS Drug Policy

It is policy that all employees, including management, administrative, part-time, temporary and volunteer employees, shall not engage in the manufacture, use, possession, sale, purchase, or transfer of any substance which may impair their ability to perform assigned duties or otherwise adversely impact the Company’s business.

Substances which may impair performance include, but are not limited to, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or other controlled substances. This policy applies to all employees during working time, regardless of location, and at all times on Company property including worksites and parking lots, or while operating a company vehicle.

Pender EMS & Fire Drug Policy

All employees signed an employee acknowledgement upon being hired.

Pender EMS and Fire has a no tolerance policy.

Copies of the drug testing policy is located at all the stations, Shared Drive, and or Flash Drive.

Pender EMS and Fire

Items from Employee Manual

Located on Shared Drive

Company Issued Jump/Flash Drive

Preventing Harassment

Pender EMS and Fire has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward discrimination and all forms of unlawful harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment.

Review Section 2.05 Preventing Harassment in the Employee Manual.

Building Security

Each and every employee must follow the building security rules and regulations listed here:

All means of egress/ingress must be closed and locked when building is vacated.

All means of egress/ingress must be closed and locked from 2300 hours to 0900 hours

Health-related Issues

Employees who become aware of any health or safety-related issue should notify their supervisor as soon as possible.

Annual Fire Fighter NFPA Physical

The medical evaluation of a member (7.4 -7.7.13) shall include a medical history, examination, and any laboratory tests required to detect physical or medical condition(s) that could adversely affect their ability to safely perform the essential job tasks outlined in NFPA 1582 Chapter 9.

Done at Medac Cooperate Health

Must Get TB Skin test read and returned in time.

EMS BC’s, Training BC’s, Deputy and Assistant Chiefs can read the TB Skin Test.

Don’t wait till the last minute before due date to schedule NFPA exam.

Go past your due date will mean suspension until completed.

Centrelearn sends out notifications starting 90 days out.

Employee Requiring Medical Attention

Employees should report all work-related injuries and accidents immediately to their supervisor, and then follow theses steps:

Fill out an injury/exposure form. Complete an incident report in a Word

Document Format Forms can be found on “S” Drive. Seek any needed medical attention as

directed by supervisor. Notify Safety Compliance Officer as soon

as possible. Note: See Policy Manual for details.

Absence and Tardiness

From time to time, it may be necessary for an employee to be late or absent from work. Pender EMS and Fire is aware that emergencies, illnesses, or pressing personal business that cannot be scheduled outside work hours may arise. It is the responsibility of all employees to contact all affected parties if they will be absent or late.

Note: See Employee Manual Section 3.06 Attendance, Punctuality and Absenteeism

Unscheduled Absence

Absence from work for two (2) consecutive days for Monday through Friday employees or two (2) consecutive shifts for FWW or non-emergency transport employees, without notifying your supervisor will be considered a voluntary resignation.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Smoking on company property is a privilege, not a right and may be rescinded by management if the privilege is abused. Smoking is defined as the act of lighting, smoking or carrying a lighted or smoldering cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette or pipe of any kind.

Smoking is not permitted inside any Pender EMS and Fire building with the exception of apparatus bays!!

All debris should be disposed of in appropriate provided receptacles.

When Pender EMS and Fire employees are on the campus of other companies, they are expected to comply with that companies smoking policies.

Attire and Grooming

Section 3.26 of Employee Manual

It is important to project a professional image while at work by being appropriately attired and groomed. Pender EMS and Fire employees are expected to be neat, clean, and well-groomed while on the job, conducting business in or outside of the office. Uniformed personnel must comply with the dress code.

Fire/EMS personnel shall wear and maintain their uniforms in such a manner so as to present a neat, wrinkle free, and clean appearance. Uniforms shall be clean, free of rips, tears, holes and shall not be faded or missing any required part such as buttons, patches and accessories.

Any hairstyle is permissible as long as the style does not allow hair to extend beyond the coverage of safety equipment. Hair that extends beyond the collar must be pulled back and tied anytime the employee is engaged in fire suppression or rescue operations. Hair shall be trimmed so as not to flare out or curl beneath the lower edge of the dress uniform hat, work cap, or helmet.

Attire and Grooming Continued

North Carolina Division of Occupational Safety and Health has determined that facial hair between the skin and respirator sealing surface is a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards which follows State and Federal Law 29 CFR-1920 and 34 (E)(5)(I).

This is true for SCBA and N-95/N-100 Mask.

A positive quantitative or qualitative fit test is not acceptable by OSHA as evidence that would allow a respirator to be worn when facial hair could interfere with the operation of the exhalation valve or seal.

Based on the above statements, personnel who are required to wear self-contained breathing apparatus will be free from any facial hair growth, except for a mustache or center lip growth which will meet the following prescribed grooming standards:

Facial hair should be neatly groomed and trimmed

Shall not extend beyond the lower ridge of the mandible below the corner of the mouth to impede with the proper sealing of breathing apparatus face piece

Sideburns shall not interfere with the proper seal of a breathing apparatus face piece

Pender Volunteer EMS and Fire Inc.Standard Operating Guideline

Hurricane Guideline Historically, the major natural disaster threat to

the coastal area of North Carolina has been hurricanes. Accordingly, this plan has been developed to cope with the emergency response and recovery efforts that we will face after a land falling hurricane. The Pender Volunteer EMS and Fire, Inc. plan provides for guidance to the employees of this department and other agencies that we work with. This plan was developed to coordinate emergency operations, in the event of a land falling hurricane. Continue……


Hurricane Guideline

It is important that each employee read and understands this plan. This plan includes things to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Once a storm threatens, you become an emergency worker. Your role becomes more vital than ever. This event might last one day or for months depending on the severity of the storm.


Hurricane Guideline

It is my hope that this plan will help you begin to prepare yourself and your families in the event of a hurricane. Make sure your station is as self-sufficient as possible. Be as prepared as you can.

Thank you,

Woodrow W. Sullivan III, Chief

Pender Vol. EMS and Fire, Inc.

Please review guideline on the shared drive.

THE

END!!

• Each station has a Infection/Exposure Manual located at each work station. It is the employees responsibility to be aware of all policies and guidelines.

• Pender EMS and Fire Medical Director Dr. Michael Moulton and Chief Woody Sullivan III have reviewed and approved these policies and guidelines. It is your responsibility to follow them.

Infection control 2017

Health & Medicine