Ch. 3 - Infection Prevention and Control

Professional responders typically interact with ill patients on a regular basis and may also be exposed to blood and other potentially infectious fluids while treating injuries. Diseases that can be contracted from other people, objects, animals, or insects are referred to as infectious diseases. It is important to understand how infections occur, how they are passed from one person to another, and what you can do to protect yourself and others from pathogens.

Transcript

1. Ch 3 – Pg 37
2. How Diseases Are Transmitted Four factors must occur: 1. A pathogen is present 2. There is enough of the pathogen to cause disease 3. A person is susceptible to the pathogen 4. There is a route of entry Pathogens enter the body in four ways: 1. Direct contact 2. Indirect contact 3. Airborne 4. Vector-borne Ch 3 – Pg 40-41
3. Preventing Disease Transmission Even situations that seem clean could contain deadly viruses or bacteria. Each time you provide care, you must follow basic infection-control precautions, including: • Wearing PPE • Practicing good personal hygiene • Cleaning and disinfecting equipment • Following other occupational or workplace procedures Ch 3 – Pg 45
4. Personal Protective Equipment • Should be used to prevent skin and mucous-membrane exposure • Protects you from direct contact • Gloves, gowns, masks, protective eyewear, and resuscitation devices Ch 3 – Pg 47
5. Donning and Doffing PPE Donning 1. Wash your hands 2. Put on your gown 3. Put on your mask 4. Put on protective eyewear 5. Put on disposable gloves Doffing 1. Remove disposable gloves 2. Remove your gown 3. Wash your hands 4. Remove protective eyewear 5. Remove your mask 6. Wash your hands Ch 3 – Pg 48
6. Spill Management Plans • Should specify the system for reporting and actions taken to resolve it • Include list of people responsible for containment • Include instructions for cleanup and disposal Containment • Put on applicable PPE • If mixed with sharp objects, use equipment such as tongs or broom • Dispose of absorbent material in a labelled biohazard container • Flood area with disinfectant solution and allow to stand for 20min • Use paper towels to absorb the solution (put in biohazard container) Ch 3 – Pg 49
7. If An Exposure Occurs If you suspect that you have been exposed to an infectious disease, wash any area of contact as quickly as possible and record the circumstances of your exposure. If your system does not have a designated physician/nurse for follow-up care, see your personal physician. Reporting the exposure: • Make a report! • Tests may be done • You should receive medical evaluation, counselling, and post-exposure care • Your organization is responsible for notifying others exposed Ch 3 – Pg 50