The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a checklist aimed at preparing EMS agencies to recognize and treat patients with Ebola.
Highlights include:
- Train all EMS personnel on how to identify signs and symptoms of Ebola infections and to avoid risk of exposure.
- Consider travelers with fever, fatigue, vomiting and/or diarrhea and returning from affected West African countries as potential cases, and obtain additional history.
- Post screening criteria in conspicuous locations in EMS units, at EMS stations, and in other locations frequented by EMS personnel (see suggested screening criteria).
- Designate points of contact within their EMS organization/system responsible for communicating with state and local public health officials. Remember: Ebola must be reported to local, state, and federal public health authorities.
Conduct a detailed inventory of available supplies of PPE suitable for standard, contact, and droplet precautions. Ensure an adequate supply, for EMS personnel, of:
- Fluid resistant or impermeable gowns
- Gloves
- Shoe covers, boots, and booties
- Maintain an appropriate combination of the following:
- Eye protection (face shield or goggles)
- Facemasks (goggles or face shield must be worn with facemasks)
- N95 respirators (for use during aerosol-generating procedures)
- Other infection control supplies (e.g. hand hygiene supplies).
- Ensure procedures are in place to require that all EMS personnel accompanying a patient in a transport unit are wearing (at minimum): gloves, gown (fluid resistant or impermeable), eye protection (goggles or face shield), and a facemask
Review, develop, and implement plans for:
- Adequate respiratory support, safe administration of medication, and sharps procedures; and reinforce proper biohazard containment and disposal precautions
- PUI for Ebola who have been identified and reported to public health authorities
- Isolation, quarantine and exposure reports
- Supplies and logistical challenges
- Personnel status
- Policy decisions on contingency plans and staffing
Plan for regular situational briefs for decision-makers, including:
- PUI for Ebola who have been identified and reported to public health authorities
- Isolation, quarantine and exposure reports
- Supplies and logistical challenges
- Personnel status
- Policy decisions on contingency plans and staffing