Emergency Preparedness

Kern Medical Bioterrorism Response Guide Section 2-C-1 – Smallpox

Plan D: – Designated Health Facility The county or state emergency medical service agencies may designate a specific facility such as a hospital or gymnasium to accommodate increasing numbers of cases that require medical support. Visitors Visitors should be limited to immediate family or significant others. Unvaccinated visitors should be encouraged to remain at home until vaccinated. If this is not an option, visitors should be instructed to wear PPE. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) The physical properties of PPE should be appropriate to the degree of exposure and the task(s) to be performed. Infection control practitioners should evaluate existing PPE to determine if the physical properties maximize protection. Respirators Disposable, NIOSH-approved, fit-tested N-95 respirators should be worn when entering the room and removed after leaving the room. If patients cannot be placed in negative pressure or HEPA filtered rooms, N-95 respirators should be worn at all times when entering a designated smallpox unit. Facial Shields or Eye Protectors Face shields or eye protectors with side shields should be worn when entering the room. Gowns Disposable, long sleeve, ribbed or elastic-cuffed gowns or coveralls should be worn when entering the room and removed before leaving the room. After removal, clothing should not have contact with the patient or potentially contaminated surfaces or equipment. Gloves Disposable gloves should be worn when entering the room. Gloves should cover the rib or elastic cuffs of the gown. All jewelry including rings should be removed. Reinforced or double gloves should be worn for procedures that involve handling sharp devices (e.g., phlebotomy). Gloves should be removed prior to leaving the room and hands should be washed.

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