Emergency Preparedness

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

Shoe and Head Covers Disposable shoe and head covers should be worn if there is evidence of extensive hemorrhaging and blood visibly soils the environment. Handwashing Hands should be washed with soap (antimicrobial or non-antimicrobial) and water after protected (gloved) and unprotected (ungloved) contact with visible blood, body fluids (secretions, excretions [urine and feces], wound drainage and skin visibly soiled with blood and body fluids. Wash hands before leaving the immediate vicinity of patient contact (patient room, cubicle, or bathroom). After handwashing, avoid touching the patient and surfaces or ite ms in the immediate vicinity of the patient (bedpans, bed rails, bedside tables). Decontaminate hands with an alcohol or quaternary ammonium -based (“quat”) product after contact with invisible soil (protected or unprotected hands have not been in contact with visible blood or body fluids). Transporting Patients Patients should not be transported to other areas of the hospital unless absolutely necessary. If patients must be transported, place a surgical mask over patient’s nose and mouth. Place a sheet or blanket over the patient completely covering the body from the neck to and including the feet. Cover the head and face (except the nose and mouth) with a towel. If an elevator is used to transport patients, all occupants should wear PPE including N-95 respirators. Laboratory Specimens Specimens should be placed in double, zip-lock bags that are tightly sealed and properly labeled. Specimens should be hand carried to the laboratory. Laboratory personnel should adhere to the chain of custody protocols developed by local health Patient care equipment (e.g., thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes and commodes) should be kept in the patient’s room. Use disposable equipment whenever possible. Reusable equipment should be placed in an appropriately labeled container, sealed and transported to central service for reprocessing. Environmental Services Daily Cleaning Disinfect environmental surfaces in the patient’s room and bathroom with a properly diluted, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved disinfectant such as a department and the FBI. Patient Care Equipment

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