Emergency Preparedness

Kern Medical Bioterrorism Response Guide Section 2-C-2 – Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

Head covers should be worn if spraying or splashing of blood or other body fluids onto the hair is anticipated. Head covers should be removed before leaving the room. 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 items 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 who have a prominent cough, bloody diarrhea, vomiting or hemorrhage 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, if tolerated. Confine and contain blood and body fluids that might soil the environment during transport. If an elevator is used all occupants should wear PPE including N95 respirators. Laboratory Specimens Specimens should be placed in double, zip lock bags that are tightly sealed and labeled. Specimens should be hand carried to the laboratory. Laboratory personnel should adhere to the chain of custody protocols developed by local health department and the FBI. Patient Care Equipment 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 quaternary ammonium or phenolic compound. Allow all surfaces to air dry. The disinfecting solution and a supply of cleaning materials should be kept in the room.

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