Ebola emergency medical services checklist
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response(ASPR), in addition to other federal, state, and local partners, aim to increase understanding of Ebola virus disease (Ebola)and encourage U.S.-based EMS agencies and systems to prepare for managing patients with Ebola and other infectious diseases. Every EMS agency and system, including those that provide non-emergency and/or inter-facility transport, should ensure that their personnel can detect a person under investigation (PUI) for Ebola, protect themselves so they can safely care for the patient, and respond in a coordinated fashion. Transmission of Ebola can be prevented by using appropriate infection control measures. EMS agencies, in conjunction with their medical directors, should review infection control policies and procedures and incorporate plans for administrative, environmental, and communication measures.This checklist is intended to enhance collective preparedness and response by highlighting key areas for EMS personnel to review in preparation for encountering and providing medical care to a PUI. The checklist provides practical and specific suggestions to ensure the agency is able to help its personnel detect possible Ebola cases, protect personnel, and respond appropriately.
Emergency Medical Services(EMS)Checklist for Ebola Preparedness
Prepare to Detect
| Prepare to detect | Completed | In progress | Not started |
| Review guidance about Active Monitoring and Direct Active Monitoring of travelers from countries with widespread transmission or uncertain control measures. Stay informed about state and local public health implementation of this guidance. | |||
| Ensure that all personnel are familiar with the protocols and procedures for notifying the designated points of contact regarding a PUI for Ebola. Designate points of contact within the EMS organization/system that are responsible for communicating with state and local public health officials.Ebola must be reported to local, state, and federal public health. | |||
| Ensure EMS personnel are aware of current guidance: Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services Systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points Emergency Medical Services Systems. | |||
| Train all EMS personnel on how to identify signs and symptoms of Ebola and how to avoid risk of exposure. | |||
| Review CDC Ebola case definition for guidance on who meets the criteria as a PUI for Ebola. | |||
| Post screening criteria in visible locations in EMS units, at EMS stations,and in other locations frequented by EMS personnel. See the last page of this document for an example. | |||
| Conduct spot checks and reviews for staff to ensure they are incorporating Ebola screening into their patient assessment and management procedures and are able to initiate notification, isolation, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)procedures. |