Coleman County Medical Center Ebola Preparedness (October 17, 2014) At Coleman County Medical Center, the health and safety of our patients, our staff, our visitors and our community is our top priority. We have implemented the precautions and protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the event that a patient would arrive with symptoms of Ebola. We are to remain very vigilant in the potential recognition of the viral disease in our patients, and protect ourselves should we encounter a possible Ebola patient. Our preparations include being alert to rapidly identify patients with symptoms consistent with Ebola, especially if they have traveled from parts of Africa where many cases have occurred. We have procedures in place to triage, isolate and evaluate any patient who appears to have Ebola symptoms. Triaging patients will consist of more thorough questions regarding your travel exposure and health symptoms. The appropriate personal protective equipment is in stock for healthcare providers that consist of decontamination suits, air supply, gloves, shoe covers, and N95 mask (this is the highest standard mask to maximize protection). Isolation rooms are designated within the facility that contains the appropriate negative pressure atmosphere for the prevention of spreading the viral disease. We routinely care for patients with a variety of infectious diseases using universal protocols and continually reinforce our infection control and prevention measures with our staff. We are dedicated to the health and well-being of everyone in our care, their families, our staff and the community. The healthcare team at CCMC has been up to date with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention through online webinars and phone conferences on a daily basis. The medical and nursing staff along with maintenance, central supply, and infection control officer held a staff meeting regarding the protocols to be utilized when it is suspected that an Ebola patient presents to our facility. Decontamination suits and the decontamination tent were set up for demonstration purposes (see photos below) and a thorough walk-thru was completed. The physicians and nurse practitioner are working hard to stay current with the Ebola diagnostic evaluation and treatment protocols. Melissa Ereman RN, CNO reports, “With the recent exposure of Ebola to healthcare providers in the state it has increased everyone’s anxiety level. We hope by providing up to minute education for our staff along with necessary protective equipment and knowledge of when and how to use it, it will decrease the anxiety level. Our goal remains to provide the highest quality of care in the safest environment possible to all our patients. We would like to strongly encourage everyone to get their flu shot this year!” Prevention and Preparedness is KEY for all of Coleman County citizens. Protect yourself and your family by using proper hand washing techniques when out in public and at home, do not go in public if you have symptoms of illness (fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) to decrease the spread of contamination to the general public, cover your mouth/nose when coughing/sneezing, and make an appointment with your primary care provider at the earliest convenience to be assessed and treated promptly. Communication is also very important; therefore, if you are contacting 911 services please be very specific of your condition and symptoms so the EMS provider and receiving hospital facility will be prepared with proper attire and equipment to best treat your illness. For more information regarding Ebola, follow the CDC website: cdc.gov/ Frequently asked questions: What is Ebola? Ebola is a rare and deadly viral disease that has reached epidemic proportions in several African countries. Ebola was discovered in 1976 near the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The current Ebola outbreak is centered on five countries in West Africa: Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Ebola is the cause of a viral hemorrhagic fever disease. How is Ebola spread? Ebola is spread through direct contact with blood and body fluids of a person who is sick or through needles or other objects that have been contaminated with the virus. Ebola is not spread through the air or by water, or by food. Who is most at risk of Ebola? Anyone caring for Ebola patients and family members and friends in close contact with Ebola patients are at highest risk if they come in direct contact with the blood or body fluids of sick individuals. A person with the Ebola virus cannot transmit it to others unless he or she is sick with symptoms. What are the symptoms of Ebola? • fever • severe headache • muscle or joint pain • stomach pain • vomiting • diarrhea • bleeding and bruising Symptoms of Ebola appear from 2 to 21 days after being exposed. The most common time frame is 8 to 10 days. A person infected with Ebola is not infectious until symptoms appear. What is the treatment for Ebola? No specific vaccine or medicine has been proven to cure Ebola. Patients receive supportive care and treatment for symptoms. Early recognition of Ebola is important for providing appropriate care and preventing the spread of infection. Bleach can kill the virus on surfaces.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 13:28:02 +0000