Individuals in the public health sector are often called upon to be the first re
ID: 122287 • Letter: I
Question
Individuals in the public health sector are often called upon to be the first responders within twenty-four hours of a bioterrorist attack. These first responders must take steps to remain safe while doing their jobs. One way to accomplish this is by using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, in some cases, the first responders may not have adequate training to use the PPE correctly. In other cases, the proper PPE may not be readily available in quantities that are required to protect all first responders. On the basis of your understanding of this topic, answer the following questions regarding the above scenario:
What other issues that may occur when using PPE?
What are your suggestions to overcome these issues to ensure that all first responders are safe when responding to a bioterrorist attack? How would you implement these suggestions?
Explanation / Answer
In health care sector personal protective equipment (ppe) is used as the form of protection for staff and reduce opportunities for transmission of microorganisms in the hospitals
Here describing some issues when using ppe.
1. Right level of protective equipment: If the ppe doen't have high enough protection factor then it will be unlikely to filter out all of the offending bioterrorist substances and the wearer will still be at risk.
Solution: Make sure that all ppe is tested to comply with maximum specified levels of protection, because we cannot predict that what kind of bioterrorist attack happened to the patient.
2. Proper use of ppe: It is important that the use of ppe must be in correct protocol . When wearng and removing follow strict standard techniques.
Solution: The public health sectors need to keep up with training of health care workers,especially first responders.
3. Availabilty of ppe: One of the biggest problem in public health care is lack of adequate stocks of ppe, as it is essential.
Solution :Government should initiate strict action to make sure the supplies of ppe in public health sectors.
Adequate manpower and off duties are also a fact to ensure the safety of first and all responders. The care taker must be aware of proprer use of barriers when handling with bioterrorist attacked patients. Health care administratives can take actions regarding the safety of their staff and preventing cross infection by continues training and proper suply of personal protecive equipments.
Thanks.