as gowns or masks. A patient in respiratory distress may require the use of a face shield or pocket mask.
Although often overlooked, hand washing is still one of the simplest and most effective methods of controlling disease transmission. You should make a habit of washing your hands after contacting ANY patient, even if you wore gloves! Thorough hand washing is the best method to remove germs.
We recognize that hand washing onboard an aircraft can be difficult. An acceptable way of protecting yourself, especially when hand washing may not be an option, is over-the-counter hand sanitizer. These alcohol based products provide a quick alternative. These products are showing up more frequently in public places such as airports, office buildings, sports arenas and shopping centers. Onboard the aircraft, utilize hand sanitizers, then wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible.
EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
In the U.S., OSHA develops and publishes guidelines to encourage safety in the workplace. If responding to medical emergencies is part of your job, you must have access to proper PPE and training. Additionally, an exposure control plan needs to be in place. This simple plan will assist you in determining your best course of action during an emergency. All exposure control plans must contain at least the following:
• Identification of people at risk • Methods of implementation and control • Training and communication of hazards • Hepatitis B vaccination records • Record-keeping • Universal precautions • Engineering and work practice controls • Personal protective equipment • Labeling and infectious waste disposal • Exposure evaluation procedures
Following this plan will help you familiarize yourself with the guidelines that pertain to you and your job. Now you can decide what precautions and actions are required for your safety. Just remember that during patient-care in the workplace, any type of body fluid exposure or injury must be reported. In order to be prepared, familiarize yourself with company protocol, chain of command onboard the aircraft as well as published guidelines.
PERSONAL TRAVEL
SAFETY Since part of your job may involve traveling abroad, it is a good idea to critically assess your own personal safety when flying to other countries. Specific things you should think about ahead of time are: immunizations needed for the region you are visiting, health facilities in the country you will be visiting and the availability of necessary medications you take on a regular basis.
Also important to your health is the prevention of foodborne and waterborne diseases. These are diseases transmitted by consuming contaminated food or fluids in the areas where you will be traveling. Prevention is your best method and is accomplished by drinking canned or bottled drinks, choosing well- cooked meats and fish, washing and peeling fruit and avoiding raw vegetables. Contact Aircare Access and ask for destination- specific concerns.
Most vaccines require time to become effective in your body, ideally 4-6 weeks, so planning is essential. If you have less than 6 weeks, visit your doctor anyway to see if starting a vaccine series will be helpful or if you could benefit from a preventive prescription to take with you.
The only vaccine required by International Health Regulations is yellow fever vaccination for travel to certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. Meningococcal vaccination is required by the government of Saudi Arabia for annual travel during the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that infects a certain type of mosquito. This mosquito feeds on humans. Typical symptoms of malaria are high fever, shaking, chills, and a flu-like illness. Although malaria can be deadly, it can also be prevented.
People who are traveling to sub-Saharan Africa incur the greatest risk of contracting malaria. Travel to any country where malaria is present can put you at risk. For many destinations, multiple prevention options are available. These options include mosquito repellents, bed netting and antimalarial medications.
By staying current on U.S. recommended vaccines, you will be well protected. Many diseases such as measles, tetanus, chickenpox and whooping cough have been interrupted here with routine vaccination.
The Basics 6
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