Download WCG Biosafety™ Ebolavirus Disease (EVD) Preparedness Training

WCG Biosafety™
Ebolavirus Disease
(EVD) Preparedness
Training
In response to the incidence of Ebolavirus disease (EVD) in West Africa and around the world, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) and Emory University have issued new guidelines to minimize the risk of viral exposure and infection
among healthcare workers treating EVD patients. These guidelines include the use of enhanced personal protective equipment
(PPE) and decontamination techniques, as well as proper training in their use.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Most healthcare workers are quite familiar with customary, or “step-down,” PPEwhich includes gloves, scrubs and respiratory protection - but they may be far less
familiar with the use of the higher level PPE recommended by the CDC and Emory
for the treatment of EVD patients. Following several incidents of viral exposure and
infection in the United States, both organizations recommend that healthcare workers
leave “no skin exposed” when interacting with EVD patients and their waste materials.
In addition to customary PPE, workers are advised to wear medical hoods to protect
the face, neck and head; head-to-toe coveralls that are both splash- and tear-resistant;
disposable aprons; arm and leg covers; and a face shield. In situations where high-level
PPE are unavailable, step-down PPE should be used in conjunction with EVD-specific
EFFECTIVE EVD MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
enhancements, such as double-gloves and taping.
CLEANING SUPPLIES
In addition to PPE, disinfection is a critical step in the management of EVD exposure
and infection. CDC and Emory have both provided a list of appropriate supplies for the
Preparedness
Training
Protective
Equipment
cleaning and handling of contaminated materials in the healthcare environment. These
Cleaning
Supplies
include disinfectant detergents, sanitary wipes, bleach, hand sanitizers and absorbent
pads (to handle larger-volume waste).
PREPAREDNESS TRAINING
As with all risk reduction tools, PPE and cleaning supplies are only effective when used
properly. Training on the use of both high level and step-down PPE, as well as the
handling of soiled materials, is essential in minimizing the risk of exposure to the
virus through the waste and fluids of infected patients. Proper training will result in
fewer occupational exposures and give healthcare workers the confidence to respond to
EVD and other infectious disease cases with greater proficiency and less personal risk.
609.945.0101 / www.wcgclinical.com
WCG Biosafety™
With decades of experience managing biorisk in both the research and treatment setting, WCG Biosafety
gives healthcare workers the tools and confidence to work more safely in potentially hazardous environments.
In addition to training on the proper use of all levels of PPE and decontamination procedures, WCG Biosafety designs
custom courses to bolster infection prevention programs, helping institutions to carry out their life-saving mission
while minimizing risk to their patients and staff.
TRAINERS
CURRICULUM
WCG Biosafety Trainers include:
WCG Biosafety designs courses on the following topics:
• J onathan Richmond, PhD, RBP, the former Director
•P
roper donning and doffing of high-level and
traditional PPE
of the Office of Health and Safety for the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Chief
of Safety Operations for the Occupational Health and
•D
isinfection, decontamination and disposal of
contaminated PPE
Safety Branch at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
•P
atient area disinfection and decontamination
•R
obert Hawley, PhD, RBP, CBSP, the former Chief of
Safety and Radiation Protection Division at the United
States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious
Disease (USAMRIID), and the Command Biosafety
Officer for the US Army Medical Research and Material
Command.
• Robert Heckert, BSc, DVM, PhD, CBSP, a contributor to
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) /
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) training modules
•B
est practices for proper use of PPE and cleaning
reagents
•H
ands-on exercises
WCG Biosafety is the leader in biosafety training for
laboratory and healthcare workers. We tailor our approach
to complement all existing infection prevention programs
and procedures.
on biosafety, and lead consultant to the US Department
of State Biosecurity Engagement Program, providing
biosafety training around the world.
To learn more about our services,
please contact Ryan Burnette,
Ph.D., VP of WCG Biosafety at
[email protected]