Tag: infectious disease
- Hepatitis ()
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. The liver is a vital organ that processes nutrients, filters the blood, and fights infections. When the liver is inflamed or damaged, its function can be affected. Heavy alcohol use, toxins, some medications, and certain medical conditions can cause hepatitis. However, hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In […]
- HIV/AIDS ()
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can […]
- The Immune System ()
The immune system has a vital role: It protects your body from harmful substances, germs and cell changes that could make you ill. It is made up of various organs, cells and proteins. As long as your immune system is running smoothly, you don’t notice that it’s there. But if it stops working properly – […]
- How To Protect Yourself From Disease During the Primary Survey ()
When the patient is unconscious, they are not in a position to tell you they have a contagious disease. Let’s say the patient is found unconscious. If the ambulance crew doesn’t know why the patient is unresponsive, then how would they know that the patient doesn’t have some contagious disease? If the patient could talk, […]
- Infection Control Situational Awareness Made Easy with CLOSE ()
As the EMS crew nears the patient, the likelihood of contracting a contagious disease increases with each step. Proximity(ft) Observation Appropriate PPE 10 Cough Wear mask, goggles, gloves 5 Liquids Wear gloves 5 Odor Wear gloves 1 Story Suspicious story? Wear everything 1 Elevated Temp Wear everything The key to minimizing infection is to maintain […]