Emergency Procedures: EPIDEMIC/PANDEMIC

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Emergency Procedures: EPIDEMIC/ PANDEMIC

Definitions

Epidemic - New cases of a disease, in a given population, that exceed normal expectations.

Pandemic - Epidemic of infectious disease that is spreading through human populations across a large region (i.e. a continent or worldwide)

Minimizing Disease Transmission

  • Wash hands often with soap and water; especially wash after you sneeze or cough.
  • Wash hands before eating or drinking, applying make-up, inserting contact lenses.
  • Wash hands after touching frequently touched surfaces (i.e. doorknobs, phones, etc.).
  • Stay home; avoid crowded areas or public gatherings if possible.
  • Get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, drink fluids, and avoid the use of tobacco products.
  • Cover all new and existing cuts and grazes with waterproof dressing.

Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Diseases

  • Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Sanitizing gels/foams/wipes are an adequate substitute when soap and clean water are not available.
  • Cover your cough and sneeze by using the crook of your arm.
  • If you use a tissue, immediately place the used tissue in a waste basket.
  • Disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently (doorknobs, phones, computers, etc.)
  • Wipe surfaces with a disinfectant such as diluted household bleach.

SUPPLY RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Tissues
  • Hand sanitizing gel/foam/wipes
  • Disposable gloves
  • Aspirin, acetaminophen, or other analgesics
  • Disposable masks (for your protection, as well as others)

HAND WASHING

When washing hands with soap and water:

  • Rub hands together to make lather and scrub all surfaces for minimum of 20 seconds
  • Rinse hands well under running water
  • Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer
  • If possible, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet

When should you wash your hands?

  • Before preparing or eating food
  • After going to the bathroom
  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
  • Before and after attending to someone who is sick
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After handling an animal or animal waste
  • After handling garbage
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound

DISINFECTING

  • Diluted household bleach (1/4 cup of bleach to a gallon of clean water) may be substituted if disinfectants are not available
  • Use only unscented products