ITLS Editorial Board Releases New Position Paper on PPE and Infectious Disease
The ITLS Editorial Board has released a new position paper on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infectious disease.
The recent surge of Ebola cases should serve as a reminder to all ITLS providers about the importance of proper PPE use when dealing with trauma patients because of potential for exposure to blood-borne and other infectious diseases.
According to the Position Paper:
“Emergency Medical Responders should use universal precautions and appropriate PPE when caring for any patient. Appropriate PPE includes gloves and facemasks that protect the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes and fluid proof gowns or coveralls as well if the patient is known to have a blood-borne infectious disease, such as Hepatitis B or C.”