In this episode, we're joined by Sonja, RN, Nurse Educator, and host of the Sedation Vacation Radio podcast. (Full disclosure: we're big fans, so we might be just a little biased!)
Sonja shares practical, real-world advice on infection prevention and control, from getting PPE right to safely managing patients with suspected viral hemorrhagic fevers. Along the way, we explore what it takes to prepare healthcare teams and systems for these high-consequence situations, with plenty of practical tips and lessons you can apply in your own workplace.
Key topics
Infection control procedures for viral hemorrhagic fever
PPE donning and doffing protocols with step-by-step guidance
System-level response and isolation procedures for high-risk infectious cases
Role of medical officers and rapid response teams in outbreak management
Waste disposal and sample handling for contagious diseases
Aerosol-generating medical procedures and precautions
Takeaways:
Proper PPE donning and doffing is critical to prevent self-contamination.
Clear protocols and checklists improve safety during high-risk procedures.
System-level planning includes designated isolation units and inter-agency communication.
Understanding the difference between contact, droplet, and airborne precautions is essential.
Links of Interest:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/ebola/border-measures.htmlPractical PPE:
- Coverall PPE (this is the PPE that anyone going into the room and doing patient care or assessments will be wearing) https://youtu.be/ADosrKxfsNI
- Buddy PPE (this is the PPE that is worn by those who assist with Coverall doffing and other tasks) https://youtu.be/RaNwdvSyrb4
- Coverall and Buddy Doffing https://youtu.be/EjVoXmRNzWc
Sedation Vacation Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/15P4tJ7uW17u41bm3V7CEf?si=1ua7uXu-Sa6nQGrkur0Gow
