6B30
PAY RANGE: 307
FIRE SERVICE PARAMEDIC INFECTION CONTROL OFFICER
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is emergency medical services work as a staff technical expert in the operations and administration of an exposure control program for Fire Service Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians in the Fire Department. Employees in this class investigate and evaluate the exposure incident, direct the appropriate actions and monitor all follow-up treatment based on applicable departmental regulations and protocols and Federal, State and local laws and regulations. As a significant aspect of this work, incumbents develop and update the department's exposure control plan and pertinent procedural directives and infection control protocols to ensure compliance with all applicable Federal regulations and guidelines and State Law. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)
1. Employees in this class must serve as a staff technical expert in the operations and administration of an exposure control program for the Fire Department.
2. Only two positions will be allocated to this class.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Determines severity of exposure and directs appropriate medical treatment and follow-up, and contacts private hospitals to request necessary contagious disease testing of transport patients in conformance with Federal and State Law; communicates with hospitals and other agencies to improve interagency coordination in and control of exposure incidents interviews and counsels exposed employees.
Develops a departmental exposure control and infection control plan, policies and protocol for infectious disease exposures; revises the Department's exposure control plan annually or as needed; reports necessary changes to departmental authorities; implements a program for exposure evaluation, treatment, medical follow-up and documentation of exposures for emergency response employees in the Fire Department; monitors compliance by employees, City treating facilities and outside hospitals with department infection control policies and the requirements of Federal OSHA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ryan-White standards, Pennsylvania Act 148 and other laws and regulations; evaluates work practices and personal protective equipment for paramedic operations; develops and implements universal precautions, and work practice controls designed to eliminate or minimize risk of employee exposure; assists in the evaluation of new personal protective equipment and products relating to infection control; implements and supervises the Department's PPD and paramedic immunization programs to ensure compliance with all applicable Federal regulations and guidelines and State Law.
Serves as a liaison with medical facilities, OSHA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, various city agencies and the Public Health Officer to ensure compliance; evaluates EMS procedures to improve infection control practices; assists medical facilities in the notification, reporting and adherence to required medical prophylactic measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Establishes and maintains confidential exposure, immunization and necessary medical history records for Fire Service Paramedics and Firefighters; provides exposed employees with all required notifications; prepares reports on exposure and infection control activities for departmental administrative superior and Office of Risk Management; compiles statistical data on exposure incidents; insures reporting and documentation of employee exposures.
Reviews, develops, and coordinates education and training programs with EMS Training Unit to ensure that required infection control training programs are current and on going; develops and coordinates an annual training program in exposure avoidance for uniformed employees; identifies training needs through field compliance monitoring of exposure incidents; provides periodic specialized training to departmental supervisors, training personnel, and emergency responders on changes to the exposure control plan.
Reviews current literature on infection control relative to Fire/Rescue operations and updates the exposure control plan and emergency practices as needed.
Advises the Fire Department's Administration, the City's Office of Risk Management and Departmental Safety and Training personnel on infection control activities.
Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
· Fire Department EMS protocols and operating procedures
· infectious disease transmission and control theory
· laws, regulations and rules governing infection control for emergency medical responders such as the O.S.H.A. bloodborne pathogens protocol, Pennsylvania Act 148, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and Ryan-White Act provisions for infection control of bloodborne and airborne contagious diseases for determining and confirming exposures and directing appropriate treatment and compliance activities by City and private hospital personnel
· training principles, methods and techniques
· medical principles, practices and techniques with respect to infection control.
· psychosocial aspects of exposure contacts to HIV, Hepatitis A, B, or C, infectious meningitis and other contagious diseases for emergency responders
· rescue and evacuation principles, procedures and techniques, departmental operational procedures, directives, and safety practices
ABILITY TO:
· develop policies and provide training programs for emergency responders and EMS training staff in Federal and State Laws, guidelines and regulations for infectious disease transmissions to emergency medical responders
· evaluate the effectiveness of Fire Department infectious disease control practices and resolve problems associated with the exposure control plan and compliance of all Federal, State, and Local guidelines within a public emergency medical services setting
· coordinate the need for effective intervention with the confidentiality requirements and restrictions related to infectious disease contacts by departmental personnel rendering emergency medical assistance
· analyze data and prepare statistical and narrative reports
· establish and maintain effective working relationships with Departmental operational and staff personnel, managers and personnel from other City agencies, employ tact, diplomacy and sound judgement in dealing with infected members, source patients and private hospital medical staff unfamiliar with Federal and State Law, private hospital personnel involved in infection control and source patients
· communicate effectively both orally and in writing
· establish and maintain health, immunization and medical records relating to infectious disease exposures incurred by public service medical responders
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE: (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 2/15.)
LICENSE:
Current licensure as a Registered Nurse issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
AND
REGISTRATION:
Current registration with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health as an Emergency Response Employer (ERE) Designated Officer.
AND
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Four years of current experience as a Fire Service Paramedic.
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Possession of certification as a Paramedic issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania appointment the time of application and during tenure of employment as a Fire Service Paramedic Infection Control Officer.
Registration with the State of Pennsylvania Department of Health as the Emergency Response Employer (ERE) Designated Officer at the time of application and during tenure of employment as a Fire Service Paramedic Infection Control Officer.
Possession of a valid license as a Registered Nurse issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the time of application and during tenure of employment a Fire Service Paramedic Infection Control Officer.
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Fire Service Paramedic Infection Control Officer.
Class Established:
CSC - 9/01
Ad.
Board - 1/02
Spec. Revisions: 10/14
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC: 2/15
Ad. Board: 2/15
LK