North Carolina sets Ebola protocols for medical workers
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Wednesday morning, DHHS Secretary Aldona Wos, M.D. and State Epidemiologist Megan Davies, M.D. hosted a conference call to update the media on ongoing preparations for a possible Ebola case in North Carolina.
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At this time there are no known or suspected cases in our state, however state agencies continue to work on establishing protocols for hospitals, medical providers, and EMS workers.
The latest updated protocols were sent out to medical providers statewide on October 23rd. As of right now, EMS in 59 counties out of 100 have implemented the latest protocols for handling suspected Ebola cases, and three more counties are pending. Unlike doctors' offices or urgent care facilities, EMS workers under this new policy are required to wear personal protective gear.
For private practices, physicians and urgent care facilities (all classified as "non-hospitals") the new protocols issued have a three-step process that must be followed:
1. Screen for exposures (ask about travel to affected countries, check for symptoms.)
2. Isolate the patient (bring them to a room that can be closed off from the general area and give them access to private bathroom.)
3. Call public health officials immediately for further instructions.
The state has also issued special training videos to all healthcare providers and first responders outlining how to properly put on and take off personal protective gear. And, the state has started conducting web seminars for staff to log on and receive further training.
As of right now, the state has not chosen a designated hospital to treat Ebola patients, but officials say they are narrowing down the list and are close to identifying that location.
There are two ways the public can get guidance if they're travelling to or from West Africa or suspect they've come in contact with the virus:
(800) 222-1222
