By Mike McEvoy
EMS Editor
APIC, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has developed a free, downloadable Guide to Infection Prevention in Emergency Medical Services. Long considered the authority in infection control, APICs 14,000 member represent the leading experts in epidemiology and infection control. Their publications and guides (called Implementation Guides) have helped hospitals and healthcare institutions prevent and treat infections for many years.
Long ignored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and infection control organizations such as APIC, EMS now seems to be getting noticed as our role in transmitting infection and carrying infected patients into facilities becomes increasingly obvious. This guide is a must read with practical advice on infection control standards and regulations, preventing transmission, use (and overuse) of PPE, occupational health issues in EMS, infection control surveillance, and bioterrorism preparedness. APIC is online at www.apic.org.
MIKE McEVOY, PhD, NRP, RN, CCRN is the EMS Coordinator for Saratoga County, NY and the Fire Engineering EMS editor. He is a professor emeritus of critical care medicine at Albany Medical College in New York and continues to practice as a clinical nurse specialist in the Cardiac Surgical ICUs at Albany Medical Center. Mike is a paramedic for Clifton Park & Halfmoon Ambulance and the Chief Medical Officer for West Crescent Fire Department. He is a Board Member of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and a popular speaker at Fire, EMS, and medical conference worldwide.
