Disasters are natural or man-made events that have a significant impact on the health of the affected community. When a disaster strikes it is imperative for health care providers to be ready to respond quickly and efficiently. Adequate responses are achieved through ongoing training of personnel, establishing and re-evaluating preparedness plans, and coordination among multiple service sectors. Role of Major Public Health Personnel In the simulation, Disaster in Franklin County, multiple public health personnel were involved in the disaster response. These include the County Public Health Director, Environmental Health Specialists, and Community Health Nurses.
He generally directs the operation. The Public information Officer (PIO) Disasters are an important source of news and needs to be relayed to the public accurately, and at the same time, enhance one’s interest. During a disaster, the public information officer holds this responsibility. The PIO answers to the Incident Commander, and ensures that the the community and collaborating agencies is given public health information is applicable to the situation. He bears the responsibility of furthering effective and accurate communications and making known this information appropriately.
In the event of a disaster, public health personnel responds to the populations health concerns by assessing and implementing strategies to help the community during an emergency crisis. Their role is to develop action plans to ensure the community’s health issues are being address. Public health personnel provide safety to the community by helping families and individuals have a continuity of health care, assessing health care needs, and preventing injuries and diseases. They also make sure that the communities affected by a disaster will have the necessary medical resources, food and clean water supply available. Medical staffs including public health nurses also have an essential role to the community during a disaster.
Key roles within the Public Health Incident Command System are the Incident Commander, Public Information Officer, Liaison Officer, Operations Section Chief, Planning Section Chief, Logistics Section Chief and Finance/Administration Section Chief and Public Health Group including the Community Health Nurse. The Incident Commander (IC) is responsible for directing and controlling resources (OSHA, n. d.). The IC is responsible for all aspects of the incident including briefing the team on the extent of the disaster, establishing an Incident Command Center, and making duty assignments by selecting positions based on the training and experience of the individuals that respond to the incident, establish priorities and set objectives for the incident (OSHA, n. d.). According to the University of Minnesota (UMN) (2012), the Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for ensuring that the public and public health staff are kept informed by providing a consistent message from the agency. The PIO must be able to communicate effectively and clearly, as well as have knowledge of principles of risk communications (UMN, 2012).
Also, staff should be supervised to make sure procedures are being followed. Outcome 2 Understand legislation and policies relating to prevention and control of infections 1. Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection Some of the current legislation which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection include; The Health and Safety at work act, COSHH, RIDDOR, The public health act and Personal
Responsibilities of others include to understand health and safety procedures to take responsible care for their own and others health and safety. 1.4 Some task should only be carried out with special training these tasks include use of equipment, first aid, medication and food handling and preparation. 1.5 You can get extra support or information relating to H/S from line manager, health and safety executive and environmental health department. 2.1 Hazard or risk is something that could cause a problem if not used in the correct way or manor. 2.2 A risk assessment should be read and used as it will make you aware of any potential risks or hazards and so be able to work in a safe environment.
It is the responsibility of the employer to provide employees with information on such policies, as well as ensure all employees receive sufficient training where necessary. Also to provide PPE (personal protective equipment) to all members of staff. Understand legislation and policies relating to prevention and control of infections. Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection. The Health and Social Care Act 2008; Code of Practice for health and adult social care on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance.
Care workers have a role in reporting infections or disease outbreaks. This is a legal duty that they have to perform. The Health and Safety Executive or the environmental health department of the local authorities must be notified of the following: • Possible poisoning • Contagious diseases such as hepatitis or TB • Acute illness that may be caused by workplace toxins or infected material Care workers are also a part of the admissions of service users. When individuals are referred to a residential home or a hospital, the care workers are provided with knowledge about the individual and their needs so they can prepare equipment, space, materials, special diets and medication for them. There will also be an initial examination taken to identify any skin lesions and problems that may indicate the need for separation from others.
Unit 224 – The Principles of Infection Prevention and Control 1. Understand roles and responsibilities in the prevention and control of infections 2.1 Explain the employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection. It is the duty of the employee to make sure that they follow the policies, procedures and guidelines that have been put in place in the prevention and control of infection 1.2 Explain the employers’ responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection. Employers have responsibilities for the health and safety of their employees. They are also responsible for any visitors to their premises such as customers, suppliers and the general public.
Everyone on site is responsible for Health and Safety on-site, although the level of responsibility will vary. Employers Designers Planning Supervisors Principal Contractors Subcontractors/Self Employed Subcontractors and self employed contractors must cooperate and work within the guidelines of the Principal Contractor on all health and safety matters. They must also control any health and safety risk on site which forms part of their works. This would be included within their scope of works and risk assessment approved by the Principal Contractor. Employees Public 2.