HomeMy WebLinkAbout203.010d - Scene Operations
Effective Date: August 2007 Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 05/27/2025 Section 203.010d
Next Revision (1) Date: 05/27/2027 Page 1 of 4
200 Standard Operating Procedures Manual
SECTION 203.010d SCENE OPERATIONS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to instruct Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department)
members on appropriate actions during and after emergency incidents to reduce the
risk of exposure.
APPLICATION
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OPERATIONAL POLICY
• The blood, body fluids, and tissues of all patients are potentially
infectious, and Universal Precautions/Body Substance Isolation
procedures shall be used for all patient contact.
• The choice of personal protective equipment is specified in the Standard
Operating Procedures Manual, Section 203.010c, Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE). Members shall be encouraged to use maximum
rather than minimum PPE for each situation.
• While complete control of the emergency scene is not possible, scene
operations shall attempt to limit splashing, spraying, or aerosolization of
respiratory secretions.
• The minimum number of members required to complete the task safely
shall be used for all on-scene operations where communicable disease
exposure is possible or anticipated.
• Hand washing is the most important infection control procedure.
Fresno City Fire Department
Effective Date: August 2007 Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 05/27/2025 Section 203.010d
Next Revision (1) Date: 05/27/2027 Page 2 of 4
o Members shall wash hands:
After removing PPE
After each patient contact
After handling potentially infectious materials
After cleaning or decontaminating equipment
After using the restroom
Before eating
Before and after handling or preparing food
Before and after any routine cleaning of the station or
equipment
After participating in physical fitness program activities
After handling any piece of emergency response, training
or other related equipment, which could come in contact
with the public
• Hand washing with soap and warm water shall be performed for 10 to
15 seconds. If soap and water are not available at the scene, a
waterless hand wash may be used, provided a soap and water wash is
performed immediately upon return to quarters or hospital.
• Eating, drinking, smoking, handling contact lenses, or applying
cosmetics or lip balm is prohibited at the scene of operations.
• Disposable resuscitation equipment shall be used whenever possible.
For CPR the order of preference is:
o Bag-valve mask
• Resuscitation equipment shall be kept readily available during on-scene
operations.
• Patients with suspected airborne communicable diseases shall be
transported wearing a face mask or particulate respirator whenever
Effective Date: August 2007 Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 05/27/2025 Section 203.010d
Next Revision (1) Date: 05/27/2027 Page 3 of 4
possible. Ambulance windows shall be open and ventilation systems
turned on full whenever possible.
• If contaminated, PPE shall be removed as soon as possible after leaving
the work area. After use, all PPE shall be placed in leak-proof bags,
color coded, marked as a biohazard, and transported back to the station
for proper disposal.
• On-scene public relations shall be handled by a Department public
information officer (PIO), if available. The incident commander (IC) shall
assume this function in the absence of a PIO.
• The public should be reassured that infection control PPE is used as a
matter of routine for the protection of all members and the victims they
treat. The use of PPE does not imply a given victim may have a
communicable disease.
• No medical information will be released on scene. Media inquiries shall
be referred to a Department PIO. Patient confidentiality shall be
maintained at all times.
• Members shall determine if the potential biohazard exists on public or
private property before requesting blood or body fluid wash-down.
o If determined to be on public property, the area may be washed
down to a sewer drain where available.
o Members performing wash-down tasks shall wear, as a minimum,
the following PPE: gloves, eye protection, and a face mask or
particulate respirator.
Note: Face shields on structural firefighting helmets shall not be
used for infection control purposes.
o If a request for blood or body fluid wash-down is determined to be
on private property, the area shall be cordoned off and the property
owner/occupant advised of his/her responsibility for safe cleanup.
Environmental Health shall be notified and given details of the bio-
hazard condition.
• At conclusion of on-scene operations, all potentially contaminated
patient-care equipment shall be removed for appropriate disposal or
decontamination and re-use.
Effective Date: August 2007 Kevin Reynolds, Fire Captain
Current Revision Date: 05/27/2025 Section 203.010d
Next Revision (1) Date: 05/27/2027 Page 4 of 4
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
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INFORMATION
The Department recognizes that a wash-down request may adversely impact a crew
that initially responded to the incident or is receiving CISM intervention related to the
original incident. As a result, company officers may request a battalion chief assign
the next closest resource to a wash-down. Approval by an on-duty battalion chief is
required. Battalion chiefs shall use discretion in approving this change in assignment.
DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
Standard Operating Procedures Manual
Section 203.010, Infection Control
Section 203.010a, Health Maintenance
Section 203.010b, Infection Control Training
Section 203.010c, Personal Protective Equipment
Section 203.010f, Post-Response
Section 203.010g, Post-Exposure Protocols
Section 203.010h, Station Environment
Section 203.010i, Compliance and Quality Monitoring/Program
Evaluation