2016

1. INFECTIONCONTROL& SAFETY
MRS. STACEY WRIGHT, AAS, EMT-P
DEPUTY CHIEF, SAFETY OFFICER
PENDER EMS AND FIRE, INC.

2. CONTACT INFORMATION
• Stacey Wright, AAS, EMT-P
• 910-470-0982
• 910-259-4612
• swright@penderems.com
• 910-675-9198

3. ACCOUNTABILITY
• SOG CO-28
• Purpose:
• The purpose of this guideline is to ensure the location and
safety of all Emergency Personnel working on the Incident
scene.
• To maximize the efficiency of operations used to stabilize the
incident.
• Review the SOG CO-28 that goes in detail the Accountability.

4. SAFETY FORMS
• Purpose: To provide the employer and employee with
the means to document injuries, exposures, and
unsafe practices.
• Company Safety Forms are located on the Shared
Drive in the 2016 Policy and Guidelines Company
SOG’s --CO 26 Thru CO 26-K

5. SAFETY
• The safety and health of employees is a
priority. Pender EMS and Fire makes every
effort to comply with all federal and state
workplace safety requirements. All members
are required to have all departmental issued
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), with
them while at work and/or a departmental
function that may require the use of any or all
of the PPE.
• Each employee is expected to obey safety
rules and exercise caution and common sense
in all work activities.
• Note: See Safety Manual for complete Safety
Guidelines and Policies.

6. INFECTION / EXPOSURE CONTROL
• GOAL: It is intended to offer you the basic
understanding to protect yourself against such
pathogens as HIV, HBV, and other infectious diseases.
• PLEASE DO NOT let this replace your “COMMON
SENSE”…..If you see a risk, take precautions.

8. REDUCING RISKS
1. Maintenance Controls
* Equipment maintenance
2. Work Practice Controls
* Proper hand washing (done frequently)
(If water not available, use antiseptic wipe)
* Proper Hygiene
* Keep possible exposure areas free from food items
3. Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
* Gloves are to be used when handling any body fluid
* Careful removal of gloves (not touching outside area)
* Using appropriate equipment in all situations

9. ISOLATION PRECAUTIONS
 Standard Precautions— used with every patient all the time
that includes but not limited to gloves, goggles, and gowns.
 Airborne Precautions- use standard precautions and n-95 or
n-100 masks. Patient should have a Surgical mask on during
transport.

10. Isolation Precautions
 Contact Isolation Level 1- GOWN, GLOVES, and SURGICAL
MASK MUST be worn when entering the room. Esp. MRSA
AND SARS
 Contact Isolation- GOWN and GLOVES This is used for any
Contact Isolation cases esp. VRE, LICE SCABIES, AND
WOUNDS.
 Droplet Isolation- SURGICAL MASK

11. MRSA
 What is MRSA-Staphylococcus aureus, often
referred to simply as “staph”, is a bacteria
commonly found on the skin of healthy people.
Occasionally, staph can get into the body and
cause an infection. This infection can be minor
such as pimples, boils, and other skin conditions
or serious such as blood infections or
pneumonia. Some staph bacteria have
developed resistance to Methicillin, and can no
longer be killed by it. These resistant bacteria are
called Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
Aureus or MRSA.

12. MRSA
Who gets MRSA?
Usually develops in patients who
are elderly, very sick, have an
open wound, or have a tube
going into their body. Healthy
people rarely get MRSA
infections but, they can spread
MRSA by contact with others.

13. MRSA
 Can MRSA spread?
 Yes, MRSA can spread among other patients, who
are often very sick with weak immune systems
that might not be able to fight off infections.
MRSA is almost always spread by PHYSICAL
CONTACT, and NOT THROUGH THE AIR. Hospitals
usually take special steps to prevent the spread of
MRSA from patient to patient. One of these steps
may be to separate, or isolate, a patient with
MRSA.

14. MRSA
 A germ that causes STAPH Infection
 Resistant to most antibiotics
 Found in hospitals and other health care
facilities BUT can be found anywhere.

15. MRSA
 “COLONIZED” VS “INFECTED”
People who carry MRSA are said to be colonized. Many
kinds of bacteria can live in (colonize) your body without
causing an infection. In fact, everyone is colonized by many
kinds of bacteria all the time. Being infected means bacteria
are multiplying and the body is trying to defend itself
against them.

16. MRSA
 Because of that, workers comp. will not cover MRSA
exposure’s without direct documentation of exposure at
work but even then it is very hard to get worker
compensation coverage.
 Is a contact spread disease
 WEARING of PPE is essential in the prevention of MRSA.
 CONTACT ISOLATION LEVEL 1: Stands until off antibiotics
and 3 negative cultures have been obtained. If the negative
cultures cannot be obtained YOU MUST follow CONTACT
ISOLATION LEVEL 1 which is Gloves, gowns, and surgical
mask.

17. Respirator Program
Pender EMS & Fire

18. RESPIRATOR PROGRAM
 PURPOSE: This is a guideline to help ensure the protection
of all employees from respiratory hazards through proper
selection and use of respirators.
 USAGE: Respirators will be used primarily for the exposure
of Tuberculosis or in emergencies where there are
suspected AIRBORNE health hazards.

19. Respirator Program Cont.
 Assignment: 1 Respirator per employee
 Training: Once a year
 Selection: N-95/N-100 Sm., Med., Large, Regular
 Inspection: Should be thoroughly inspected prior
wearing and when units are checked off for any
deterioration.
 Medical Evaluations: Done once a year with a
baseline PFT done by Pender EMS and Fire, Inc.

20. Respirator use under Special Conditions
 Facial Hair: should not interfere
with the seal of the respirator
 All employees should come to
work clean shaven.
 Eye Glasses: Should NOT interfere
with the nose clip of the
mask…..this could cause
interference with the seal
 Facial Deformities: scars, lack of
teeth, dentures, severe acne,
prominent cheek bones
 Communications: Make sure seal
is maintained during conversation
with Patients and Fellow Co-
workers.

21. FINAL ANALYSIS
 To have a safe and
effective program, the
employees must use
the equipment as they
have been trained!

22. What is Airborne Pathogens
Is a disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person
through the air.

23. TUBERCULOSIS
Purpose: Is to provide guidelines and procedures that will
minimize the risk and consequences associated with exposures
to communicable diseases.

24. BACKGROUND
 Communicable diseases can be transmitted several different
ways:
 Direct>>>Person to Person
 Indirect…..Person to Object
 Inhalation…..unprotected exposure to an airborne pathogen
such as TB
 Ingestion…Eating or drinking contaminated food or water

25. Indentification of TB
 Transmitted through the air
 Most dangerous indoors……especially areas
with poor air circulation
 Can survive for long periods of time
 Carried through the air in infectious droplets
(1-5 microns in size)
 Generated by infectious persons cough, speach,
sighs, or spits
 EMPLOYEES ARE IN DANGER OF EXPOSURE
WHENEVER THEY TRANSPORT TB – INFECTED
PATIENTS

26. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
 Productive cough for 3
weeks or more
 Coughing up blood
 Weight loss
 Loss of appetite
 Lethargic/weakness
 Night sweats
 fever

27. INFECTION
VS
ACTIVE TB
 Patients that are infected with TB will have no symptoms
 Will not be contagious
 Only detection is by TB skin test
 Takes months to years to develop TB
 May never develop TB at all
 Patients with active TB will have the S/S as listed in previous
slide

28. TREATMENT
Done by Pender County Health Department
Can last 9-24 months

29. TRAINING
 Review policy once a year
 TB Skin test every six months
 Medical screening as needed
 Pender County Health Department, Safety Officer,& Medical
Direction will assist with all questions and or concerns!

30. Handling of Suspected TB Patient
**Immediately apply HEPA Respirator issued to you
**Follow policy and procedures for proper donning of
HEPA Mask
**If possible, place mask/face shield on patient
**Gloves, Gowns, & Protective Eye Wear should be worn
**Outside vents should be turned on

31. Post Exposure Policy
 Treated at PCHD during MONDAY –FRIDAY
8am to 4pm
 Remember, Treatment will not start
immediately……just PAPERWORK
 Treated at Pender Memorial Hospital at
other times, then sent to PCHD the following
day
 Shift supervisor should be notified ASAP
 Safety Officer notified ASAP

32. POST EXPOSURE POLICY CONT.
 Incident report completed immediately which is located on
the shared drive.
 Copy of Suspected Patient Run Sheet or Face Sheet

33. WORK RESTRICTIONS
 All workers will be out of work until Medically cleared by
Pender County Health Department and or EMS Medical
Direction.
 Workers who are otherwise healthy and receiving preventive
Tx for TB infection may be allowed to work but this is at the
discretion of the Medical Director and EMS Director.

34. INFECTION / EXPOSURE
CONTROL
• Purpose: As stated by OSHA 1910.1030 Pender EMS
and Fire shall have in place an infection/exposure
control plan that applies to all occupational exposure
to blood or other potentially infectious materials.

35. • This is includes the following:
• Training….Once a year
• Vaccinations….Hepatitis B, TB Skin Test, and Tetanus.
INFECTION / EXPOSURE CONTROL

36. GENERAL MEASURES
• Remember, use common sense when it comes to EXPOSURE
CONTROL
• Use gloves at all times when involved in patient care!
• Use gowns and protective eyewear when potential fluid splatter
could take place.
• Use good hand-washing techniques after all patient contact.

37. GENERAL MEASURES CONTINUED…….
• All blood and or body fluids should be
immediately cleaned with proper supplied
infection control solution
• All contaminated linen should be placed in
proper biohazard bag and placed in storage bins
at stations and/or hospitals.
• Re-usable equipment should be cleaned before
carrying back to the station. If not possible, it
should be RED BAGGED then cleaned at the
station.

38. GENERAL MEASURES CONTINUED…
• Things you should not do on the Ambulance!!!!!!!!

39. GENERAL MEASURES CONT…
Sharp Safety
• DO NOT recap needles unless in the process of
Medication Therapy and only use the one handed
technique
• ALL sharps MUST be disposed of in the established
sharps containers, not in the stretchers, bench seats,
floor of the unit, or the trash can.

40. GENERAL MEASURES
Follow
manufacturer's
directions when it
comes to
cleaning and
washing assigned
Turn Out Gear.

41. DO NOT DO THIS…..
• Please do not leave
syringes laying around
the units or stations like
this ….NO matter what
they are being used for..

42. CLEANING AND SANITIZING
• This should be done on each unit after
every call using the proper disinfectant.
• Do Not leave gloves and/or trash on
the units for the next crew to find.
• Units and equipment should be air
dried when possible.
• All contaminated linen and waste
should be properly disposed of at the
station or hospital.

43. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE TOPICS….
• Listed below is general knowledge topics with
further discussion in the Infection Control Manual
located at each station.
• IV Cannulation Should be done with
• Patent Airway/Suctioning All PPE in place
to
• Universal Isolation protect each
crew
• Bleeding member involved with
• Emesis, Defecation, Urination the call!!!!
• Labor and Delivery

44. REGULATED WASTE
• DEFINITION PER OSHA 1910.1030
• Means liquid or semi-liquid or other potentially
infectious materials; contaminated items that
would release blood or other potentially
infectious materials in a liquid or semi-liquid
state if compressed; items that are caked with
dried blood or other potentially infectious
materials and are capable of releasing these
materials during handling; contaminated sharps;
and pathological and microbiological wastes
containing blood or other potentially infectious
materials.

45. REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL
• All sharps containers that are ¾ full must be sealed
and replaced.
• SHARPS CONTAINERS must be placed in biohazard
trash once sealed!
• All medical wasted produced as a result of a call must
be collected and placed in a biohazard bag and
removed from the scene.
• Simple Terms: IF YOU TAKE IT IN, YOU
MUST TAKE IT OUT!

46. REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL
CONT.
• All waste must be disposed in the proper containers at
each station.
• All regulated waste must be sent to St. 7 for Stericycle to
pick up every 6 weeks.
• Please do not place regular trash in these
containers………this cost Pender EMS and Fire unnecessary
expenses.
• When containers are full Contact Calvin Wright to
have it moved to Station 7.

47. REGULATED WASTE DISPOSAL CONT.
• All expired drugs must
be put in separate a
container.
• Expired drugs must be
transferred to St. 7 to be
placed in the supplied
WHITE BOX by Stericycle
for proper disposal.

48. REGULATED
WASTE
DISPOSAL..
HOW NOT TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF REGULATED
WASTE……

49. DO NOT DO THIS…..
Not sealing the sharps container
could mean a dirty unknown needle
stick for someone else!

50. Left behind Jump Seat!!

51. No Sharps Container!!!

52. Broke Ampule...

53. Missing Red Bag

54. # 1 RULE
IF ITS WET AND NOT YOURS
DON’T TOUCH IT

55. EXPOSURE MANAGEMANT
• Defined as if a parental (i.e. needle stick or cut),
mucous-membrane exposure (i.e. splash to the eyes or
mouth), or cutaneous exposure involving large
amounts of blood or prolonged contact with blood
especially when the exposed skin is chapped, abraded,
or afflicted with dermatitis the provider is to
ASAP………….

56. EXPOSURE MANAGEMANT
CONT.
• A. Wash hands/exposed area thoroughly
• Notify Shift Supervisor ASAP
• Notify Safety Officer
• File an exposure/injury form located on the shared
drive.
• Seek Medical attention at PMH or Facility designated
by supervisor.
• File a workman’s compensation form

57. PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY
• All patient related information, whether medical or
personal in nature, MUST be kept strictly confidential.
• This is very important to the patient, family members
of the patient, but most of all to YOU and YOUR
COWORKERS.
• Follow Pender EMS and Fire HIPPA Policy
• Also Review Section 3.25 Confidential Information and
Disclosure of the Employee Manual.

58. SAFE WORK PRACTICES FOR THE STATION
• Keep medical equipment out of the kitchen
area
• Food must be dated and labeled
• Do not wear/store protective clothing such as
bunker pants in living areas
• Transport equipment in a sealed equipment
bag when transporting in personal vehicle.
• Clean work areas properly each shift
• Use liquid soap for showers and sink
• Use paper or air drying for hands
• Stations MUST be cleaned each shift

59. FOUND
UNCLEAN
SITUATIONS…
THINGS LEFT AT STATIONS OR ON UNITS AT THE END OF
SHIFTS FOR OTHERS…….REMEMBER THE STATIONS AND
UNITS MUST BE KEPT CLEANED.

61. FOUND IN FRONT SEAT OF UNIT ON
FLOOR…

62. DIRTY GLOVES LEFT ON UNIT………

63. Something is in the
wrong place!

66. SUPPLIES SHOULD BE PUT UP AND NOT
LEFT OUT FOR OTHERS TO PUT UP……

67. HAZARD
COMMUNICATIONS
PENDER EMS & FIRE

68. HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS
• Mandated by OSHA 1910.1200
• Once Called MSDS but changed to SDS
• It is used to reduce chemical source illness and
injuries through the transmission of hazard
information
• Knowing the risk of chemical involved i.e. physical
or health
• ALL products MUST be LABELED.
• Purchased products must, by law, have warning
labels attached.

69. HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS
• All new containers are labeled when it is transferred to
another container.
• All portable containers will be labeled with name, date
and initials of person placing chemical in container.
• SDS shall be provided on each hazardous chemicals in
the workplace.

70. SDS
• MSDS Books
• Newer Books
• SDS

71. SDS— SAFETY DATA SHEET
• What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
• A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is designed to provide both
workers and emergency personnel with the proper
procedures for handling or working with a particular
substance. SDS's include information such as physical
data (melting point, boiling point,flash point etc.), toxicity,
health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal,
protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. These
are of particular use if a spill or other accident occurs.
SDS's vary in length depending on their format, content,
and font size. We have seen them from 1 to 10 pages,
with most being 2 to 4 pages.

72. SDS— SAFETY DATA SHEET
• Who are SDS's for?
• SDS's are meant for:
• Employees who may be occupationally exposed to a hazard at
work.
• Employers who need to know the proper methods for storage
etc.
• Emergency responders such as fire fighters, hazardous material
crews, emergency medical technicians, and emergency room
personnel.

73. HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS
• SDS’s shall be in English and placed in an area
that all employee’s can access.
• Employee’s should take the time to review SDS’s
to make themselves familiar on how to navigate
them in a time of need……
• Employee’s should have suppliers send them
SDS’s with all chemical orders.
• Training on this is once a year
• All new SDS sheets must be sent to every station
in Pender EMS and Fire System.

74. FIRE & EMERGENCY PLAN

75. FIRE & EMERGENCY PLAN
• Mandated by OSHA 1910.35 – 1910.38
• Purpose: Is to provide employees with references to
major workplace fire hazards, proper handling of such,
storage, reference personnel/contacts, housekeeping,
training, and maintaining equipment.

76. FIRE & EMERGENCY PLAN
• As per PEMS policy NO excess
linen is to be stored at any
station this is to include but not
limited to linen for general use,
personnel linen such as
sleeping gear, uniforms, and
turnouts. All SOG’S concerning
housekeeping issues should be
followed. There should be no
storage of excess materials in
any stations that would
contribute to combustible, fire,
and or smoke hazards. OSHA
1910.38 Subpart E

77. LINEN COLLECTED FROM
STATIONS

78. FIRE & EMERGENCY PLAN
Fire Alarms will be placed at each station
Carbon Monoxide detectors will be placed at each
station that has LP gas.
Batteries need to be checked monthly
DO NOT REMOVEBATTERIES
BECAUSE THEY GO OFF AND ANNOY YOU!!!

79. FIRE & EMERGENCY PLAN
• Please do not take the light bulbs out
of the EXIT lights because they are too
bright at night. Tommy will Fine us if
you do.
• These lights are in place to help
individuals get out of a burning
building.

80. FIRE & EMERGENCY PLAN
• Exits routes must be free from
all obstructions and not be
blocked in a way that prevents
the use as an exit.
• Properly Marked with signs
designating exits from the
building with proper lighting
available.
• Evacuation maps at each
station
• All doors must have
functioning locks

81. FIRE & EMERGENCY PLAN
• Fire Extinguishers
• All buildings will be equipped with
proper type of fire extinguishers by
order of the local Fire Marshall
• Must have annual training
• Use the PASS Method
• P-pull the pin out
• A- aim the hose at the base of the fire
• S- squeeze the handle
• S- sweep the hose or nozzle from side
to side

82. FIRE & EMERGENCY PLAN
• Inspections will be done once a year by a certified
company.
• Employee’s are responsible to know where all
extinguishers are located at each station and on each
unit.
• If a fire extinguisher is used please have it replaced
ASAP. Also, notify the safety or logistics officer so it
can be checked out.

83. Post Blood Borne Exposure
Pender EMS

84. Post Blood Borne Exposure
 To offer post exposure treatment to employees
of Pender EMS and Fire.
 Includes but not limited too……..iv sticks,
mucous membrane exposures, and fluid
splatter….
 ALL post blood borne exposure’s will be
handled at Designated Facility by Safety
Officer. This could be Pender Memorial
Hospital, Medac, or a Urgent Care.

85. Post Blood Borne Exposure
 Purpose; all staff members of Pender EMS and
Fire know how to report exposure / injury and
what takes place after the fact.
 Shift supervisor must be notified ASAP
 Shift supervisor and Employee will notify the
Safety Officer
 Injury / Exposure form will be filled out by the
employee at the time of reporting the incident
 A written statement must be submitted ASAP.

86. Post Blood Borne Exposure
 These forms are located on the
Shared Drive.
 Located on each unit is a Post
Exposure Packet that the employee
should get and follow the directions.
 Do not waste any time when
reporting exposures to proper
personnel!

87. Post Blood Borne Exposure
 Flush or Wash the wound with soap and water and or
liquid sanitizer
 Pender Memorial Hospital will follow up with all testing
with PEMS Safety Officer.
 If transporting patients to another hospital besides
Pender …you must notify the receiving hospital of the
exposure and request the patient get the necessary
testing.
 Safety Officer needs the patient demographics to be
able to follow up on the situation.
 Repeat Lab Work in 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months,
and 12 months.

88. OSHA Required Paperwork
 Sharps Injury Log (located in post
exposure packet)
 Unsafe Practices Notification Form—
this is a log to show that PEMS & Fire
is Following up on all incidence’s of
sharps be left in un-proper locations.
 Hepatitis B Declination Form

89. General Topics / Knowledge
 Reflective Vest
should be worn
on all roadside
scenes.
 Remember to
wear supplied
EMS gear and or
Turn out Gear
when
Required!!

90. General Topics / Knowledge
 No Vest is
required if you
are wearing a
company
issued Blauer
or 511 coat.

91. General Topics / Knowledge
 Please Put Oxygen in its proper place with
chains in place and secured. Each station
has a place for empty and full cylinders.
 At each station, know where the circuit
breaker box is located.
 If an OSHA inspector shows up, allow him to
do his inspection, then contact Supervisor
ASAP.
 Same follows for Fire Inspections by the
local Fire Marshall.
 Be cooperative with the inspectors.

92. All units have proper place for portable
oxygen tanks to be secured not on the
jump seat.
Needs to be secured!!!

93. Improper way to store
Oxygen………..
Wrong Way

94. Both Chains have to be secured around
the Oxygen bottle……
Wrong
Way

95. Proper Way to store Oxygen…….
 The chains must be
secured at the top and
bottom of the oxygen
tank to keep it in
place.
 The small oxygen
bottles can be placed
in the plastic drink
holders.
Correct
Way

96. Worker’s Compensation
 Injury, Exposure, or Possibility of
the 2, must be reported ASAP.
 Notify Immediate Supervisor and
Safety Officer.
 Fill out INJURY/ EXPOSURE form
located on “S” drive.
 Safety Officer and/or Supervisor
will direct you on the next steps.

97. Worker’s Compensation Cont.
 The First 7 calendar days of LOSS time is the
employee’s responsibility. The 7 calendar days
begins on day of treatment.
 Workers Comp. goes back and covers those 7
days if you miss 21 calendar days or more.
 Also remember when you are out on workers
comp. you must pay your part of insurance
premiums for health care, colonial, and so-
on. You MUST contact Audrea if this situation
comes about.

98. Worker’s Compensation Cont.
 There will be several forms mailed to your residence
that must be completed by you in a timely matter. Some
have to be returned with 30 days or they can be denied.
I will assist anyone in filling out of these forms but
please complete each form.

99. Pender EMS Drug Policy
 Pender EMS and Fire maintains a firm
commitment to provide a safe and productive
work environment for its employees.
 As a company, drug and/or alcohol test are
ordered for pre-employment, post accident,
post injury, random, and reasonable cause.
 Random testing is done 4 times a year. The
list is generated by an outside company.

100. Pender EMS Drug Policy
 It is policy that all employees, including management,
administrative, part-time, temporary and volunteer employees,
shall not engage in the manufacture, use, possession, sale,
purchase, or transfer of any substance which may impair their
ability to perform assigned duties or otherwise adversely impact
the Company’s business.

101. Pender EMS Drug Policy
 Substances which may impair performance include, but
are not limited to, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or
other controlled substances. This policy applies to all
employees during working time, regardless of location,
and at all times on Company property including
worksites and parking lots, or while operating a
company vehicle.

102. Pender EMS Drug Policy
 All employees signed an employee acknowledgement
upon being hired.
 Pender EMS and Fire has a no tolerance policy.
 Copies of the drug testing policy is located at all the
stations.

103. Pender EMS
 Items from Employee Manual
 Located on Shared Drive

104. Preventing Harassment
 Pender EMS and Fire has adopted a zero-tolerance
policy toward discrimination and all forms of unlawful
harassment, including but not limited to sexual
harassment.
 Review Section 2.05 Preventing Harassment in the
Employee Manual.

105. Building Security
 Each and every employee must follow the building
security rules and regulations listed here:
 All means of egress/ingress must be closed and
locked when building is vacated.
 All means of egress/ingress must be closed and
locked from 2300 hours to 0900 hours

106. Health-related Issues
 Employees who
become aware of any
health or safety-related
issue should notify their
supervisor as soon as
possible.

107. Employee Requiring Medical
Attention
 Employees should report all work-related
injuries and accidents immediately to their
supervisor, and then follow theses steps:
 Fill out an injury/exposure form.
 Complete an incident report in a Word
Document Format
 Forms can be found on “S” Drive.
 Seek any needed medical attention as
directed by supervisor.
 Notify Safety Compliance Officer as soon as
possible.
 Note: See Policy Manual for details.

108. Absence and Tardiness
 From time to time, it may be necessary for an employee
to be late or absent from work. Pender EMS and Fire is
aware that emergencies, illnesses, or pressing personal
business that cannot be scheduled outside work hours
may arise. It is the responsibility of all employees to
contact all affected parties if they will be absent or late.
 Note: See Employee Manual Section 3.06 Attendance,
Punctuality and Absenteeism

109. Unscheduled Absence
 Absence from work for two (2) consecutive days for
Monday through Friday employees or two (2)
consecutive shifts for FWW or non-emergency
transport employees, without notifying your
supervisor will be considered a voluntary
resignation.

110. Smoking and Tobacco Use
 Smoking on company property is a privilege, not a
right and may be rescinded by management if the
privilege is abused. Smoking is defined as the act of
lighting, smoking or carrying a lighted or smoldering
cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette or pipe of any kind.
 Smoking is not permitted inside any Pender EMS and
Fire building with the exception of apparatus bays!!
 All debris should be disposed of in appropriate
provided receptacles.
 When Pender EMS and Fire employees are on the
campus of other companies, they are expected to
comply with that companies smoking policies.

111. Attire and Grooming
 Section 3.26 of Employee Manual
 It is important to project a professional image while at work by being appropriately
attired and groomed. Pender EMS and Fire employees are expected to be neat,
clean, and well-groomed while on the job, conducting business in or outside of the
office. Uniformed personnel must comply with the dress code.
 Fire/EMS personnel shall wear and maintain their uniforms in such a manner so as to
present a neat, wrinkle free, and clean appearance. Uniforms shall be clean, free of
rips, tears, holes and shall not be faded or missing any required part such as buttons,
patches and accessories.
 Any hairstyle is permissible as long as the style does not allow hair to extend beyond
the coverage of safety equipment. Hair that extends beyond the collar must be
pulled back and tied anytime the employee is engaged in fire suppression or rescue
operations. Hair shall be trimmed so as not to flare out or curl beneath the lower
edge of the dress uniform hat, work cap, or helmet.

112. Attire and Grooming
Continued
 North Carolina Division of Occupational Safety and Health has determined
that facial hair between the skin and respirator sealing surface is a violation of
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards which follows
State and Federal Law 29 CFR-1920 and 34 (E)(5)(I).
 This is true for SCBA and N-95/N-100 Mask.
 A positive quantitative or qualitative fit test is not acceptable by OSHA as
evidence that would allow a respirator to be worn when facial hair could
interfere with the operation of the exhalation valve or seal.
 Based on the above statements, personnel who are required to wear self-
contained breathing apparatus will be free from any facial hair growth, except
for a mustache or center lip growth which will meet the following prescribed
grooming standards:
 Facial hair should be neatly groomed and trimmed
 Shall not extend beyond the lower ridge of the mandible below the corner of
the mouth to impede with the proper sealing of breathing apparatus face
piece
 Sideburns shall not interfere with the proper seal of a breathing apparatus face
piece

113. Pender Volunteer EMS and Fire Inc.
Standard Operating Guideline
Hurricane Guideline
 Historically, the major natural disaster threat to
the coastal area of North Carolina has been
hurricanes. Accordingly, this plan has been
developed to cope with the emergency response
and recovery efforts that we will face after a land
falling hurricane. The Pender Volunteer EMS and
Fire, Inc. plan provides for guidance to the
employees of this department and other agencies
that we work with. This plan was developed to
coordinate emergency operations, in the event of
a land falling hurricane.
Continue……

114. Pender Volunteer EMS and Fire Inc.
Standard Operating Guideline
Hurricane Guideline
 It is important that each employee
read and understands this plan. This
plan includes things to do before,
during, and after a hurricane. Once
a storm threatens, you become an
emergency worker. Your role
becomes more vital than ever. This
event might last one day or for
months depending on the severity
of the storm.

115. Pender Volunteer EMS and Fire Inc.
Standard Operating Guideline
Hurricane Guideline
 It is my hope that this plan will help you begin to
prepare yourself and your families in the event of a
hurricane. Make sure your station is as self-sufficient
as possible. Be as prepared as you can.
Thank you,
Woodrow W. Sullivan III, Chief
Pender Vol. EMS and Fire, Inc.
 Please review guideline on the shared drive.

116. CLOSING…………………
• Each station has a
Infection/Exposure Manual
located at each work station.
It is the employees
responsibility to be aware of
all policies and guidelines.
• Pender EMS and Fire Medical
Director Dr. Michael Moulton
and Chief Woody Sullivan III
have reviewed and approved
these policies and guidelines.
It is your responsibility to
follow them.