Emergency room tested in case of outbreak of Ebola
A drill was held at Laniado Hospital this week, similar to those being held in medical facilities around the world, to test Emergency Room in case of the arrival of an Ebola patient. The entire Emergency Room staff - doctors, nurses, receptionists, cleaning personnel and security guards – took part in the drill receiving precise instructions on how to identify and safely isolate a person suspected of carrying the Ebola infection.
Receptionists were instructed to ask all incoming patients whether they had visited Africa in recent weeks and whether they hada fever. If the response was positive, the security staff were alerted and after donning protective gear, they accompany the patient to a special isolation room. The reception and security staff were to then ensure that the patient remains in the entrance hall and does not enter the Emergency Room.
Dr. Regev Cohen, an infectious disease specialist who is coordinating Ebola treatment at Laniado together with Mrs. Lydia Lanxner, head of disaster management at the hospital, instructed the staff how to put on and remove personal protective equipment (PPE), including gowns, gloves, and masks. The long and complex procedure is aimed at preventing staff exposure to the infection from the deadly virus, as per Ministry of Health guidelines. Mrs. Lanxner noted that the Ministry guidelines are revised daily, in accordance with updates on the spread of Ebola worldwide. The drill was the first in a series of exercises, including a surprise drill that the Ministry of Health is scheduled to hold in the coming weeks.
Below, a fully protected member of staff in cases of contact with a patient contaminated with Ebola.