In the day to day activities of an emergency service worker (ESW) there is a potential to be exposed to an infectious disease of public health significance. If we become aware of an exposure, we will work to ensure timely communication to those involved. This may include advising the exposed worker to seek medical attention and the initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis, if applicable.
Emergency services (e.g., police, firefighters, paramedics, etc.) should have a person within their organization identified as a designated officer in order to facilitate the exposure notification process. A designated officer is responsible for receiving and assessing reports about possible exposure of emergency service worker to an infectious disease of public health significance. We have developed a DO exposure reporting form that you can use as a documentation tool within your organization.
We have also developed a designated officer manual as well as a quick reference guide to ensure that a Designated Officer (DO) or alternate is trained in the assessment of infectious disease exposures.