The purpose of the Office of
Exposure Control is to serve the Nashville Fire Department’s
Paramedics and EMT/Firefighters who are at risk of
occupationally acquired infectious diseases. Our goal is to
minimize the risks of exposure through education, immunizations,
personal protective equipment, and safer techniques/devices used
while performing medical care to the citizens of the city of
Nashville. Potential exposures are investigated by our
designated Exposure Control Officers.
The NFD started administering the
hepatitis B virus vaccine in 1984 and has had a written Exposure
Control Plan since 1992 in compliance with the OSHA Bloodborne
Pathogens; Final Rule. A quarterly report is generated for our
medical director who is a specialist in Infectious Disease. He
provides medical direction and consults with employees as
indicated. The Office of Exposure Control was instrumental in
the formation of an EMS/Public Safety Section in The Association
for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.
(APIC).
