Infection Control Program
Office of EMS Regulations require every licensed EMS agency to have a Designated Infection Control Officer (DICO) to serve as the liaison between the medical facility treating the source patient and the exposed employee/member. This person has to be formally trained for this position and is knowledgeable in proper post exposure medical follow up procedures and current regulations and laws governing disease transmission.
The VAVRS offers a Designated Infection Control Officer (DICO) educational program, that is approved by the Office of EMS because it is compliant with OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030.
Additional Information can be located on the Virginia Office of EMS website or Occupational Safety And Health Administration (OSHA) website.
DICO Resources
This page will highlight some of the most frequently asked questions and other helpful resources. Everything on this page may be found in greater detail within the VDH, VAOEMS, OSHA, CDC, NIOSH, or VAVRS documents. It is especially important that the DICO refer constantly to these guidance documents from these other organizations.
This list below are links to vital IDC information and documents:
Hep B Vaccine Declination Form
Improving Your Exposure Control Plan Brochure
Infection Prevention Training FAQ
Sample Exposure Control Plan (Word)
Sample Exposure Incident Report Form
Sample Refusal for Treatment Post Exposure Form