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CDC updates Ebola guidelines for EMS

The updates provide more information for responding to patients with Ebola symptoms, and list specific PPE that EMS agencies should have on hand

The CDC on Oct. 24 published two documents that enhance guidelines for how emergency services should respond to potential Ebola patients.

This document focuses on keeping workers safe while handling inquiries and responding to patients with suspected symptoms.

This document provides new guidance on PPE practices based on previous experience. In includes updated requirement for repeated training and demonstrated competency, selection of PPE so that no skin is exposed, and the need for supervised donning and doffing procedures.

It also includes a checklist that identifies basic types of PPE that EMS agencies should have on hand as part of their preparedness and response programs.