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Ministry Programs

Influenza Pandemic

Information for First Responders

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is critical to keeping you and your clients safe in the event of an infectious disease outbreak, including an influenza pandemic. The information contained in this section contains frequently asked questions about PPE.

Please note : The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is developing a provincial position on personal protective equipment (i.e., masks) for use by health care professionals during an influenza pandemic.

Personal protective equipment includes :

1. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
2. Surgical procedure masks
3. Masks (i.e., facial protection)
4. Disposable gowns
5. Non-latex gloves

What you should know about PPE

During SARS we were required to wear N95 masks. During an influenza pandemic (which will likely be more devastating) will we be required only to wear surgical masks?

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is continuing to develop a provincial position on personal protective equipment (i.e., masks). At this time, providers should follow the direction of their service agent, and when applicable speak with an occupational health and safety representative.

During a pandemic, will we use PPE for all clients, or just those with the flu? If the latter, how will we know?

Because you cannot always verify what illness or infectious disease a client may have, it is advised that during an influenza pandemic, First Responders use PPE.

I wear an N95 mask now when I go on certain calls. Are you telling me to take it off and put on a surgical mask?

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is continuing to develop a provincial position on personal protective equipment (i.e., masks). At this time, providers should follow the direction of their service agent, and when applicable speak with an occupational health and safety representative.

Where are the supplies going to come from?

Your employer is responsible for procuring supplies and equipment, including PPE in the workplace.

Will I be paid if I have to stay home to look after a sick person in my family?

This is a question that you will need to discuss with your employer.

Will First Responders receive antiviral treatment before others?

The province is increasing its stock of antivirals to treat 25% of the population as per the world standard, by 2007-08. In the event of a pandemic, this increase in antiviral stock will provide treatment to anyone who needs it.

As a First Responder, I may encounter crowds of people during an influenza pandemic, or a difficult or aggressive client, who may pull my mask off or cough in my face. What do I do then?

There are no easy solutions to this problem. While you can avoid these situations in your personal life you cannot do so in your role as a First Responder in the community. The best thing you can do if there is a breach in your PPE is to wash your face and hands as soon as possible with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (avoiding your eyes with the latter). If you become ill with influenza-like illness (fever and new cough or shortness of breath) in the days following, see a doctor as soon as possible and report your experience.

Additional Personal Protective Equipment information

• Prepared and Protected: Infection Control and Personal Protective Equipment for Respiratory Diseases