Best Practices for Infection Control in Emergency and ICU Units

Infection control is one of the most crucial aspects to ensure safe and quality healthcare in any facility. Emergency and ICU units need attention at every corner as the patients here are most vulnerable. The spread of infection affects multiple lives and increases hospital stays as we all understand that nurses are the primary people taking care of patients and surroundings. In India, CAHO (Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations) offers infection control nurse courses to help healthcare professionals learn how to follow best practices to help protect patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. The program is designed to ensure patient safety and quality care by maintaining a safe and infection-free environment in these critical areas.

Hand Hygiene – The First Line of Defense

First and the most basic measure to keep the environment germ-free is following ‘Hand HYGIENE’ rules diligently. It is one of the most powerful methods to ensure keeping the germs at bay and help to avoid getting sick. Healthcare personnel are taught to use an alcohol-based sanitizer or wash their hands with soap and water before and after treating patients. The WHO's Five Moments for Hand Hygiene, which CAHO promotes, can dramatically lower hospital-acquired illnesses.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Safety First

Next is to wear the right PPE. Wearing the right gloves, mask, and face shield is extremely crucial in preventing infections. During the program, healthcare professionals would learn to use PPE correctly and consistently, especially during high-risk procedures such as while handling infectious patients. CAHO advocates adherence to international PPE guidelines to ensure maximum protection.

Environmental Cleaning – A Germ-Free Zone

ICU and Emergency are the most critical areas and it is crucial to maintain disinfected surfaces especially in these infection-prone zones. Special attention must be given to high-touch areas like door handles, IV stands, and monitors. These should be cleaned frequently with hospital-grade disinfectants as recommended.

Proper Waste Disposal – A Clean Space Saves Lives

Used gloves, dressings, and syringes are among the infectious waste products produced by hospitals. Healthcare personnel and cleaning personnel are protected when biomedical waste is separated into color-coded containers and disposed of properly, preventing cross-contamination. To ensure safety, CAHO guidelines are in compliance with biomedical waste management regulations.

Sterile Equipment – Zero Room for Contamination

Before being used, all medical equipment, including syringes and ventilators, needs to be thoroughly disinfected. Reusable equipment needs to be autoclaved or disinfected according to instructions, and disposable items should never be reused. 

Isolation Protocols – Keeping Infections Contained

As different patients are admitted to the hospital, the best practice to prevent infection is to segregate the patients with infectious diseases and keep them separate. When entering or exiting isolation zones, healthcare personnel should adhere to stringent regulations. Strong isolation practices are supported by CAHO to reduce the spread of infections.

Proper Ventilation – Breathing Fresh, Staying Safe

Airborne infections need special attention. And to control the spread the facilities use adequate air ventilation and airflow. It helps reduce the risk of infection. Moreover,  intensive care units and emergency rooms install well-maintained HVAC systems and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to minimize the risk. To enhance air quality in hospital environments,  facilities place a strong emphasis on ventilation standards.

Staff Training – Knowledge is Power

Doctors, nurses, and cleaning personnel all receive ongoing infection control training to guarantee they are all following the most recent safety procedures. Workshops and simulation exercises support the reinforcement of excellent practices. 

CAHO offers many programs to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals including fire safety training for hospital staff and communication skills. So join the program that suits your profile and be a part of the confident healthcare workforce Explore the website and enroll now!