Seattle police officers get tips on dealing with Ebola virus

The Seattle Police Department on Friday sent all employees an “Ebola Fact Sheet” in the unlikely event officers come in contact with someone who may have been exposed to the deadly virus.

The memo, sent by Assistant Chief Paul McDonagh, reinforced that there have been no known cases in the region, and that the Seattle Fire Department would likely handle medical calls anyway.

However, “officers may be requested to assist SFD, or officers may on-view a medical situation,” the memo said.

The memo gave the following tips about responding to possible Ebola-related calls:

-Ebola is a rare but deadly viral disease. Ebola is spread only through contact with infected bodily fluids.

-Signs and symptoms include fever, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained bleeding.

-Per Seattle King County Public Health, the number one risk factor King County is the individuals travel history.

-If a person showing signs of illness and has recently traveled to or from West Africa, request SFD for a medical response. Advise the dispatcher that PPE is required. Do not use the term “Ebola” over the radio.

-Anytime you request SFD for a medical response for a possible contagion, request a patrol supervisor respond as well.

-Officers should not remain in close contact with anyone having risk factors for Ebola. Officers should utilize Department provided PPE (latex gloves, N-95 mask and eye protection) when involved in a call of this nature.

-The patrol supervisor must contact the Chief Dispatcher. The Chief Dispatcher has further notification protocols.

The memo also gave officers protocols to follow “in the rare case an officer or employee believes they have been exposed” to Ebola:

-Separate or isolate themselves so they do not have direct physical contact with another.

-Immediately notify radio you want SFD to respond and a Sergeant for potential exposure.

-The Sergeant will insure employees follow SFD recommendations for evaluation and treatment.

-Department protocols for documentation of potential exposure will be followed.

McDonagh wrote that the department is working in partnership with Seattle King County Public Health and the Seattle Fire Department on Ebola preparedness.