For suspected or confirmed tuberculosis (TB), the EMT should place a surgical mask on the patient, not a HEPA respirator. Surgical masks are used to contain droplets from the patient and reduce airborne transmission.
The EMT should wear a N95 or HEPA respirator to protect against inhaling airborne particles. Notification to the CDC is not the EMT’s responsibility — that falls to public health officials.
[References:, CDC Guidelines for TB Exposure in Prehospital Settings, NREMT Infectious Disease Control Protocols, National EMS Education Standards – Airborne Pathogens and PPE Use, , ]
Submit