Page 27 - Rehab 2020

If clinician is in home that has been previously identified with suspected or confirmed bed bugs and
it is determined that visits should continue to be made.
1. Carry the following protective equipment:
Disposable plastic bags large enough to fit the essential patient care items

Disposable coverall and booties obtained from the regional bag supply room (DON BOTH
WHEN ENTERING THE HOME).
2. Bring only the items essential to the visit into the home until exterminator advises that PPE is not
required.
3. Schedule visits to the home, when possible, last of the day.

4. Upon leaving the home, remove the disposable PPE and place in plastic bag for disposal in patient's
home or work area.

5. If exposure is suspected, employee should change clothes ASAP and place any contaminated clothing
into a tied plastic bag. Notify manager immediately.

EMERGENCIES IN THE HOME

1. When a VNSNY rehabilitation therapist encounters an emergency patient situation, the
New York City Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is to be utilized by calling 911 unless
the patient or family has requested and arranged for a private ambulance, or 911 is not to
be called under directives in #2 below.
2. If there is a DNR order for the patient and the patient is in cardiac arrest, EMS is not
called. If the patient is NOT in cardiac arrest, with the exception of Hospice (see below),
EMS is called and the DNR/DNI must be given to the EMS personnel upon arrival. The
DNR/DNI must be written on the New York State form.
3. The rehabilitation therapist should remain with the patient until the EMS staff arrive, and
should provide appropriate care during that time, which he/she is trained and competent
to provide and to protect the patient from harm.
4. Either a verbal or written report should be provided to the EMS personnel including but
not limited to:
a. Vital signs
b. Significant signs and symptoms
c. Current diagnoses
d. Name and telephone number of treating physician
e. Preferred hospital if known
f. A VNSNY Home Care contact number
5. If the patient is in a Hospice program, Hospice is called (not EMS) no matter what the
status of the patient (i.e. cardiac arrest or not). Hospice will send someone to be with the
patient and family and make the appropriate arrangements.
6. Notify all team members of the incident and decide who will be following up with the
patient or family regarding the patient’s status
7. If home care staff were present in the home when a patient health emergency occurred, an
incident report must be completed.

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