NEWSBRIEFS Ohio Hope II Resuscitator May Malfunction

New Jersey-based Ohmeda, manufacturer of the Ohio Hope Resuscitators, has issued a Medical Device Safety Alert for one of their products. The alert pertains to Hope II Resuscitators containing a black ball component last made in May 1981. This black ball compo- nent is located in the ball valve assembly and is designed to cover and uncover the breathing passage.

This component is susceptible to separation or cracking if it is not properly cared for. If the ball cracks, the resuscitator will mal- function but may sound as if it is working properly. Separation pre- vents exhalation during use of the resuscitator and could lead to pneu- mothorax, serious injury and possibly even death.

Ohmeda redesigned the black ball when it learned of this prob- lem, and a new ball, used since May 1981, is translucent and smoke in color. This new safety alert - the second one issued regarding this problem - was prompted by con-

tinuing isolated reports from resuscitator users regarding Hope II malfunctions due to black ball separation and improper cleaning.

This safety alert does not pertain to the Hope III, which has a trans- lucent white silicon bag. (The Hope II has an opaque black rubber bag.)

Hope II users may obtain the translucent replacement ball free of charge or obtain additional infor- mation by calling Ohmeda toll-free at 1-800/255-0596, or by writing to Ohmeda, P.O. Box 7550, Madison, W153707-7550, Attn: Divisional Product Assurance Dept. W

EMS Helicopter Standards Sought

Minimum EMS helicopter oper- ating standards may be a reality in Tennessee if a new law before the state legislature is approved. The standards cover visual flight rule (VFR) minimums, flight following, essential equipment lists, on-scene landing zones, ground-to-air com- munications and landing zone training. In addition, pilot experi- ence, training and duty time, as well as flight crew staffing levels,

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are addressed by the proposed standards.

The Tennessee legislation is seen as a step toward reducing problems faced by EMS helicopter programs that can lead to pilot error and, ultimately, helicopter crashes. An FAA advisory circular covering the same problem areas also is aimed at reducing the number of aero- medical incidents and crashes.

Mandatory Infectious Disease Prevention Measures Planned

As a result of a recent congres- sional hearing called by Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.), previously volun- tary federal guidelines governing disease prevention for healthcare workers may soon become man- datory. According to a recent release from the Centers for Dis- ease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, the new mandatory guidelines will be enforced in hospitals around the country by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Institutions that ignore the guidelines could face fines of up to $10,000.

Drafted by representatives from various health and labor groups, the guidelines require healthcare workers to wear ~'barrier" protec- tive measures, such as gloves and eye shields, when coming into con- tact with anyone's blood or body fluids. Previous guidelines called for these protective measures only when contact was with blood or body fluids of a conf i rmed or sus- pected carrier of AIDS or other infectious diseases.

Support for increasing the pro- tection against the AIDS virus was particularly high during the meet- ing. Peggy Connerton, chief economist for the Service Employ- ees International Union, which includes 300,000 healthcare work- ers in its membership, told the subcommittee that AIDS, ~while much less contagious than hepati- tis B, has more severe consequences for those exposed in that there is no cure." The updated guidelines, which come in response to nine documented cases where healthcare workers have been infected with AIDS, do not cur- rently apply to the prehospital, EMS setting. W

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