<p>So, is anyone pointing out to CDC how their recommended ebola PPE is deficient and needs to be corrected before they continue to train hospitals in this defective PPE protocol (as it exposes bare skin)? Who has that authority? How can and will it be done? I can’t see this glaring flaw being fixed unless someone steps up and it doesn’t sound like Congress will be the party to do so.</p>
<p>Dr. Frieden’s job does not require the ability to communicate clearly and in a timely manner that invokes confidence. That is the job of the Surgeon General who is supposed to be the mouthpiece and the interface between the scientific community and the general public. I agree that it would be great to have one person who is the point man for media relations and dissemination of information. It is a stark reminder about how petty intransigence can have real national consequences.</p>
<p>What can we the people do to get a Surgeon General confirmed? </p>
<p>This whole situation reminds me of the hysteria that lead to the passage of the Patriot Act. </p>
<p>There is going to be some ridiculous legislation coming out of this; guaranteed. </p>
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I disagree. Any public official who speaks to the, you know, public, needs to do so honestly and clearly. </p>
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<p>…from someone who could also be very wrong.</p>
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<p>The thing was CDC did not do any better with their science thing. Their inadequate PPE recommendation is probably at the root of the nurses’ infection. Had they done their science job properly, they wouldn’t need so much communication skills. Good science speaks for itself.</p>
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<p>Himom, I wouldn’t be surprised it’s already fixed. It was talked about a lot by doctors and news organizations.</p>
<p>It does seem like covering up all skin is an important part of PPE. The moon suits did this–the PPE CDC recommended does NOT do this for the caregiver. It seems the CDC really needs to work quickly to re-examine and correct its protocol before continuing to disseminate it AND issue the corrections.</p>
<p>The part of the hearing I heard pointed this out. They showed a photo of Frieden when he visited an Ebola clinic. He was covered with no skin exposed and was then hosed down with a bleach solution. The point was made that the recommended PPE for nurses in this country allowed exposed skin which meant that they could not be hosed down with bleach as that would be toxic to the skin. The double standard was more than evident.</p>
<p>Yes, but are they changing the official CDC protocol so that healthcare workers are getting the proper info & gear so they can be safe while providing care? It’s one thing for there to be a double-standard and another not to do anything to correct it once it is evident. Who can and will correct it? We need this fixed NOW, as we can’t put more healthcare workers at risk.</p>
<p>^not to mention, exposed skin could mean exposed to Ebola. Then what did CDC say? They said the protocol must have been broken. Never doubting the protocol itself. Like it or not, we have to call them out when mistakes are made. Good scientists keep their minds open search all possibilities and do not make premature assumptions.</p>
<p>Another bit of the hearing I heard: The Missouri congressman said “We all know that eventually there will be a travel ban, whether it’s in two weeks or two months, so why not do it now” Interesting comment. </p>
<p>Himom, that particular issue is probably fixed. If not, health care workers themselves will fix it before treating an Ebola patient. I am more concerned if there are other flaws that are not so obvious but prove to be infectious.</p>
<p>Diluted bleach won’t damage the skin, and will still eradicate some germs, bacteria, etc.</p>
<p>Also, not to be overtly political, but don’t rush to criticize Frieden for appearing before Congress. It’s not easy to decline to testify before Congress. For a public figure it is typically unwise to decline. Yes, it is political theater and few substantive questions will be asked or answered. But the obscure gnat from XYZ Congressional District will get to rage upon a deer-in-the-headlights’ medical professional for a few minutes in time for the evening news broadcasts.</p>
<p>It is indeed concerning that the protocol was so flawed that this glaring part was not immediately detected and rectified before it was circulated among the healthcare system and does NOT inspire confidence that there aren’t other significant issues with the protocol that make it prone to spreading infection. Infectious diseaes specialists have criticzed parts of the protcol already, including how gloves are supposed to be removed and other aspects. This needs prompt attention–perhaps by Emory who has successfully treated ebola patients without getting any of their workers ill or spreading it to anyone.</p>
<p>Didn’t I hear that Sanjay Gupta had turned down the suggestion that he be surgeon general? Have they just not found anyone qualified and willing to take it on? </p>
<p>Partyof5, so they are STILL not providing full-cover gear. Incredible. </p>
<p>People would have more trust in the CDC if the head wasn’t a political appointee. It would be more reassuring to know that public health was the foremost driver of policy and not politics.</p>
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<p>Okay, THIS seems to qualify as “hysteria.” At least from what is said in this article.</p>