Designated Officers – Exposure to Infectious Diseases
Designated Officers
Each service organization (police, fire, EMS, etc.) has a Designated Officer (DO). The DO receives reports from the Health Unit regarding confirmed or possible exposures and reviews reports from workers from service organizations. The DO is also trained to provide counselling, guidance and support to exposed workers.
Emergency service workers should report any exposure to their designated officer using the established process for their workplace.
The designated officer TBDHU is available 24/7 to receive reports of confirmed or possible exposures of all diseases of public health significance (reportable diseases) by calling (807) 625-5900 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630. For after hours, weekends, and holidays call the Thunder Bay Answering Service at (807) 624-1280.
Stay tuned for future online training to support DO in their role as training for the 2024 season has closed.
For more information please call the Infectious Diseases program at (807) 625-5900 or toll-free at 1-888-294-6630.
Mandatory Blood Testing Act (2006)
The Mandatory Blood Testing Act (2006) of Ontario allows blood samples to be taken from an individual or “source person” when emergency service workers, or victims of crime, have been exposed to that person’s bodily fluids such as saliva or blood. The sample is tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
The law was put into place to make sure that those who are exposed can find out faster if they may be at risk of being infected with a disease. The law outlines specific procedures that must be followed to protect the rights of both the “source person” and the person who may have been exposed.
Completed forms should be forwarded to the Office of the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) by mail or confidential fax. Please do not email forms as confidentiality cannot be assured.
Mail: 999 Balmoral Street Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6E7
Fax: (807) 625-5973. This is a confidential fax number located in the office of the MOH.
Call the Medical Officer of Health/Designate at 807-625-8318or toll-free 1-888-294-6630, ext. 8318.
