Designated Infection Control Officer Training: 1 Minute to Enhance Your Infection Control Skills

Designated Infection Control Officer (DICO) training is a specialized program designed to prepare professionals, especially those within the emergency services such as EMS, fire departments, and law enforcement agencies, to effectively manage and oversee infection control practices in their workplace. The role of a DICO is critical for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local occupational safety regulations, like those set by OSHA and CDC, and for safeguarding the health and safety of first responders and other employees who may be exposed to infectious diseases in the course of their duties.

A robust DICO training program typically covers subjects such as epidemiology of infectious diseases, legal and regulatory frameworks, exposure investigation and documentation, employee notification and follow-up procedures, and outbreak management. These trainings can be offered online or in-person, and frequently culminate in a certification recognized by public health or emergency service governing bodies.

From a design perspective, an effective infection control environment requires careful planning—not only of protocols and training, but also of the physical space. As a designer, I see strong value in leveraging room layout, negative air pressure zones, and hands-free solutions to supplement the DICO's procedural work. For those renovating or setting up occupational spaces, considering advanced room planning for infection control can dramatically improve safety and compliance through optimized traffic flow, dedicated isolation areas, and easy-to-disinfect surfaces.

Tips 1:

When implementing infection control measures, collaborate early with designers and facility planners. They can help embed control best practices directly into the environment—think about touchless doors, dedicated donning/doffing zones, or specialized ventilation. This partnership ensures infection prevention strategies are seamlessly integrated rather than retrofitted after construction.

FAQ

Q: Who needs Designated Infection Control Officer training?

A: DICO training is vital for professionals in EMS, fire, police, and other first response or healthcare settings where exposure to infectious agents is likely.

Q: Is certification required to serve as a DICO?

A: Many jurisdictions and organizations require DICO certification to ensure designated officers are qualified to manage infection control protocols and compliance.

Q: What topics are covered in DICO training programs?

A: Common topics include epidemiology, CDC/OSHA regulations, employee notification, exposure reporting, and post-exposure procedures.

Q: How often should DICO training be renewed?

A: While requirements may vary, a refresher every 1-2 years is recommended to stay up-to-date with evolving best practices and regulations.

Q: Can design and facility planning impact infection control outcomes?

A: Yes, thoughtful design—such as clear separation of clean and contaminated zones, and optimized traffic paths—greatly enhances the effectiveness of infection control strategies.