Ebola risk assessed by Nova Scotia first responders

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The question of whether Nova Scotia is prepared for a potential Ebola case all depends on who you ask.

Nurses at the Capital District Health Authority have a detailed procedure they must follow if they're dealing with a suspected Ebola case.

It involves using the buddy system, with one nurse putting on or taking off the equipment while the other ensures a checklist is followed.

Mandatory training is being given to intensive care nurses at the health authority, but not to emergency room nurses who could potentially be the first to come in contact with a case of Ebola.

Trish MacDonald, a nurse, said that needs to change.

"In an area where these girls are going to be directly front-line related and potentially have your patient come through that front door, that is an area especially these nurses should be having mandatory education in donning the PPEs (personal protective equipment)," she said.

MacDonald said the Capital District Health Authority is going beyond protocol requirements by requiring double gloves, boots and hat. But she still has concerns about personal protective equipment.

The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union also has concerns about the facial protection being provided. It leaves the neck exposed and the union said that puts nurses at risk.

"In a situation like this it should be mandatory training," MacDonald said. "We had mandatory customer service training at cost of $2 million so I think this trumps customer service."

The union representing Nova Scotia paramedics says it has yet to receive any formal information from Emergency Health Services about protective equipment, training and safeguards.

The company that employs the paramedics says there is a co-ordinated approach, according to Andrew Travers.

"I'm feeling prepared and I'm feeling confident," he said.

Travers said Emergency Health Services has a plan in place, which starts the moment someone calls for assistance.

"As an ambulance responds to the call, a group of experts come online to discuss the case further, even with the patient," he said.

Like most of North America, both the Capital District Health Authority and Emergency Health Services said they could use additional personal protective equipment.

The Port of Halifax oversees the thousands of people who pour into the city from cruise ships, especially this time of the year. It said it will take direction from the Public Health Agency of Canada. So far, there's been no communication about Ebola, so passengers are not checked for symptoms.

The province insists the risk of Ebola in Nova Scotia is extremely low and has said if it does appear, it's prepared.