Health Compromised Clients -
Health and Property Assessments

Our Nurse has in excess of 30 years nursing and previously held positions in a metropolitan hospital as Assistant Director of Nursing (Most senior clinical nurse in the hospital) and Associate Nurse Unit Manager (ED).  
Our Nurse is a qualified Clinical Nurse Specialist - Emergency and has additional qualifications in Triage, Resuscitation and Infection Control.

When assessing a client’s or another occupant’s risk factors and current medical status our nurse considers the following factors;

• Client’s self reported medical condition.
• Age. -  below 2 years of age or above 70 years of age.
• Pregnancy - Especially those in the first trimester.
• Respiratory Conditions, such as;
• Emphysema.
• Asthma.
• Partial or Total Lung Removal.
• Cystic Fibrosis.
• Current Medications, such as.
• Chemotherapy medication.
• Anti rejection medication.
• Medications known to suppress the immune system.
• Medications for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and psoriasis.
• General Health of the client, including;
• Weight.
• General mobility.
• Visual, hearing or other impairment.
• Mental alertness and awareness.
• Ability to care for themselves during remediation works.
• Self reported allergies or sensitivities.
• Identification of currently installed aids the client requires.  Such as;
• Appliances to assist in bathing or toileting.
• Rails on stairs.
• Mobility aids the client may be dependant on.

In addition to the above assessment, our nurse will conduct a clinical assessment of the client.  This assessment is for the purpose of identifying if the client is under any immediate health risk as a result of the event.

Our Nurse will check;

• Blood Pressure.
• Pulse.
• Heart Rhythm.
• Respiratory Sounds.
• Blood Oxygen.
• Body Temperature.

The above is a guide only.  As each situation is unique our nurse will apply her knowledge and experience to each situation to make the best assessment for the individual circumstance.

If our nurse feels further medical assessment, diagnosis or intervention is required, the client will be referred back to their GP or local hospital for further assessment and treatment.

To obtain a rapid scientific analysis on-site we use a Mycometer Sampling Analysis Instrument.

All staff are trained and certified in the use of the Mycometer and the required sampling protocols.

Using the Mycometer we are able to;

• Take and analyse surface samples for mould contamination.
• Take and analyse surface samples for bacterial contamination.
• Take and analyse room air samples for mould contamination.
• Take and analyse wall cavity air samples for mould contamination.

In addition to taking Mycometer samples, if the situation justifies the added expense, we can also take samples for laboratory analysis.

We use our Mycometer to determine the actual levels and extent of contamination.  By taking the guess work out of the process, we know exactly the extent of works that are required for each project and what contents items can be restored and what content items need to be disposed of.

Our staff are extensively trained and experienced in restoring damage caused by sewage, storm water ingress, mould, biological contamination and infectious diseases.  

At a minimum, our staff are trained as;

• Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians
• Mould Remediation Supervisor
• Water Damage Restoration Technicians
• Bio Recovery Technicians
• Forensic Operators

With some staff having specialist training in infection control, sewage remediation and structural drying.

We use this knowledge to develop action plans tailored to each project.  

When we combine the knowledge obtained from our health and environment assessments we are able to identify the genuine health risk posed to a client or occupant(s) by an event that has occurred.

When we understand the risk, we then develop a strategy that, where possible, will support the occupants to remain in their own home.  

Some of the strategies we may consider to support the client or occupants are;

• Containment Barriers
• Negative Pressure Containment Zones  
• HEPA Air Filtration Devices
• Odour Control Devices
• Multi Stage Works (eg rapid decontamination of an only toilet after a sewage back flow.)
• Using timers on equipment to limit noise during the night.

When we develop an action plan, not only do we remediate a property sympathetically to the needs of a client, we will limit costs on the project by identifying the actual requirements of a project and removing the guesswork and extra work often performed to manage perceived liability.

In most cases we will also limit the disruption to the client or occupants by allowing them to stay in their own home for the duration of the restoration project.

Clients Health

Environment Health