Inspection Detail

Inspection: 312361165 - City Of Alameda Fire Dept.

Inspection Information - Office: Oakland District Office

Investigation Summary

At 2:00 p.m. on August 10, 2010, Employee #1 was working for the City of Alameda, CA, Fire Department. He was resting in his bunk in the dormitory sleeping quarters located at a fire station in Alameda, CA. It was then that he discovered a bite on his left thigh. He thought that the bite was of no importance, so he did not report the incident. At approximately 6:00 a.m. on August 11, 2010, he felt discomfort, so he notified his fire captain at 7:30 a.m. At that time, he identified the problem as a spider bite. At 8:00 a.m., his shift ended, and he went home. At 8:30 a.m. the next day, he notified his fire captain that he had been taken to Marshall Medical Center in Placerville, CA. He was taken to the hospital by his spouse. At some time, Employee #1's bite wound became infected by methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus, or MRSA, bacteria. He required hospitalization for about one week. Treatment for his injury involved the surgical removal of infected tissue in an area about six inches by six inches square, with a depth varying from one to two inches, from his left thigh. The wound was also treated with antibiotics. Employee #1 was informed that his infection would clear up in a few days. It was not possible to determine whether the secondary MRSA infection originated at the fire station or at the medical care facility. At the time of the employee's injury, the fire house, where the incident occurred, was serviced by a pest control service. In light of these events and statements obtained, it was determined by the Division that the employer exercised due diligence concerning this matter. It was, therefore, recommended that no further action be taken concerning this matter.

Keywords: FIREFIGHTER, THIGH, INFECTION, ANIMAL BITE, SKIN