About Us

Katherine H. West, RN, BSN, MSEd, DICO-C

Katherine has been involved with Infection Control since 1975. She pioneered infection control in EMS in 1978 and is currently a recognized expert on Infectious Disease Management, OSHA compliance and inspections, and disease control issues.

Katherine publishes books, journals, newsletters, manuals, video tapes and slides for various disciplines on infection control issues and regularly lectures nationally to various disciplines on infection control and OSHA issues. She is the author of:

• Infection Control Handbook for Emergency Care Personnel (now into its 3rd Edition)
• Infection Control in The Private Practice Setting: Policies and Procedures
• Infection Control in the Dental Setting

Ms. West has presented at national meetings to include EMS Today, EMS Expo, and the American Dental Association. She is on the faculty at The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences and has served as adjunct faculty member for the National Fire Academy. She has served as a consultant to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH). She is frequently called upon to testify as an expert witness in related legal matters and is on contract to U.S. Public Health, Federal Occupational Health.

James Cross, JD

Jim has been involved in infection control issues since 1990. He practices in the field of discrimination and employment law. He taught EMS and the Law at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and has written and published several articles in the field of infection control and EMS.

Keith Buhs, Course Coordinator

Keith Buhs is a 32-year fire service veteran, a lieutenant for the Orland Fire Protection District, and a Registered Nurse of 18 years. He is an Infection Preventionist for the Ingalls Healthcare System, a Health and Safety Officer Instructor for the Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors, a course coordinator for Infection Control/Emerging Concepts, and a Medical Specialist with IL USAR.

He has a bachelor's degree in nursing, and a master's degree in public administration.