Announcement

**Pathfinder** · May 1, 2010, 09:57 AM

Re: Louisiana - In Precautionary Move, LDWF and DHH Announce Closures Due to Oil Spill

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD width=108 rowSpan=3></TD><TD rowSpan=3></TD><TD align=middle>NEWS RELEASE</TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD align=right>Friday, April 30, 2010
Contact: Lisa Faust; (225)342-9413 or (225) 252-3579 (cell)
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<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>Statement from DHH Secretary Alan Levine on Oyster Safety

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As a precautionary measure, I, along with State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry, have ordered the closure of six oyster harvesting areas along the eastern coast of Louisiana. It is likely additional oyster beds will be closed as the oil spill makes its way toward the coast. DHH continues to monitor the water, and will, prior to entry of oil into an oyster area, close the area in an abundance of caution to ensure no product is harvested that may have been exposed to oil product. Oysters commercially harvested from an open oyster harvesting area, and available for consumption, have not been exposed to oil product, and thus, are safe. Oysters exposed to the spill will not be permitted to be harvested, and thus are not available for consumer purchase. DHH stands by the quality of Louisiana seafood as a healthy and delicious choice for consumers.

DHH has sampled water and oyster meat from several beds not impacted by the oil spill in order to determine baseline data on the water quality in those beds. This data will be used as beds are considered for reopening at a later date, upon removal of any oil from the surface, to ensure no oysters are harvested that don?t meet the highest standards that existed before the spill.

Oyster and seafood products are being monitored by DHH and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, working together to ensure the quality of our seafood safety. DHH encourages consumers to continue enjoying the finest seafood in the world.

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http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/news.asp?Detail=1611

**Pathfinder** · May 2, 2010, 07:55 AM

Louisiana Department of Health Oil Spill Update

DHH Advises Public Not to Swim or Fish in Areas Affected by the Oil Spill, Provides Guidance on Cleaning Skin if Oil Contact Occurs

BATON ROUGE (May 1, 2010) - The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is advising residents to avoid areas affected by the oil spill. The oil could cause adverse health effects in some individuals. Residents should follow the guidelines below.

Avoid direct skin contact with oil, oil-contaminated water and sediments.
Do not swim or ski in areas affected by the oil spill, and if you must travel through the area by boat, take precautions when hoisting the boat anchor.
Do not fish in the oil spill-affected waters.
Do not harvest and eat dead fish, fish with oily residue, or fish that have a petroleum odor.
Do not drive your boat through slicks or sheens.
Young children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, and individuals with underlying respiratory conditions should avoid the area.
Restrict pets from entering oil-contaminated areas.

IMPORTANT: If you get oil on your skin, wash it off immediately with soap and water or hand-cleansers meant to remove oils and grease. If you develop a rash, see your doctor and tell them how you came into contact with the oil.

For more information related to the oil spill, visit www.emergency.louisiana.gov. Connect with us on www.facebook.com/GOHSEP and on Twitter @GOHSEP.

http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/05012010dhh-water.html

**Pathfinder** · May 6, 2010, 08:20 AM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health Oil Spill Update

DHH and DEQ Urge Oil Spill Response Workers to Make Health and Safety a Priority

Residents Advised to Stay Clear of Affected Areas Unless Properly Trained for Clean-Up Efforts

BATON ROUGE (May 5, 2010) - The Louisiana departments of Health and Hospitals and Environmental Quality are urging residents as well as oil spill response workers and volunteers to take the proper steps to protect their health from possible exposure to chemical, physical and biological hazards caused by the BP disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

At the same time, officials are reminding citizens to stay clear of any areas where oil is present or where clean-up efforts are taking place unless they have been properly trained and are directly involved in the cleanup.

"We know there are a lot of people who want to help protect our fragile coastline and fisheries during this difficult time. We just want to make sure that those efforts are done safely," DHH Secretary Alan Levine said. "The federal government has well-established guidelines for people working in these areas. Those are in place to protect your health and should not be sidestepped."

Officials with DHH and DEQ are working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide guidance on health risks and hazards related to working near or with contaminants from the BP oil spill. Officials also continue to monitor air and water safety, and will continue to monitor during the cleanup to ensure the safety of people within the affected areas.

"Taking the necessary steps to protect ourselves from the possible health risks while working to protect our coast and our residents is vital," said DEQ Secretary Peggy M. Hatch. "Our goal is to make sure that those engaged in the cleanup are armed with the knowledge to avoid any possible dangers that may occur when coming into contact with the oil spill."

DHH and DEQ officials urge oil response workers to take the following precautions:

All responders should receive Occupational Safety and Health Administration-approved training regarding hazards involved with the cleanup activities for a minimum of four hours;
When coming into contact with contaminated plants, animals, water or soil, workers should avoid skin contact, and oral cavity or nasal passage exposure to oil spill products using appropriate clothing, respiratory protection, gloves and boots;
Responders should follow guidelines provided by OSHA (http://OSHA.gov/oilspills/index.html), their employer or their volunteer agency with regard to the use of respiratory equipment;
All responders employed by BP should follow the specific guidelines provided to workers and contractors conducting oil spill response.

For more information related to the oil spill, visit www.emergency.louisiana.gov. Connect with us on www.facebook.com/GOHSEP and on Twitter @GOHSEP. View photos from the state's response efforts at www.flickr.com/photos/lagohsep.

http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/05052010-dhh-deq.html

**Pathfinder** · May 9, 2010, 05:05 PM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>PRESS RELEASE

In Precautionary Move, DHH Announces Additional Oyster Bed Closures Due to Oil Spill
State Aggressively Testing Seafood Safety; State Health Officer Reinforces Seafood on the Market Still Safe

BATON ROUGE (May 8, 2010) - The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced today the closure of oyster harvesting beds west of the Mississippi River as a precautionary response to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

DHH closed molluscan shellfish harvesting areas 14 and 15 today at sunset as a precaution. Both areas are west of the Mississippi River in the coastal parishes of Lafourche and Terrebonne.

DHH Secretary Alan Levine and State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry signed the closure order, which took effect at sunset today, Saturday, May 8, 2010.

DHH officials have been working closely with local, state and federal agencies to monitor the oil plume that continues to grow off of the Louisiana coastline for its potential impacts on oyster harvesting areas. Meanwhile, employees with DHH's Office of Public Health Molluscan Shellfish Program have continued their regular testing in oyster beds along the state's eight million acre shoreline. In addition, DHH scientists and engineers are conducting enhanced testing of oyster meat taken from the closed beds, as well as from the state's many unaffected beds, to create a baseline sample. This baseline will be used to ensure the safety of oysters once the incident clears and the beds are reopened. Oysters being harvested in unaffected areas and oysters taken prior to closures of the affected beds are safe to eat. Officials with DHH are working closely the Governor's Office for Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as the situation develops.

http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/05082010-oyster.html

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**Pathfinder** · May 10, 2010, 07:43 PM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

PRESS RELEASE

In Precautionary Move, DHH Closes Oyster Harvesting Area 13 Due to Oil Spill

Officials Continue Heightened Monitoring and Testing; Oysters on the Market Still Safe to Eat BATON ROUGE (May 10, 2010) - <TABLE cellPadding=10 align=right><TBODY><TR><TD>
Click to view map

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced today the closure of oyster harvesting bed Area 13 as a precautionary response to the BP oil spill in the Gulf.

The closure, which will take effect today at sundown, is west of the Mississippi River in Lafourche and Jefferson parishes. Areas 8 through 12, also west of the Mississippi, remain open.

DHH Secretary Alan Levine and State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry signed the closure order, which will take effect at sunset today, Monday, May 10, 2010.

DHH officials have been working closely with local, state and federal agencies to monitor the oil plume that continues to grow off of the Louisiana coastline for its potential impacts on oyster harvesting areas.

Meanwhile, employees with DHH?s Office of Public Health Molluscan Shellfish Program have continued its regular testing throughout 8 million acres of coastal waters along the Louisiana shoreline.

In addition, DHH scientists and engineers are conducting enhanced testing of oyster meat taken from the closed beds to monitor the presence of oil, called hydrocarbon testing. Additional testing is also being conducted in unaffected oyster beds. These tests will create a baseline, which will be used to ensure the safety of oysters once the incident clears in order to reopen beds. Oysters being harvested in unaffected areas and oysters taken prior to closures of the affected beds are safe to eat.

DHH issued closures for areas 2 through 7 on April 30; areas 14 and 15 were closed at sundown May 8. Closures will remain in effect until officials have determined that environmental conditions are within the requirements specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

The public is encouraged to call a toll-free hotline, 1-800-256-2775, to report the presence of oil or an oil sheen.

http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/05102010-oysters.html

**Pathfinder** · May 12, 2010, 08:07 AM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

In Precautionary Move, DHH Closes Oyster Harvesting Areas 8 and 9 Due to Oil Spill

Oysters on the Market Still Safe; Officials Continue Aggressive Testing

BATON ROUGE (May 11, 2010) - The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced today the closure of oyster harvesting bed areas 8 and 9 as a precautionary response to the BP oil spill in the Gulf.

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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The closures, which will take effect today at sundown, are west of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish. Areas 10 through 12, also west of the Mississippi, remain open. Area 8 has been closed since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 due to the presence of fecal coliform and remains closed with this order.

DHH Secretary Alan Levine and State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry signed the closure order, which will take effect at sunset today, Tuesday, May 11, 2010.

DHH officials have been working closely with local, state and federal agencies to monitor the oil plume that continues to grow off of the Louisiana coastline for its potential impacts on oyster harvesting areas. Meanwhile, employees with DHH's Office of Public Health Molluscan Shellfish Program have continued its regular testing throughout 8 million acres of coastal waters along the Louisiana shoreline.

In addition, DHH scientists and engineers are conducting enhanced testing of oyster meat taken from the closed beds to monitor the presence of oil, called hydrocarbon testing. Additional testing is also being conducted in unaffected oyster beds. These tests will create a baseline, which will be used to ensure the safety of oysters once the incident clears in order to reopen beds. Oysters being harvested in unaffected areas and oysters taken prior to closures of the affected beds are safe to eat.

DHH issued closures for areas 2 through 7 on April 30; areas 14 and 15 were closed at sundown May 8. An additional precautionary closure of Area 13 took place at sunset, May 10. Closures will remain in effect until officials have determined that environmental conditions are within the requirements specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.
The public is encouraged to call a toll-free hotline, 1-800-256-2775, to report the presence of oil or an oil sheen.

http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/05112010-dhhOyster.html

**Pathfinder** · May 13, 2010, 08:05 PM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

PRESS RELEASE

In Precautionary Move, DHH Closes Oyster Harvesting Area 17 Due to Oil Spill
Oysters on the Market Still Safe; Officials Continue Aggressive Testing

<TABLE align=right><TBODY><TR><TD>
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>BATON ROUGE (May 13, 2010) - The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced today the closure of oyster harvesting bed Area 17 as a precautionary response to the BP oil spill in the Gulf.

The closure, which will take effect today at sundown, is west of the Mississippi River in Terrebonne Parish.

DHH Secretary Alan Levine and State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry signed the closure order, which will take effect at sunset today, Thursday, May 13, 2010.

DHH officials have been working closely with local, state and federal agencies to monitor the oil plume that continues to grow off of the Louisiana coastline for its potential impacts on oyster harvesting areas. Meanwhile, employees with DHH's Office of Public Health Molluscan Shellfish Program have continued regular testing of 8 million acres of coastal waters along the Louisiana shoreline.

In addition, DHH scientists and engineers are conducting enhanced testing of oyster meat taken from the closed beds to monitor the presence of oil, called hydrocarbon testing. Additional testing is also being conducted in unaffected oyster beds. These tests will create a baseline, which will be used to ensure the safety of oysters once the incident clears in order to reopen beds. Oysters being harvested in open areas are considered safe.
Areas 2 through 8, 14 and 15 also are closed.

Closures will remain in effect until officials have determined that environmental conditions are within the requirements specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

The public is encouraged to call a toll-free hotline, 1-800-256-2775, to report the presence of oil or an oil sheen.

http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/05132010-oysters.html

**Pathfinder** · May 13, 2010, 10:36 PM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

PRESS RELEASE

DHH Reopens Oyster Harvesting Areas 9 and 13
No Intrusion of Oil Yet; Reopening Allows Harvesters Additional Time to Gather Oysters <TABLE align=right><TBODY><TR><TD>
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BATON ROUGE (May 13, 2010) - The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced today that it is reopening oyster harvesting areas 9 and 13 to give harvesters as much time as possible to harvest their product before any potential impact from the BP oil spill in the Gulf.

Area 9, which is west of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish, was originally closed May 11. Area 13, which is in Lafourche and Jefferson parishes, was originally closed May 10. Both areas were closed as a precaution in anticipation of oil intrusion into that area. There has been no intrusion as of yet, and DHH officials continue to monitor the areas, as well as an entire 8-million acre area off the Louisiana shoreline.

In addition to continued monitoring, oyster harvesters "taste test" the oysters as they are pulled from the water to make sure their product is good. Harvesters and dealers test oysters in order to provide the most wholesome product and highest-quality product available to the public.

DHH Secretary Alan Levine and State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry on Thursday signed the orders to reopen areas 9 and 13, which will take effect at sunrise, Friday, May 14, 2010.

"Our people are monitoring all the beds on a daily basis," said Sec. Levine.

"Decisions on precautionary closures and reopenings are based on a variety of factors, all of which are designed to protect the public and ensure the health of our seafood industry by ensuring only good, safe product is brought to market."

DHH officials have been working closely with local, state and federal agencies to monitor the oil plume that continues to grow off of the Louisiana coastline for its potential impacts on oyster harvesting areas.
In addition to regular testing schedules, DHH scientists and engineers are conducting enhanced testing of oyster meat taken from the closed beds to monitor the presence of oil. Oysters being harvested in areas open for harvesting have been deemed safe by DHH.

Areas 2 through 8, 14 and 15 remain closed. Area 17 has also been closed, with an order for its closure signed Thursday, May 13. Closures will remain in effect until officials have determined that environmental conditions are within the requirements specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

The public is encouraged to call a toll-free hotline, 1-800-256-2775, to report the presence of oil or an oil sheen.

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http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Relea...stersOpen.html

**Pathfinder** · May 19, 2010, 12:57 PM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

PRESS RELEASE

LDWF and DHH Issue Additional Closures to Fishing and Oyster Harvesting Areas in the Territorial Seas near Marsh Island Due to Reports of Oil

Officials Continue Aggressive Testing; Seafood on the Market Safe

BATON ROUGE (May 18, 2010) - The Louisiana departments of Health and Hospitals (DHH), and Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced today the closure of recreational and commercial fishing activities, and oyster harvesting near Marsh Island and in harvesting bed Area 28 due to confirmed reports of oil associated with the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

LDWF Secretary Robert Barham announced the following closure to recreational and commercial fishing activities effective sunset today, May 18, 2010, due to confirmed reports of oil. LDWF staff documented oil on the Marsh Island beach, east of Southwest Pass.

Territorial Sea Closure

All state outside waters extending seaward of the inside/outside shrimp line from South Point of Marsh Island at 91 degrees 45 minutes 48 seconds west longitude westward to the eastern shore of Freshwater Bayou at 92 degrees 18 minutes 27 seconds west longitude.

All other closures remain in place. For a map detailing these closures, click here.

Oyster Harvesting Closure

DHH Secretary Alan Levine and State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry signed the closure order for Area 28, which will take effect at sunset today, Tuesday, May 18. Area 28, which is south of Vermillion Bay, is west of the Mississippi River in Iberia Parish.

Areas 2 through 4, 8, 14, 15 and 17 also are closed. Areas 5, 6, 7, 9 and 13 were recently reopened.

Closures will remain in effect until officials have determined that environmental conditions are within the requirements specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program. For a map detailing these closures, click here.

Additional Testing

LDWF and DHH continue to work together to assess closures in order to maintain the safety of Louisiana seafood.
DHH officials have also been working closely with other local, state and federal agencies to monitor the oil plume that continues to grow off of the Louisiana coastline for its potential impacts on oyster harvesting areas.

Meanwhile, employees with DHH's Office of Public Health Molluscan Shellfish Program have continued regular testing of 8 million acres of coastal waters along the Louisiana shoreline.

In addition, DHH scientists and engineers are conducting enhanced testing of oyster meat taken from the closed beds to monitor the presence of oil, called hydrocarbon testing. Additional testing is also being conducted in unaffected oyster beds. These tests will create a baseline, which will be used to ensure the safety of oysters once the incident clears in order to reopen beds. Oysters being harvested in open areas are considered safe.

The public is encouraged to call a toll-free hotline, 1-800-256-2775, to report the presence of oil or an oil sheen.

http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/05182010-oyster.html

**Pathfinder** · May 23, 2010, 09:14 PM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

In Precautionary Move, DHH Closes Additional Oyster Harvesting Areas West of the Mississippi Due to Oil Spill

Officials Continue Aggressive Testing

BATON ROUGE (May 23, 2010) - Confirmed reports of oil further west along the Louisiana coast are forcing the immediate closure of more oyster harvest areas. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals announced today the closure of additional oyster harvesting bed areas west of the Mississippi, including areas 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 and 23 as a precautionary response to the BP oil spill in the Gulf.

These closures take effect immediately.
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Areas 9, 10 and 11 are in Plaquemines Parish; Area 12 is in Plaquemines and Jefferson parishes. Areas 14 and 15 are in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes; areas 17, 19, 21, 22 and 23 are in Terrebonne Parish.

DHH Secretary Alan Levine and State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry signed the closure orders, which were effective immediately today, May 23, 2010.

DHH officials have been working closely with local, state and federal agencies to monitor the oil plume that continues to grow off of the Louisiana coastline for its potential impacts on oyster harvesting areas.

Meanwhile, employees with DHH?s Office of Public Health Molluscan Shellfish Program have continued regular testing of 8 million acres of coastal waters along the Louisiana shoreline.

In addition, DHH scientists and engineers are conducting enhanced testing of oyster meat taken from the closed beds to monitor the presence of oil, called hydrocarbon testing. Additional testing is also being conducted in unaffected oyster beds. These tests will create a baseline, which will be used to ensure the safety of oysters once the incident clears in order to reopen beds. Oysters being harvested in open areas are considered safe.

Areas 8, 13 and 28 remain closed.

Closures will remain in effect until officials have determined that environmental conditions are within the requirements specified by the National Shellfish Sanitation Program.

http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/05232010-oyster.html

**Pathfinder** · May 26, 2010, 06:39 PM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>PRESS RELEASE

DHH Reminds Oil Spill Response Workers and Volunteers to Take Precautions to Stay Safe
Workers Should Always Seek Appropriate Training

BATON ROUGE (May 26, 2010) - The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is reminding oil spill response workers and volunteers to seek appropriate training and to be cautious when encountering wildlife while assisting the cleanup of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. "Receiving the appropriate training on what gear to wear, and how to stay safe around oil, dispersants and heavy equipment is crucial," DHH Secretary Alan Levine.

"The federal government has well-established guidelines for people working in these areas. Those are in place to protect your health and should not be sidestepped." All clean-up workers and volunteers should receive appropriate training including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training. For information on how to receive OSHA training, visit http://www.osha.gov/oilspills/index.html.

Hazards vary depending upon the job being done, but if you are unsure about an activity or operation, stop what you are doing and consult with a supervisor.

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses and clothing. Workers should follow their training guidance on proper PPE use.
Onshore workers and clean-up volunteers should be cautious to avoid:

Exposure to crude oil - Skin contact may cause irritation. Oil particles in the air may also cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and water if you get oil on skin.
Heat stress - Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water or sports drinks. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Early signs of heat stress include headache, thirst, profuse sweating and muscle aches.
Slips, trips and falls - Be careful walking over debris covered in water or oil, especially when carrying anything.
Trench foot - Always air dry and elevate your feet whenever possible to avoid trench foot or immersion foot, which occurs when feet are wet for long periods of time.
Noise - Always use hearing protection whenever near noisy equipment. If you can't have a normal conversation with someone three feet away or closer, you probably need hearing protection.
Heavy equipment - Be alert to all heavy equipment in your surrounding area. Do not walk under or through areas where heavy equipment is lifting objects. Avoid exposure to gasoline or diesel combustion exhaust from powered generators in the clean-up area.

Onshore workers and clean-up volunteers should be cautious around wildlife, including:

Snakes - Be alert for snakes that swim in the water or hide under objects or debris. Do not attempt to catch a snake. If a person is bitten, do not attempt to provide medical treatment without a professional. Calm the person down and seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
Alligators - Alligators can live in freshwater and brackish environments(between salt and freshwater) and are often difficult to see when below the surface of the water. Take care to avoid them as their crushing bites can be deadly.
Spiders - While there are many non-venomous spiders in the salt marshes and grassy marsh areas, Black Widow spiders may be present in the woods. Black Widows can be identified by their shiny black color and the hourglass-shaped mark on their abdomens. The severity of a Black Widow spider bite can vary; seek medical attention if pain and muscle cramping occur. Brown Recluse spiders can also be found in workplaces with dry, secluded areas like under fallen trees, or stationary equipment or indoors in dark storage spaces, shoes or attics. Brown Recluse spiders are brown, with a dark violin-shaped marking on their heads with six eyes rather than the usual eight. Seek immediate medical treatment if a white bite and/or lesion appear.
Mosquitoes/chiggers - Use insect repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin to repel mosquitoes; always follow label instructions carefully to over overexposure to repellent.
Animal bites and rabies - All bites from terrestrial animals, including skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats, etc., should be considered potential transmissions for rabies and must be reported to public health authorities. Also report bites from stray dogs and cats. Marine animals, reptiles, amphibians and birds do not transmit rabies.
Venomous marine animals - Marine fish and invertebrates, such as jellyfish, may cause stings or bites. Workers and volunteers should wear protective footwear and be aware of their surroundings. Stings can appear as rashes or burns. If possible, note the species involved in the sting or bite when seeking immediate medical treatment. Do not attempt to treat a jellyfish sting with urine.
Poisonous plants - Always wear gloves and long pants when the possibility of exposure to a poisonous plant exists. Learn to recognize and avoid Poison Oak and Poison Sumac, both prevalent in Louisiana. If exposure occurs, soap and water may help remove some of the oil resin, but clothes, shoes and tools may become contaminated.

If workers or volunteers have questions or concerns about an exposure, animal or plant identification, health effects, or appropriate medical treatment, contact the Louisiana Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.

http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/05262010-precautions.html

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**Pathfinder** · May 31, 2010, 11:17 PM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

DATE: May 31, 2010 18:17:50 CST

Federal mobile medical unit arrives in Louisiana

VENICE, La. - A federal mobile medical unit arrived in Venice, La., today to provide additional basic medical care for responders and residents of coastal communities affected by the oil spill.

The mobile medical unit, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, will integrate with the local medical community to triage and provide basic care for responders and residents concerned about health effects of the oil spill. Patients then can be referred to local healthcare providers or hospitals.

"We are very concerned about the impact of the disaster on public health in the Gulf region,? Secretary Sebelius said. ?We have been on the ground monitoring the spill?s impact on health and have remained in close contact with state and local health authorities as well as members of the congressional delegations from the affected states to understand the health and medical needs in these communities. I particularly want to thank Representative Melancon and Senator Landrieu for their efforts to bring the mobile unit to Venice. So far, surveillance efforts have detected complaints of throat irritation, eye irritation, nausea, headache, and coughs?these could be caused by a number of conditions, but we?re watching them closely. The mobile medical unit and a medical team arriving today in Louisiana can help address health concerns of local residents and responders.?

?While the oil spill is a tragic event environmentally and economically, the impact on the health of Louisianians cannot be overlooked,? added LDHH Secretary Alan Levine. ?We are glad to be working with Secretary Sebelius and HHS to provide the care our workers and residents need during this crisis.?

The mobile unit will be located at 339 Coast Guard Road in Venice, La., and will be staffed by a medical team from the HHS National Disaster Medical System ? a doctor, two nurses, two emergency medical technician paramedics (EMT-P) and a pharmacist. HHS activated the National Disaster Medical System as a precaution should Gulf States need additional medical support as a result of the oil spill.

The mobile unit complements a broader effort by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to ensure access to care including mental health and addictive disorders services.

To learn more about DHH response efforts and services available for coastal communities impacted by the oil spill, visit www.emergency.louisiana.gov. HHS information resources, including food safety updates, health fact sheets, and responder and worker education and training materials, can be found online at http://www.hhs.gov/gulfoilspill/index.html.
For information about the response effort, visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.

http://www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com/go/doc/2931/576299/

**Pathfinder** · June 4, 2010, 09:39 PM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

PRESS RELEASE

DHH, DEQ Ask OSHA to Investigate Oil Spill Worker Conditions, Safety
Officials Concerned Over Increasing Injury, Illness Reports; Ask OSHA to Review Training Protocols

BATON ROUGE (June 4, 2010) - The secretaries of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) sent a letter to Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Assistant Secretary of Labor David Michaels asking the agency to conduct a full investigation of oil spill worker conditions and safety.

David Michaels, Ph.D., MPH
Assistant Secretary
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20210

Dear Dr. Michaels,

As the response to the Deepwater Horizon spill off Louisiana's coast continues to expand, there are emerging threats we feel compelled to relay to you. Reports of injuries and illness among workers hired by British Petroleum and its subcontractors are steadily increasing. As the Louisiana agencies charged with protecting the health and environmental exposure risks of Louisianians and our guests, we are requesting that you conduct a full investigation of worker conditions for those involved in the oil spill response effort.

We are told that BP is looking to bring some 3,000 more people to our coast to aid in the clean-up efforts. Combined with those already engaged, we are increasingly concerned about the provisions being made to protect the health and safety of those who are exposed to the oil and other elements associated with the spill. Specifically, we want to ensure people involved in the clean-up are provided with training and protective equipment and supplies appropriate for the type of exposure they are sustaining.

The Department of Health and Hospitals is now engaged in an aggressive surveillance and monitoring system to catalog worker-related illnesses and exposure complaints. We also are receiving daily reports of other injuries and illnesses that have us concerned that proper protections are not being taken and protocols followed. The Department of Environmental Quality shares DHH's concerns of worker safety.

Specifically, with regard to the investigation the state is requesting of OSHA, we request:

An official report detailing that review, method of investigation, findings and any citations issued or recommendations made.
Details of OSHA's footprint in the area including how many people are on site to monitor worker safety and plans for regular inspection and monitoring of worker safety.
A list of any worker complaints made directly to OSHA and the disposition of those complaints.
A comprehensive review of training protocols for workers that includes an investigation of how consistently and fully that training is done.
A strategy for providing regular reports to us outlining ongoing monitoring, complaints and citations.
Any information on monitoring, such as air monitoring, on vessels and other work sites as it pertains to worker safety.

We know that you have had monitors in place and we are aware of recent visits by your executive staff to ascertain the ongoing work. We are pleased OSHA is engaged in this issue, and we believe it is critical we work collaboratively with you as a partner in our mutual goal of ensuring the safety of these people who are working so hard.

We are available to discuss this request and look forward to your swift response.

Sincerely,

Alan Levine,
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals

Peggy Hatch
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality

http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/06042010-investigate.html

**Pathfinder** · June 4, 2010, 09:45 PM

Re: Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

Gov. Jindal Signs Order to Allow for Increase in Paramedics along the Coast

Strict Rules for Temporary Permitting of Licensed Emergency Medical Technicians to be Followed

BATON ROUGE (June 4, 2010) - Gov. Bobby Jindal issued an executive order today that will allow for an increase in the number of much-needed paramedics to care for the emergency medical needs of workers responding to the BP oil spill disaster.

The order, requested by Secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals Alan Levine and State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry, uses the governor's powers in a state of emergency to suspend statutes governing the licensure and certification of emergency medical technicians during a crisis.

The text of the executive order is below.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. BJ 2010 -9
EMERGENCY PARTIAL SUSPENSION OF CERTAIN EMT LICENSING LAWS
WHEREAS, Pursuant to the Louisiana Homeland Security and Emergency Assistance and Disaster Act, R.S. 29:721, et seq., and as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, a state of emergency (Emergency) was declared through Executive Proclamation No. 20 BJ 2010, extended by Executive Proclamation No. 37 BJ 2010;

WHEREAS, the Emergency has been declared a Spill of National Significance (SONS) and has significantly impacted wildlife, other natural resources, industry, and the health and safety of individuals living and working in Louisiana coastal areas;

WHEREAS, British Petroleum has contracted with many fishermen and other residents of the State of Louisiana to engage in the assessment and cleanup efforts related to the oil spill and its inundation of Louisiana's coastal beaches, marshes and wetlands;

WHEREAS, British Petroleum has been unable to procure within the state of Louisiana, the large number of Emergency Medical Technicians ("EMTs") needed to adequately assist in providing medical aid and assistance to those persons engaged in the assessments and cleanup efforts;

WHEREAS, EMTs licensed in states other than Louisiana are available to provide medical aid and assistance to those persons engaged in the oil spill assessment and cleanup efforts;

WHEREAS, La.R.S. 29:724 authorizes the governor during a declared state of emergency to suspend the provisions of any state regulatory statute prescribing procedures for conducting state business, or the orders, rules, or regulations of any state agency, if strict compliance with the provision of any statute, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency;

WHEREAS, The Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the State Health Officer have requested that the Louisiana statutes, laws, rules, and regulations related to licensing of EMTs be temporarily suspended for those EMTs duly licensed to practice in other states who wish to provide their services in affected coastal and offshore areas to those persons engaged in the oil spill assessment and cleanup efforts.

NOW THEREFORE I, BOBBY JINDAL, Governor of the State of Louisiana, by virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows:

SECTION 1: Louisiana's statutes, rules, and regulations regarding the licensure of EMTs, as required by Revised Statutes Title 40, specifically the EMT-Basic (EMT-B), EMT-Intermediate (EMT-I), and EMT-Paramedic EMT-P) (Paramedic) designations, are hereby suspended for EMTs duly licensed to practice in other states who wish to provide their services in affected coastal and offshore areas to those persons engaged in the ongoing oil spill response, removal, assessment, and other cleanup efforts.

An individual currently licensed and in good standing as an EMT-B, EMT-I, or EMT-P in another state may practice in such geographic areas of the State of Louisiana, subject to the following conditions, qualifications, and parameters:

A. The individual must be duly licensed and in good standing in another state.
B. Prior to practicing in Louisiana pursuant to this Order, the individual shall submit to the State Health Officer (or his designee) a copy of the individual's out-of-state license and photo identification. Such information may be provided by contacting the Department of Public Health, Bureau of EMS.
C. The individual must submit a reciprocity application for a temporary timed permit along with appropriate fees.
D. Under the medical direction of a Louisiana Licensed Physician the individual may provide pre-hospital services only in local, parish, or state declared areas at medical sites specifically operated and designated to assist with oil spill related activities.
E. The individual may work only alongside a team of other EMTs, and must be supervised by an EMT-P licensed in Louisiana.
F. The individual must not exceed the applicable scope of practice applicable to his license, as provided for by applicable law of the state in which he is licensed.
G. The individual must cease practicing in Louisiana upon the termination or rescission of this Order or of the declared state of emergency cited herein, or any extension thereof.

SECTION 2: This Order is effective upon signature and shall be made applicable June 4, 2010, and continue in effect until amended, modified, terminated, or rescinded by the Governor, or terminated by operation of law.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have set my hand officially and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of Louisiana, at the Capitol, in the City of Baton Rouge, on this 4th day of June, 2010.

/S/Bobby Jindal
GOVERNOR OF LOUISIANA

http://emergency.louisiana.gov/Releases/06042010-paramedics.html

Announcement

Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

Louisiana Department of Health (DHH) Oil Spill Update

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