NHTSA - EMS Pandemic Plan

[Sally Furniss]

Re: NHTSA - EMS Pandemic Plan

Toronto EMS faced shortages of N-95 respirators during the SARS outbreak, and as a result is looking into stockpiling three months worth of medical supplies to prepare for pandemic influenza, according to Best Practices in Emergency Services.

[tropical]

Re: NHTSA - EMS Pandemic Plan


EMS Pandemic Influenza Guidelines for Statewide Adoption_entire_GUIDE.pdf

http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/ems/PandemicInfluenzaGuidelines/Task61136Web/PDFs/Task%206.1.13.6Lo.pdf

[sharon sanders]

Re: NHTSA - EMS Pandemic Plan

"....An influenza pandemic is expected to have substantial impact on the healthcare system with large increases in demand for healthcare services. EMS will be treating influenza-infected patients and will be at risk of repeated exposures. To support continued work in a high-exposure setting and to help lessen the risk of EMS workers transmitting influenza to other patients and EMS family members, their protection must be given high priority

The prospect of absenteeism due to illness, quarantine, fear, or death reinforces the need to develop plans to proactively protect and support the workforce and their families before and during an influenza pandemic.

The vulnerability of the healthcare workforce was apparent when both Hong Kong and Toronto dealt with SARS. Transmission of SARS appeared to result primarily from direct patient contact or contact with large respiratory droplets in the close vicinity of an infected person. Despite apparent limited modes of transmission, SARS has been known to spread extensively among HCWs [health care workers] in various settings. For example, among 138 cases of secondary and tertiary spread in Hong Kong, 85 (62%) occurred among HCWs; among 144 cases in Toronto, 73 (51%) were HCWs. SARS infection of HCWs might be related to increased contact with respiratory secretions, contact with patients during a more contagious phase of critical illness, contact with particular patients at increased likelihood of spreading SARS (i.e., super spreaders), or exposure to aerosol-generating patient-care procedures.70..."

[sharon sanders]

EMS Pandemic Influenza Guidelines for Statewide Adoption

http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/ems/PandemicInfluenzaGuidelines/

Introduction and Background How the document was developed
Pandemic Influenza--Overview

Section 1: EMS Planning
Plans and Operational Procedures
Leadership and Authority
Training and Exercising
A Systems Approach
Public and Media Communications

Section 2: The Role of EMS in Influenza Surveillance and Mitigation
Statewide Tracking, Community Mitigation

Section 3: Maintaining Continuity of EMS Operations During an Influenza Pandemic
Workforce Augmentation
Disruption of Equipment Supplies and Services
Interoperable Communications

Section 4: Legal Authority
Deviation from Established Procedures
Scope of Practice, Other Legal Issues

Section 5: Clinical Standards and Treatment Protocols
EMS Medical Direction
Modification of Treatment and Triage Protocols
Rapid Distribution of New Protocols
Just-in-Time Training
Fatality Management
EMS Treat and Release

Section 6: EMS Workforce Protection
Protection of EMS and 9-1-1 Workforce and Families
Infection Control and Decontamination
Vaccines and Anti-Virals for EMS Personnel
Isolation and Quarantine Considerations
Support for EMS Personnel and Their Families.