PandemicInfluenza Planning

Emergency Medical Services

Tonight’s Intention● EMS Planning Assumptions● Role of EMS Influenza

Surveillance ● Continuity of Operations

during Pandemics● EMS Workforce Protection

Planning Assumptions

● EMS must be “at the table”

● EMS is a component of a coordinated system response

● One solution or protocol may not be universal

● EMS plays a crucial role in surveillanceSt. Johns Ambulance Brigade

1918 Spanish Pandemic Flu

EMS Pandemic Planning

● Establish pandemic planning committee

● Designate pandemic response coordinator

● Network with other agencies

● Obtain copies of available plans

● Create pandemic response plan

● Share your plan with the community

Influenza Surveillance

● EMS should have role in disease surveillance

● Work with county and state to ensure coordination

● Monitor national and state public health advisories

Continuity of Operations

● Maintain day-to-day emergencies during pandemic periods● Essential functions & vital services● Plans to augment EMS workforce● Plans for disruptions in supply chain: equipment, supplies,

services

EMS Workforce Protection

● Protect 911/EMS Personnel & their families during an influenza pandemic

● Consistently practice basic infection control procedures: vehicle decon, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, proper use of PPE

● Know State & Federal Guidelines on vaccine anti-viral medications for EMS personnel

● Coordinate with Public Health with isolation and quarantine of EMS personnel

● Reach out to available mental health resources for EMS personnel and their families

Resources

www.pandemicflu.gov

http://www.cdc.gov/

http://www.who.int/en/

Thank You

Bill Mangieri

Emergency Management Specialist

St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital

845-784-3810