Update from USFA

A MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE U. S. FIRE AMINISTRATION REGARDING THE H1N1 FLU

Release Date: April 29, 2009

Washington DC- In an effort to send a common message the U. S. Fire Administration (USFA) is working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other Federal partners to issue an Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Medical First Responder, and a specific 9-1-1 guidance document (see below) to the Nation’s first responders. This is a dynamic process and we will provide additional information as soon as we receive the appropriate agency(s) approval. In addition to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) link http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ there is also a link for specific Pandemic Influenza information at http://www.EMS.gov.

“We are currently monitoring the H1N1 Flu information as it comes forward from the CDC and DHS medical experts. As a part of DHS/FEMA, the USFA is seeking to ensure our Nation’s firefighters and their families are provided the information they need to stay safe,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Glenn A. Gaines. “We know as firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) called to emergency medical responses and other emergencies across the Nation, there is always the concern for secondary exposure to fellow firefighters and families as firefighters return to their homes. As conditions change, we will work closely with you to ensure firefighters and EMTs have the most current information.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s EMS Pandemic Influenza Guidelines for Statewide Adoption and Preparing for Pandemic Influenza: Recommendations for Protocol Development and 9-1-1 Personnel and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) are available online at http://www.ems.gov (Click on Pandemic News). State and local EMS agencies should review these documents for additional useful information.

For the most current information regarding the outbreak of H1N1 Flu, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/SwineFlu/

Guidance on Swine Flu Outbreak Now Available
Fairfax, Va., Apr. 27, 2009… Currently, human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States and internationally. These are linked to the same virus strain found in Central Mexico. The IAFC, with the support of the IAFC EMS Section’s Emerging Disease Committee, has established a webpage to post educational resources and updates regarding the current outbreak.
While alarming, the current swine flu outbreak is just that, an outbreak. It should be taken seriously, but currently the outbreak is not a crisis and should be seen as a learning situation for preparation and response.
Despite some media coverage comparing the outbreak to concerns raised by the current avian influenza (H5N1) virus, there are a number of critical distinctions. One distinction according to the CDC is that, unlike avian flu strain, which has no known antiviral, laboratory testing has found the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to prescription antiviral drugs.
Fire and emergency service officials are urged to visit the swine flu and emerging diseases resources webpage to review the materials in order to educate your departments and assist in the education of your communities. The Emerging Disease Committee is fully monitoring the situation and will provide updates as they become available.