August 31, 2009 — The IAFF is advising members to be aware of and take the
necessary precautions for responding safely and effectively during to a possibly
serious H1N1 flu outbreak this fall and winter.
The 2009 H1N1 (Swine flu) virus has already spread through many countries in the
Southern Hemisphere during their winter season, and the United States and Canada
is likely to see a resurgence that could infect 30-50 percent of the U.S.
population this fall and winter, with symptoms in approximately 20-40 percent of
the population – more than half of whom will need medical attention.
The H1N1 flu, which could begin its resurgence in early September, is
concentrated among children and young adults. But the availability of the H1N1
vaccine isn’t expected until mid-October. This potential mismatch in timing
could significantly diminish the usefulness of vaccination for minimizing the
epidemic and place many at risk of serious disease.
This slow rollout is a similar issue in Canada, where vaccine shipments are
being exported from Quebec to other countries, yet Canadians must wait for
vaccinations against the H1N1 influenza.
Within the fire service population, if half of the fire fighters and EMS
personnel become sick and unable to work – coupled with a potential 300 percent
increase in call volume – there will be significant problems.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that health care workers
get a seasonal flu vaccine and also the H1N1 vaccine when it’s ready.
IAFF Pandemic: Informational Bulletin for Emergency Responders
The IAFF has issued a bulletin to assist fire fighters and emergency medical personnel prepare for a potential Influenza Pandemic.
Swine Flu Infections Click the map to see the latest infections.
Routine Personal Decontamination: Getting Clean and Staying Healthy This module explains when and how first responders should decontaminate after routine calls. (This module is currently undergoing technical updates.) Resource Page
The WHO has established a Pandemic Phase Scale to describe the current level of threat, while the U.S. has established a Federal Government Response Stage Scale to provide guidance on actions to be taken in case of an outbreak.
Lessons Learned Information Sharing is the U.S. national network of Lessons Learned and Best Practices for emergency response providers and homeland security officials. Access is restricted to verified emergency response providers and homeland security officials.
FluAid, created by programmers at the CDC, is designed to assist state and local level planners in preparing for the next influenza pandemic by providing estimates of potential impact specific to their locality.
Flu Information and Resources by State or Territory
The IAFF has developed several tools to assist members with the management of a pandemic influenza event:
The IAFF Influenza Checklist will assist departments in creating a plan including planning logistics, infection control, inventory, staff impact, and resource allocation.
The IAFF has issued a bulletin to assist fire fighters and emergency medical personnel prepare for a potential Influenza Pandemic.
