Fire Fighter Response to Ebola

Infectious (communicable) disease in the fire service is well established as a very serious concern. This resource provides basic information specifically about Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever, including standard precautions and protocols for response and exposure, as well as guidance on what training and equipment every fire department needs to have to ensure a safe and effective response. #EbolaResponse
Questions? Email [email protected]

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Protocols

This protocol is designed to follow a logical progression of action from call received to patient transfer to disinfection and decontamination of equipment and personnel; enable providers and PSAPs to determine their risk of exposure to a patient with Ebola; and enable providers to determine the appropriate level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to meet the risk of exposure.

What Are the Symptoms?

The time to develop symptoms on average is eight to 10 days, but can range from two to 21 days after exposure to the Ebola virus. A person who is infected with the Ebola virus is not contagious until symptoms appear. Symptoms include:

Fever greater than 101.5 F
Headache
Muscle pain (myalgia)
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Unexplained bleeding

Fire Fighters Response to Ebola

An online compilation of what fire fighters and paramedics across the United States and Canada are doing to ensure preparedness for responding to potential Ebola virus incidents.

IAFF Letters to Obama Administration on Ebola Preparedness

On Friday, October 24, the IAFF sent a letter to President Obama outlining the challenges and specific needs of fire fighters and paramedics for responding to potential cases of Ebola.

The IAFF and other fire service organizations also have sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asking for the agency’s commitment to ensuring fire and EMS personnel have sufficient training and resources to respond to suspected cases of Ebola.

Now is the Time to Get Prepared

EMS Checklist for Ebola Preparedness

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides important guidance documents, most notably the Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for Management of Patients With Known or Suspected Ebloa Virus Disease and EMS Checklist for Ebola Preparedness. For more CDC infection control guidelines, click here

Ebola Screenings

Passengers arriving in the United States from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea will undergo Ebola screenings at five international airports, which includes having their temperatures taken and answering a questionnaire about their health and exposure history.
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Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever FAQs

Ebola is a viral disease that affects multiple organs in the body by damaging the vascular (blood vessel) system. The bleeding or hemorrhaging caused by the virus can cause mild to deadly damage to the organ systems. It is presumed that Ebola is animal borne (zoonotic). Although it is unknown what the natural reservoir of the virus is, some researchers believe that it is most likely bats.
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