Editor's Note: Federal EMS officials and the CDC will be hosting a webinar on EMS preparedness for Ebola at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Click here to join the meeting.
Leaders of the major fire service organizations have reached out to the Secretary of Health and Human Services for help to protect responders as they face a new threat -- Ebola.
"It is highly likely that more individuals infected with Ebola willseek assistance from emergency response personnel in the coming months. As the vast majority of EMS in the United Statesis performed by fireighters who have been cross‐trained as emergency medical technicians and paramedics, itis crucial that we ensure such personnel are properly trained and equipped to respond to such a scenario," officials wrote in a letter to HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell.
The leaders of the NVFC, the IAFF, the IAFC and CFSI added: "At a minimum, responding departments must provide sufficient personal protective equipment for all responders, including fluid resistant orimpermeable long‐sleeved gowns, double gloves, eye protection, leg coverings, disposable shoe covers, and N95 respirators. As we learn more about the disease, additional protections may also be required."
In addition, they asked for responders to receive specialized training adding that they must learn to recognize potential victims as well how best to care for them while protecting themselves.
"...We are concerned that EMS may be overlooked as the nation prepares the larger public health community. As a key component of the public health system, it is imperative that all levels of government – federal, state and local – ensure fire departments and EMS agencies have the proper training and resources to safely perform their duties.
"This is not simply a matter of EMS personnel safety, although it is certainly that. Protecting EMS personnel
is critical to ensuring the public safety, as citizens will continue to rely upon fire departments and EMS
providers to deliver emergency medical services to the community..."
The IAFF has issued a message to its members: "The IAFF is urging every affiliate to conduct a "safety stand down" with their employer and review all infectious exposure policies, procedures and guidelines. You should assess your department's preparedness for responding to and caring for patients with possible symptoms of the Ebola virus and whether you have the equipment and training needed for safely responding to worst-case scenarios in potential Ebola exposures should this virus spread in the United States and Canada..."
Meanwhile, the EMS Section of the IAFC is updating Ebola information as it becomes available.
