A Message from the Acting U.S. Fire Administrator Regarding the H1N1 Flu

Update: On April 30, the document referenced in this press release - Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) for Management of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Infection - was posted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Website.

Washington DC - In an effort to send a common message, the USFA is working with Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Affairs and other Federal partners (FICEMS) to issue an EMS, Medical First Responder and 9-1-1 specific guidance document 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 CDC link www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ take a look at www.EMS.gov for Pandemic Influenza specific information.

"We are currently monitoring the H1N1 Flu information as it comes forward from the CDC and DHS medical experts. As a part of FEMA and DHS, the USFA is seeking to ensure our nation's firefighters and their families are provided the information they need to stay safe," said Acting U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn A. Gaines. "We know as firefighters and EMTs called to emergency medical responses and other emergencies across the nation, there is always the concern for secondary exposures 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 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: www.cdc.gov/SwineFlu/

The United States Fire Administration recommends everyone should have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers, and practicing a home fire escape plan.

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