Fairfax, Va. - With the announcement yesterday of a patient in Dallas who has been diagnosed as having Ebola, the IAFC EMS Section wants to share information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that all IAFC members should review and implement as appropriate.
According to HHS, “every EMS agency and system, including those that provide non-emergency and/or inter-facility transport, should ensure that their personnel can detect a person under investigation (PUI) for Ebola, protect themselves so they can safely care for the patient, and respond in a coordinated fashion. The Detailed Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Checklist for Ebola Preparedness is intended to enhance collective preparedness and response by highlighting key areas for EMS personnel to review in preparing to care for patients possibly infected with the Ebola virus.”
The Detailed EMS Checklist for Ebola Preparedness (pdf) is a quick resource list that includes additional guidance for responders and links to receive alerts and updates. This document also includes a reference sheet outlining signs, symptoms, and criteria for suspected Ebola patients and when to report this information.
The EMS Section has set-up an Ebola Virus resource page to provide the fire and emergency service with quick access to a range of related information and tools. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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