Pandemic Response for Rural EMS
Pandemic Response for Rural EMS
Nick Nudell, MS, NRPNick Nudell, MS, NRP
• Prepared for and presented to EMS providers in Connecticut in 2006.
• Data has not been reevaluated for the 2009 Swine outbreak.
• Prepared for and presented to EMS providers in Connecticut in 2006.
• Data has not been reevaluated for the 2009 Swine outbreak.
PrioriHealth Partners, LLPPrioriHealth Partners, LLP
Pandemics are not a new threat!Pandemics are not a new threat!
Pandemics InfluenzaPandemics Influenza
• Influenza Pandemics are believed to have occurred for at least 300 years at unpredictable intervals.
• Influenza Pandemics are believed to have occurred for at least 300 years at unpredictable intervals.
The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic National Museum of Health and Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology
20th Century Influenza Pandemics20th Century Influenza Pandemics
• 1918 Spanish Flu A (H1N1) 20-40 mill Deaths 675,000 US Deaths
• 1957 Asian Flu A(H2N2) 1-4 mill Deaths 70,000 US Deaths
• 1968 Hong Kong Flu A(H3N2) 1-4 mill Deaths 34,000 US Deaths
• Swine Flu 1976 emphasized need for pandemic flu planning.
• 1918 Spanish Flu A (H1N1) 20-40 mill Deaths 675,000 US Deaths
• 1957 Asian Flu A(H2N2) 1-4 mill Deaths 70,000 US Deaths
• 1968 Hong Kong Flu A(H3N2) 1-4 mill Deaths 34,000 US Deaths
• Swine Flu 1976 emphasized need for pandemic flu planning.
20th Century Influenza Pandemics (Cont’d)20th Century Influenza Pandemics (Cont’d)
• Avian Flu 1997 (AH5N1) “chicken flu” – 18 cases including 6 deaths, more than 1 million chickens were killed in Hong Kong
• Avian Flu 2003 (AH5N1) 2 persons with confirmed infection, two deaths.
• (H7N7) Over 80 cases of mild disease and 1 death in the Netherlands
• Avian Flu 1997 (AH5N1) “chicken flu” – 18 cases including 6 deaths, more than 1 million chickens were killed in Hong Kong
• Avian Flu 2003 (AH5N1) 2 persons with confirmed infection, two deaths.
• (H7N7) Over 80 cases of mild disease and 1 death in the Netherlands
CT Avian IndustryCT Avian Industry
CT Avian IndustryCT Avian Industry
• 240 Poultry Farms
• 1st in New England for – Density of Egg Laying Poultry– Chickens Sold– Egg Production and value (per sq/mile)
• 2nd in New England Egg Production with 230 eggs per person/year
• 240 Poultry Farms
• 1st in New England for – Density of Egg Laying Poultry– Chickens Sold– Egg Production and value (per sq/mile)
• 2nd in New England Egg Production with 230 eggs per person/year
Pandemic InfluenzaPandemic Influenza
• The nature and severity for the next Pandemic cannot be predicted with any certainty.
• Preparedness Planning is imperative to lessen the impact of a Pandemic
• The nature and severity for the next Pandemic cannot be predicted with any certainty.
• Preparedness Planning is imperative to lessen the impact of a Pandemic
Influenza Pandemic RequirementsFor A Health SystemInfluenza Pandemic RequirementsFor A Health System• Adequate staffing
– EMS Providers– Infectious Disease – Health Care
Epidemiologists– ED Nursing– Respiratory Therapists– X-Ray techs– Infection Control
Professionals – Occupational Health
Professionals– Environmental Services
Personnel– Clinical Microbiology
Technologist
• Adequate staffing– EMS Providers– Infectious Disease – Health Care
Epidemiologists– ED Nursing– Respiratory Therapists– X-Ray techs– Infection Control
Professionals – Occupational Health
Professionals– Environmental Services
Personnel– Clinical Microbiology
Technologist
Influenza Pandemic Requirements For Health System (Cont’d)Influenza Pandemic Requirements For Health System (Cont’d)• Adequate staffing should not be assumed!
– Only 32.5% of Florida’s licensed community healthcare providers are willing and able to respond to a high risk event, such as the Avian Flu
(n=2,279, MD- 34.6%, RN-38.4% , RPh-17.4%)
Reference - Crane, Jeffrey S. Assessment of the Community Healthcare Providers' Ability and Willingness to Respond to a Bioterrorism Attack in Florida. 1 ed. UMI Publishing, Ann Arbor, MI. 2005. Report located at http://www.jscrane.com/index-7.html
• Adequate staffing should not be assumed!
– Only 32.5% of Florida’s licensed community healthcare providers are willing and able to respond to a high risk event, such as the Avian Flu
(n=2,279, MD- 34.6%, RN-38.4% , RPh-17.4%)
Reference - Crane, Jeffrey S. Assessment of the Community Healthcare Providers' Ability and Willingness to Respond to a Bioterrorism Attack in Florida. 1 ed. UMI Publishing, Ann Arbor, MI. 2005. Report located at http://www.jscrane.com/index-7.html
Pandemic Requirements For A Health System (Cont’d)Pandemic Requirements For A Health System (Cont’d)
• Training– Initial– Just-in-time
• Protective equipment– Surgical masks, Disposable long-sleeve gowns
and gloves, eye protection– N-95 or PAPRS
• Training• Fit testing• Battery maintenance• Storage
• Training– Initial– Just-in-time
• Protective equipment– Surgical masks, Disposable long-sleeve gowns
and gloves, eye protection– N-95 or PAPRS
• Training• Fit testing• Battery maintenance• Storage
Pandemic Requirements For A Health System (Cont’d)Pandemic Requirements For A Health System (Cont’d)
• Hand hygiene and cough etiquette– Signage– Soap, alcohol hand rubs, paper towels,
tissue and containers, waste baskets, and surgical masks
– Ambulance contamination and decontamination procedures
• Hand hygiene and cough etiquette– Signage– Soap, alcohol hand rubs, paper towels,
tissue and containers, waste baskets, and surgical masks
– Ambulance contamination and decontamination procedures
Pandemic Requirements For A Health System (Cont’d)Pandemic Requirements For A Health System (Cont’d)
• X-Ray Equipment
• Mechanical ventilation– Transport Ventilators– Respiratory circuits (adult & pediatric)– Oxygen Supply– Scope of Practice– Dedicated facility for disinfecting, cleaning
ventilators
• X-Ray Equipment
• Mechanical ventilation– Transport Ventilators– Respiratory circuits (adult & pediatric)– Oxygen Supply– Scope of Practice– Dedicated facility for disinfecting, cleaning
ventilators
Pandemic Requirements For A Health System (Cont’d)Pandemic Requirements For A Health System (Cont’d)
• Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostic Testing– Oseltamivir and Amantadine– Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccine– Rapid Viral Antigen Tests– Respiratory Viral Cultures
• Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostic Testing– Oseltamivir and Amantadine– Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccine– Rapid Viral Antigen Tests– Respiratory Viral Cultures
Pandemic Requirements For A Health System (Cont’d)Pandemic Requirements For A Health System (Cont’d)
• Specific resources & destinations for cohorting patients– Triage– Multi-patient transport– Designated transport units– In-patients Pediatric and Adult
• ICU• Intermediate Care• Wards
• Specific resources & destinations for cohorting patients– Triage– Multi-patient transport– Designated transport units– In-patients Pediatric and Adult
• ICU• Intermediate Care• Wards
Federal Pandemic Influenza PlanFederal Pandemic Influenza Plan
• Pandemic “Influenza Plan” US Department of Health and Human Services released November 2005
• 396 Page Plan with 8 Page Executive Summary
• Pandemic “Influenza Plan” US Department of Health and Human Services released November 2005
• 396 Page Plan with 8 Page Executive Summary
Executive Summary of HHS Pandemic Influenza PlanExecutive Summary of HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan
• Influenza Pandemic has potential to cause more deaths and illness then any other Public Health Threat
• If pandemic occurs with similar virulence of 1918 strain, 1.9 million Americans could die and 10 million could be hospitalized over the pandemic course which may evolve over a year or more.
• Influenza Pandemic has potential to cause more deaths and illness then any other Public Health Threat
• If pandemic occurs with similar virulence of 1918 strain, 1.9 million Americans could die and 10 million could be hospitalized over the pandemic course which may evolve over a year or more.
• Novel Influenza virus could emerge from anywhere in world at any time
• Particular concern is about Avian (H5N1) virus currently circulating in Asia and parts of Europe
• Outbreaks of Influenza H5N1 have occurred among poultry in several countries in Asia Since 1997
• Novel Influenza virus could emerge from anywhere in world at any time
• Particular concern is about Avian (H5N1) virus currently circulating in Asia and parts of Europe
• Outbreaks of Influenza H5N1 have occurred among poultry in several countries in Asia Since 1997
Executive Summary of HHS Pandemic Influenza PlanCont’d
Executive Summary of HHS Pandemic Influenza PlanCont’d
Avian Influenza In HumansAvian Influenza In Humans
• More than 100 confirmed cases of Human Infection with Avian Influenza Viruses have been reported since 1997
• Most of these cases are thought to have resulted from direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces
• To date human infections with Avian Influenza a viruses detected since 1997 have not resulted in sustained human to human transmission
• More than 100 confirmed cases of Human Infection with Avian Influenza Viruses have been reported since 1997
• Most of these cases are thought to have resulted from direct contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces
• To date human infections with Avian Influenza a viruses detected since 1997 have not resulted in sustained human to human transmission
Avian Influenza Viruses Infecting HumansAvian Influenza Viruses Infecting Humans
• Hong Kong 2003 one child infected recovered.
• New York 2003 One patient recovered.
• Canada 2004 Mild eye infection following poultry outbreak.
• Thailand and Vietnam 2004 and other parts of Asia in 2004-2005.
• Hong Kong 2003 one child infected recovered.
• New York 2003 One patient recovered.
• Canada 2004 Mild eye infection following poultry outbreak.
• Thailand and Vietnam 2004 and other parts of Asia in 2004-2005.
• Sustained Human to Human transmission anywhere in the world will be the triggering event to initiate a Pandemic Response by US
• Sustained Human to Human transmission anywhere in the world will be the triggering event to initiate a Pandemic Response by US
Only a matter of… time!Only a matter of… time!
Characteristic Moderate (1958/68-like) Severe (1918-like)
Illness 100 Million (30%) 100 million (30%)
Outpatient Medical Care
50 Million (50%) 50 Million (50%)
Hospitalization 865,000 9,900,000
ICU Care 128,750 1,485,000
Mechanical Ventilation
64,875 742,500
Deaths 209,000 1,903,000
* Estimates based on extrapolation from past pandemics in the United States. Note that these estimates do not include the potential impact of interventions not available during the 20 th century pandemics.
Number of Episodes of Illness, Healthcare Utilization, and Death Associated with Moderate and Severe Pandemic Influenza Scenarios*Number of Episodes of Illness, Healthcare Utilization, and Death Associated with Moderate and Severe Pandemic Influenza Scenarios*
ConnecticutConnecticut• 2004 Population of 3.5 mill (1.2% of US)• 21% of CT population is “rural”
• 2004 Population of 3.5 mill (1.2% of US)• 21% of CT population is “rural”
Characteristic Moderate (1958/68-like) Severe (1918-like)
Illness 1,050,000 (30%) 1,050,000 (30%)
Outpatient Medical Care
525,000 (50%)110,250
525,000 (50%)110,250
Hospitalization10,0902,120
115,50024,255
ICU Care1,500315
17,3253,650
Mechanical Ventilation
750160
8,6601,850
Deaths 2,450515
22,2004,700
• Past Pandemics have spread worldwide within months
• Are expected to spread even more quickly today given modern travel patterns
• Past Pandemics have spread worldwide within months
• Are expected to spread even more quickly today given modern travel patterns
Rural ConnecticutRural Connecticut
CT Influenza Pandemic PlanCT Influenza Pandemic Plan
• Pandemic Period (cases in the U.S.) – Governor will declare a “Public Health
Emergency.” – Governor will work with:
• DPH, • Office of Public Affairs, and • Department of Emergency Management and
Homeland Security (DEMHS)
• Pandemic Period (cases in the U.S.) – Governor will declare a “Public Health
Emergency.” – Governor will work with:
• DPH, • Office of Public Affairs, and • Department of Emergency Management and
Homeland Security (DEMHS)
CT Influenza Pandemic PlanCT Influenza Pandemic Plan• DPH Emergency Command Center (ECC) and DPH ICS activated.
• State Epidemiologist will manage the epidemiologic and immunization in collaboration with local health departments, hospitals and other key response partners.
• DPH will provide assistance to the pandemic response as needed:– Epidemiology Program, – Immunizations Program, – Environmental Health Section, – Health Care Systems Regulation Branch, – Laboratory Branch, – Local Health Administration Branch, – Regulatory Services Branch, – Office of Communications, – Office of Emergency Medical Services, and – Office of Public Health Preparedness (OPHP).
• DPH Emergency Command Center (ECC) and DPH ICS activated.
• State Epidemiologist will manage the epidemiologic and immunization in collaboration with local health departments, hospitals and other key response partners.
• DPH will provide assistance to the pandemic response as needed:– Epidemiology Program, – Immunizations Program, – Environmental Health Section, – Health Care Systems Regulation Branch, – Laboratory Branch, – Local Health Administration Branch, – Regulatory Services Branch, – Office of Communications, – Office of Emergency Medical Services, and – Office of Public Health Preparedness (OPHP).
CT Influenza Pandemic PlanCT Influenza Pandemic Plan
• Each hospital and medical care provider should develop or update its own pandemic response plan to be consistent with the National and CT Pandemic Influenza Response Plans
• Each hospital and medical care provider should participate in development of a regional pandemic influenza response plan
• Each hospital and medical care provider should develop or update its own pandemic response plan to be consistent with the National and CT Pandemic Influenza Response Plans
• Each hospital and medical care provider should participate in development of a regional pandemic influenza response plan
CT Influenza Pandemic PlanCT Influenza Pandemic Plan
• Each hospital and major medical care provider will establish its own EOC and be prepared to participate collaboratively with DPH as needed to:– collect information to monitor the pandemic, – provide information and respond to patient inquiry, – isolate patients and enforce quarantine of employees and
patients as needed, – vaccinate employees and patients and/or – provide antiviral agents to health care providers and patients in
accordance with DPH recommendations, and – conduct and enforce other activities as may be declared
necessary by the Governor and Commissioner of Public Health.
• Each hospital and major medical care provider will establish its own EOC and be prepared to participate collaboratively with DPH as needed to:– collect information to monitor the pandemic, – provide information and respond to patient inquiry, – isolate patients and enforce quarantine of employees and
patients as needed, – vaccinate employees and patients and/or – provide antiviral agents to health care providers and patients in
accordance with DPH recommendations, and – conduct and enforce other activities as may be declared
necessary by the Governor and Commissioner of Public Health.
CT Influenza Pandemic PlanCT Influenza Pandemic Plan• Licensed health care workers (DPH 5/03)
– Physicians 10,805 – Registered Nurses 40,080 – Licensed Practical Nurses 9,640 – Paramedics 1,380 – Emergency Medical Technicians 8,980
• Essential service providers (DPH 1/06) – Medical Response Technician (MRT) 5,871 – Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 9,686 – EMT – Intermediate 843 – Paramedic 1,586 – Firefighters (est. from CT Fire Academy) 21,000 – Local Law Enforcement 7,522 – State Law Enforcement 1,200 – Air National Guard (as of 01/23/06) 1,020 – Army National Guard (as of 01/23/06) 3,212 – State Public Health workforce (as of 5/05) 848 – Local Public Health workforce (as of 2004) 1,802
• Correctional population 19,216
• Licensed health care workers (DPH 5/03) – Physicians 10,805 – Registered Nurses 40,080 – Licensed Practical Nurses 9,640 – Paramedics 1,380 – Emergency Medical Technicians 8,980
• Essential service providers (DPH 1/06) – Medical Response Technician (MRT) 5,871 – Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) 9,686 – EMT – Intermediate 843 – Paramedic 1,586 – Firefighters (est. from CT Fire Academy) 21,000 – Local Law Enforcement 7,522 – State Law Enforcement 1,200 – Air National Guard (as of 01/23/06) 1,020 – Army National Guard (as of 01/23/06) 3,212 – State Public Health workforce (as of 5/05) 848 – Local Public Health workforce (as of 2004) 1,802
• Correctional population 19,216
Need to be actively involved!Need to be actively involved!
• Feb 2006 GAO report identifies lack of transport resources for nursing home evacuations
• Planners under/over estimate EMS transport capabilities
• PAPRS and decon training/equipment are expensive
• Feb 2006 GAO report identifies lack of transport resources for nursing home evacuations
• Planners under/over estimate EMS transport capabilities
• PAPRS and decon training/equipment are expensive
Thank you!Thank you!
Information Systems, Security, & Technology Management – Clinical, Operations, & Quality
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