Coronavirus: 2 dozen first responders quarantined in Washington state
WSB-TV - Article and Video: Two dozen emergency workers in Washington state are off the job as they are being monitored for possible exposure to the coronavirus. (KIRO7.com)
COVID-19 Revised CDC Definition Feb 27, 2020
Executive Summary: A revised Criteria to Guide Evaluation of PUI for COVID-19 and Footnotes have been developed by the CDC to better define what currently makes a person fall into ‘A Person Under Investigation Status’ (aka Case Definition). It consists of an Introduction, the Criteria Chart, List of Affected Geographic Areas of Widespread or Sustained Community Spread, and Footnotes to clarify specific application. Download the Full Update
COVID-19 Update 2/25/20
Executive Summary: The COVID-19 outbreak is rapidly evolving into a global event which potentially puts people all over the world at risk for being infected by it. Although it not as lethal as SARS-CoV or MER-CoV, it does, in some countries, seem to have very efficient sustained person to person transmission, which requires careful monitoring and updated recommendations and guidance to hopefully prevent a pandemic. Today’s report includes a Situation Update from both the CDC and PHAC, as well as...
COVID-19 Webinar, including pediatric discussion, with Paramedic Chiefs of Canada on Wednesday, February 26th, 2020
This Paramedic Chiefs of Canada (PCC) webinar is presented in conjunction with the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), and FirstWatch. View Webinar Recording View Webinar Slides (PDF Format) Additional Resources Mentioned During the Webinar: COVID-19 Update 2/25/20 Questions and Answers Description: This webinar was the 3rd COVID-19 webinar and provided an update on COVID-19, specifically as it relates to emergency call centers, paramedic and EMS services, and other responders. Also presented, the pediatric implications and...
Keeping Your Employees Safe – NIOSH COVID-19 – Feb 15, 2020
Executive Summary: The CDC considers this COVID-19 outbreak to be, “an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. The CDC/NIOSH have published a webpage with links to resources for the protection of workers to be used by a variety of industries. Download the pdf
For Week #7 Flu & ILI Decreased Slightly with a Record Setting Number of Total Pediatric Deaths
Executive Summary: Although eyes are still focused on COVID-19, Flu activity remains a far greater threat to North America at this time. Flu activity decreased with hospitalizations for children & young adults higher than other recent flu seasons. Pediatric deaths total 105 for the season, with 13 of those deaths reported this week. Adult deaths are below the epidemic threshold. This season is considered a severe. Download the Full Update
AIMHI Webinar Series – High Performance/High Value EMS
How good is your EMS system at achieving reliable outcomes for complying with a STEMI, Stroke or Trauma clinical bundle? What is your average task time and how does it relate to an effective unit hour utilization? Do you know your key financial metrics such as revenue and expense per unit hour, per call, and per transport? AIMHI and FirstWatch are conducting a series of webinars that will provide insights into the clinical, operational and fiscal metrics that demonstrate how AIMHI member EMS...
COVID-19 Webinar, including pediatric discussion, with Paramedic Chiefs of Canada on Wednesday, February 26th, 2020
This Paramedic Chiefs of Canada (PCC) webinar is presented in conjunction with the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), and FirstWatch. View Webinar Recording View Webinar Slides (PDF Format) Additional Resources Mentioned During the Webinar: COVID-19 Update 2/25/20 Questions and Answers Description: This webinar was the 3rd COVID-19 webinar and provided an update on COVID-19, specifically as it relates to emergency call centers, paramedic and EMS services, and other responders. Also presented, the pediatric implications and...
For Week #6 Flu & ILI Increased for the 4th Week with 14 Pediatric Deaths Reported
Executive Summary: Although most eyes are laser-focused on the COVID-19, Flu activity remains a far greater threat to North America and other countries outside the China region at this time. Flu activity increased again with hospitalizations for children & young adults higher than other recent flu seasons. Pediatric deaths total 92 for the season, with 14 of those deaths reported this week although adult deaths are below the epidemic threshold. This season is considered a bad one as far as numbers...
COVID-19 PCC Webinar #2 – Presentation Supporting Documents – URL & Resources
This list of URLs provides current, as of 2/12/20, URL links to both Canadian (PHAC) and American (CDC) COVID-19 Case Definitions, including a rapid use CDC Flowchart for ID and Assessment, CDC Interim EMS and PSAP Guidance, and Interim Guidance for All Health Care Workers. There are also links to Home Pages with links to a wide variety of COVID-19 information, and helpful Appendices from PHAC’s Routine & Additional Precautions Guidelines. Paramedic Chiefs of Canada (PCC) COVID-19 Webinar #2 -...
For Week #4 Flu & ILI Increased for the 2nd Week with 14 Pediatric Deaths Reported
Executive Summary: Although most eyes are laser-focused on the 2019-nCoV, Flu activity remains a far greater threat to North America and other countries outside the China region at this time. Flu activity increased again with hospitalizations for children & young adults higher than other recent flu seasons. Pediatric deaths total 68 for the season, with 14 of those deaths reported this week. Download the Full Update
Coronavirus Webinar with Paramedic Chiefs of Canada on Thursday, February 13th, 2020
2nd PCC Webcast in a Series: 2019-nCoV "Coronavirus" - Feb-13-2020 View Webinar Recording View Webinar Slides (PDF format) Download Webinar Slides (PowerPoint format, for your teaching purposes) Additional Resources Mentioned During the Webinar: This list of URLs provides current, as of 2/12/20, URL links to both Canadian (PHAC) and American (CDC) COVID-19 Case Definitions, including a rapid use CDC Flowchart for ID and Assessment, CDC Interim EMS and PSAP Guidance, and Interim Guidance for All Health...
Coronavirus Webinar with Paramedic Chiefs of Canada on Thursday, February 13th, 2020 | Recording and Handouts
2nd PCC Webcast in a Series: 2019-nCoV "Coronavirus" - Feb-13-2020 View Webinar Recording View Webinar Slides (PDF format) Download Webinar Slides (PowerPoint format, for your teaching purposes) Additional Resources Mentioned During the Webinar: This list of URLs provides current, as of 2/12/20, URL links to both Canadian (PHAC) and American (CDC) COVID-19 Case Definitions, including a rapid use CDC Flowchart for ID and Assessment, CDC Interim EMS and PSAP Guidance, and Interim Guidance for All Health...
NIOSH Warns of Counterfeit Particulate Respirators Feb 4, 2020
IN THE NEWS Executive Summary: The CDC and NIOSH have reported counterfeit respirators being sold on the open market with various methods of NIOSH Approval misrepresentation in the way of pictures and descriptions. Full Report: NIOSH-Approved N95 or better masks are the mainstay of preventing airborne diseases from being transmitted and is the minimum required mask for health care workers when Airborne Precautions are in place (such as for suspected 2019-nCoV patients). They must be individually Fit Tested after a medical evaluation to assure...
EMS1 Article – Quick Take: Transporting Patient One – Coronavirus in the US
EMS1 Article by Rob Lawrence. Snohomish County, Washington, officials describe the EMS transport of the first confirmed 2019-nCoV patient in the U.S.
1st Coronavirus Webinar with Paramedic Chiefs of Canada on Monday, February 3rd, 2020 | Recording and Handouts
PCC Webcast: 2019-nCoV "Coronavirus" - Emerging Infectious Disease - Feb-3-2020 View Webinar Recording View Webinar Slides Additional Resources Mentioned During the Webinar: Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV – What Public Safety/First Responders Can Do Resource URLs for Public Safety Worker-Related Agencies & Organizations EMS1 Article by Rob Lawrence. Snohomish County, Washington, officials describe the EMS transport of the first confirmed 2019-nCoV patient in the U.S. Quick Take: Transporting Patient One – Coronavirus in the...
1st Coronavirus Webinar with Paramedic Chiefs of Canada on Monday, February 3rd, 2020 | Recording and Handouts
PCC Webcast: 2019-nCoV "Coronavirus" - Emerging Infectious Disease - Feb-3-2020 View Webinar Recording View Webinar Slides Additional Resources Mentioned During the Webinar: Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV – What Public Safety/First Responders Can Do Resource URLs for Public Safety Worker-Related Agencies & Organizations EMS1 Article by Rob Lawrence. Snohomish County, Washington, officials describe the EMS transport of the first confirmed 2019-nCoV patient in the U.S. Quick Take: Transporting Patient One – Coronavirus in the...
Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV – What Public Safety/First Responders Can Do
What First Responders Can Do Feb-3-2020: The information in the attached PDF is designed to assist EMS and other First Responders, but may contain information not complete or applicable to a particular agency or situation. All stakeholders should review pertinent national public health and WHO documents to ensure complete knowledge. Download the pdf
Coronavirus 2019-nCoV URL Resources Feb 2, 2020
Coronavirus Resource URLs for Public Safety Organizations: Link to the IAED EIDS Tool for 2019-nCoV: https://www.emergencydispatch.org/coronavirus-2019-nCoV OSHA Recommendations for 2019-nCoV: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/novel_coronavirus/ FEMA on 2019-nCoV: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/operations/infograms/012320.html NAEMSP Recommendations for 2019-nCoV: https://naemsp.org/home/news/ems-considerations-for-coronavirus/ FireRescue1 Presents the IAFC List of Resources for 2019n-CoV including the NHTSA Office of EMS01: Guidance for the novel virus: https://www.firerescue1.com/fire-chief/articles/iafc-compiles-wuhan-coronavirus-resources-for-fire-ems-leaders-pjDd627JV7ana0sZ/ IAFF Recommendations for 2019-nCoV: https://www.iaff.org/coronavirus/ HHS ASPR/Tracie EMS Infection Control Handbook (not limited to Coronavirus): https://files.asprtracie.hhs.gov/documents/aspr-tracie-transport-playbook-508.pdf WHO, PHAC, and CDC Resources for 2019-nCoV: WHO Home Page with Links to Other Resources including Daily...
Coronavirus Travel Alert & Screenings in the US & the WHO Erred in its Assessment of Risk
Executive Summary: The CDC has announced that U.S. Travel Alert Status in now at Level 3 – All non-essential travel to China should be avoided. The CDC has also expanded airport screening to more airports, for a total of 18 and to two border crossing sites. The WHO has repaired a mistake in wording, regarding risk of 2019-nCoV disease to areas. The correct WHO risk assessment is Very High Risk (raised from High) in China, High Risk in the Region &...
