Tag - resources

List of Employer & Employee COVID-19 Resources for the General Workplace & Specific Occupations

This list of Resources with links is provides In an attempt to make this updated info available more quickly, this document provides a list, divided into topics, each with links and a synopsis of what each site represents.  There are way too many available articles/sites to include them all, so these pages represent some of what I perceive are the best on the subject, at least at the moment selected.  Most of the sites also provide links to other sites...

COVID-19 In the News Update

The available information about COVID-19 is updating/changing on a daily, if not hourly, basis.  In an attempt to make this updated info available more quickly, this document provides a list, divided into topics, each with links and a synopsis of what each site represents.  There are way too many available articles/sites to include them all, so these pages represent some of what I perceive are the best on the subject, at least at the moment selected. Most of the sites also...

COVID-19 Vaccine and Vaccination Update

The two mRNA vaccines have been out for more than a month and 4,263,056 individuals have already completed their vaccination series, while millions more await their second shot in the series, and even more are waiting to begin their vaccinations.  This update covers what is known about the current vaccines and what is not, that even after vaccination, it is essential that everyone continue their current protective behaviors, particularly with the finding of COVID-19 Variants in both Canada and the...

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Variants

A year into the COVID Pandemic, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus has mutated millions of times as it transmitted between people.  It is what viruses do to survive & thrive.  Several of those mutations have resulted in COVID Virus Variants.  These variants have been identified by genetic sequencing in the few countries that have been doing aggressive testing for just these changes.  Three global variants have been officially identified and, at least temporarily, named. This article outlines why this happens, what...

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccine Update

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinations to protect against COVID-19 have begun in the United States.  This article supplies some FAQs with subsequent discussion intended to help each individual come to their own personal choice on COVID-19 Vaccination based on sound information.  This same info can provide an opening for an agency to plan their approach to determining how COVID-19 Vaccinations fit into their Agency and Operational Plan. There is also a list of Resources & Links with supporting materials divided into easy to identify...

CDC Guidance for Managing the Holidays during COVID-19

The CDC published Guidelines intended to help individuals & families make the best and safest choices for themselves while celebrating the upcoming holidays. Most of the guidance is applicable to other situations and timeframes too. First Responders have two families, a traditional one and a work one, with many share living quarters during their shift.  As essential/front line workers, First Responders are often at increased risk and have an ongoing chance of sharing that risk with those they come in contact...

COVID-19 Transmission FAQs Answered by Experts

With COVID levels at record highs it’s time to double down on protecting yourself, those you are responsible for and/or care about, from getting it. This paper answers vital questions with solid science. Scientists & engineers in this field have collected the evidence together to answer the questions many are asking – silently or out loud – and provide the proof for all to read. It is written for the general public & as a living document. One that's updated...

HHS/CDC SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Plan for COVID-19

The HHS/CDC has reposted their Interim Vaccination Plan for the SARS-CoV-2 virus to prevent COVID-19.  This is a rapid rollout plan that is identified as interim because not all the specifics of a vaccine(s) is known.  There is a push to be ready to distribute the vaccine as soon as even emergency approval is given, with dates for beginning the vaccinations suggested for as soon as late October or early November.  The documents included in this post should assist in...

Seasonal Flu in the Midst of COVID-19

As the 2020/21 Flu Season approaches, COVID-19 is still circulating in most states throughout the U.S. with many states again on the rise.  Since the Southern Hemisphere had their Flu Season 2020, ahead and opposite that of the Northern Hemisphere, there may be some indication of what the upcoming Flu Season will be like, at least in some countries.  Read about the Flu Season that the Southern Hemisphere did not have and their mitigation techniques, and then read on to...

COVID – 19 Update – Airborne Transmission

Since the onset of the disease that would be named COVID-19, there have been questions about how it's transmitted & how to decrease person-to-person transmission. More and more evidence has accumulated that suggests that airborne transmission does occur and these airborne droplets are much smaller and may quickly dry in the air to be a virus particle(s). Why is it important? Read the full update about Airborne Transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. View/Download the...

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) August 2020

It is important to realize that this time, between August and November is the peak time for AFM. Furthermore, EMS Personnel and other First Responders should be aware of the signs and symptoms and other presentations of the syndrome, as well as how to further assess, monitor, stabilize/treat, and transport an individual (typically a child) with possible AFM. The inability to recognize and manage AFM appropriately, including transport to an appropriate hospital, may result in a worsening condition and potentially...

Latest Data on COVID-19 Mitigation On & Off Duty Resources & Links

There are a lot of recently published scientific & observational studies, editorials, viewpoints, and more about both medical and lay person PPE. This includes predominantly masks & respirators, but also other mitigation strategies that have been moved beyond ‘might this help?’ to ‘likely some benefit’. In some cases, recommendations from international and national organizations & agencies, as well as industry organizations, have been made. Below, are some links to some of those documents. All of them provide good information, but...

Updated FDA Hand Sanitizer Warning 8-5-20

There is an ongoing and escalating issue with hand sanitizers manufactured in some factories in Mexico, and sold in stores throughout the U.S, that pose a danger to those who use them.  This is due to either methanol being added or substituted for ethyl or isopropyl alcohols, or subpotent percentages of appropriate alcohols in them. 

Finding & Reading the Literature on COVID-19

There are very few positives that have come from this COVID-19 Pandemic, but there is one that has made it easier for scientists, health care providers, and anyone who wants to know what is happening, from a scientific or medical perspective, to have access to the latest information on a wide range of topics related to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19. The downside is that those readers who are not used to reading scientific or medical literature, may not realize that the info...

COVID-19 Guidance Resources for Law Enforcement Personnel

There is a lot of available information for Health Care Workers and EMS, but not very much for Law Enforcement who have several roles as part of their work that puts them at increased risk for being infected by COVID-19.  This document raises the awareness of that risk and offers a clearinghouse of resources specifically for Law Enforcement, First Responders/Public Safety.

Synthetic Opioids/Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogs

This is a collection of resources, developed by experts and stakeholder groups, to help identify, mitigate, and manage the risk for First Responders. The documents contain tools, recommendations, charts, and other pertinent information for knowledge as well as the development of Best Practice Policies for First Responder agencies in dealing with synthetic opioids.