Patient Refusal Checklist
Southern Alleghenies EMS Council will no longer be able to provide the two part patient refusal checklists. Services that would like to download a copy for use by their service can download it here.
CDC Brochure-Fight Flu for First Responders
The CDC has posted a new brochure on their website entitled "Fight Flu for First Responders"
Novel H1N1 Influenza
The best sources for information are the Pennsylvania Department of Health's website and the Centers for Disease Control. The World Health Organization is also posting international information on their website. Links to all three sites are posted to the left.
The best way to prevent H1N1 infection is to practice appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) along with frequent and good hand washing etiquette, including the use of alcohol based hand-cleaners when soap and water are not available. EMS providers should have an appropriate level of suspicion when faced with a patient with a potentially infectious disease and proceed according to the Pennsylvania BLS protocol and CDC interim guidance posted to the left.
Confirmed and Probable Cases in Pennsylvania
EMS Strike Teams
Services that participate in the EMS Strike Team program agree to provide a vehicle and staffing to be deployed to other parts of the Commonwealth or the nation in the event of a significant need. Typically, a Strike Team service will provide an ambulance; four (4) crewmembers; and supplies for those personnel to be self-sufficient for a period of time.
Strike Teams have been deployed to Louisiana in support of the response to Hurricanes Katrina; Gustav; and Ike; as well as within Pennsylvania. The Teams have also participated in Statewide Training activities including the 2008 drill at Fort Indiantown Gap.
