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This Week in EMS: The World Prepares for the Worst
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H1N1/Swine Flu: Keeping Perspective
The world was on its toes this week watching the spread of the so-called Swine Flu and bracing for a possible pandemic. The new virus, a hybrid of swine, human and avian flu elements, has officially been named Influenza A (H1N1).
Amid the hype, the most important thing we can do is to keep perspective, says infection control expert and EMS Magazine editorial advisory board member Katherine West. Follow the related links for full coverage and visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu to track the virus.
Car Slams into Crowd at Dutch Royal Parade
In other world disaster news, a car burst through police barriers at a parade in the Netherlands Thursday, in an attack targeting the country's royal family. The driver missed the family but the incident resulted in five spectators killed and 13 injured.
Dramatic images showed people thrown into the air and lying in the street, tended by ambulance crews, police officers and bystanders.
EMS Memorial Riders Prepare for Journey
In less than a month, bicyclists will strap on their helmets and start pedaling in the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, an annual journey to honor EMS personnel who have died in the line of duty. The "Muddy Angels" will once again have two groups riding from New York and Kentucky and meeting in Roanoke, Virginia to attend the National EMS Memorial Service on May 22. It's not too late to get involved as a rider or supporter.
Featured Podcast:
"This is a critical time," says Raphael M. Barishansky, public health emergency preparedness expert and EMS Magazine contributor. "We have not seen a public health emergency of this magnitude in some time." In this April 27, 2009 interview, Ray discusses the level of concern and appropriate response for those in the emergency medical services.
Featured Column:
Influenza A (H1N1) "Swine Flu:" What EMS Providers Should Know
"The implications for EMS providers cannot be overlooked," writes Kevin T. Collopy, EMS Magazine Contributor. He describes the signs and symptoms of the new virus, transmission, and its potential effects on the emergency medical system.
Collopy also discusses how EMS providers can help control the influenza A (H1N1) virus spread and how agencies may need to address treatment and communication. "EMS is the front line of the health care system," he writes, "and it is critical that we do our part to help prevent inadvertent virus spread."
Free Continuing Education Credits:
Free Online Pan Flu Course from RapidCE.com
Take this timely and free online Pan Flu Course from EMSResponder.com and Centrelearn's RapidCE.com online learning system, and earn two CECBEMS-approved CE credits.
In this two-lesson series, Part 1 defines pandemic flu including the causes, symptoms and treatment principles. Part 2 reviews pandemic planning and preparation principles for emergency response personnel.
Featured Job:
Operations Supervisor - Coos Bay, Oregon
"Bay Cities Ambulance in Coos Bay on the beautiful Oregon coast is looking for an Operations Supervisor - essential duties include functioning as a coach, counselor, leader, and liaison to the people they serve."
Click above for details and visit www.EMSResponder.com/jobs for additional listings.
Sign up here to receive the new EMS Jobs e-newsletter.
Featured Forum Thread:
"You have to marvel at the fact that nobody in the media has speculated about a flu that is a compound of human, bird and pig," writes forum user lifevsdeathuk... "Makes you wonder, worry and remember scary novels."
Follow the link to read more, or browse other topics at www.emsresponder.com/forums.
Poll Question:
Reminders:
AFG Grant Applications Due May 20, 2009
The AFG awards will provide approximately $510 million to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations throughout the country.
Visit the new EMSResponder.com/grantsdatabase for additional grant news and resources.
EMS EXPO Announces Photo Contest for 2009
For the second year, EMS EXPO is looking for photos of EMS/rescue/fire professionals in the field, at training events or in the workplace. Photos must be received by September 18, 2009
Other top headlines this week on EMSResponder.com:
- D.C. EMS Report Outrages Families of Mistake Victims
- California Nurse Dies after Performing Successful CPR
- Kindness of Paramedic Keeps Trauma Patient's Dogs Safe
- Five Drowning Deaths Reported in Kansas Storms
- Minnesota Man Pretending to Fall Off Bridge Actually Falls
About Heather Caspi, EMSResponder.com Editor-in-Chief
Heather Caspi has been a public safety journalist since 2000, beginning as a reporter for sister site Firehouse.com. She later became the assistant news editor for Firehouse.com and Officer.com, and led the launch of EMSResponder.com in 2005. She graduated from the University of Maryland with degrees in Journalism and English Language and Literature, and earned her EMT-B at Merritt College in Oakland, California. She can be reached at Heather.Caspi@cygnusb2b.com.
