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The sky didn’t fall…. again.

I used to see myself as far from being an alarmist.  Before uttering a response or invoking a knee-jerk emotion, I felt some pride knowing that I would first take the time to figure out what was being presented, then formulate an informed and measured response/decision/reaction.

Not any more.  I was pulled into the alarmist culture for the last half of a year.

Somehow, the “sky is falling” cries made it deep within my brain and took root, germinating and slowly developing into a plant of deep concern.  Health organizations and government agencies around the world were warning us to prepare for a pandemic of pandemic proportions.

To his credit, Mick Mayers over at Firehouse Zen blogged last April about putting the media hype on the upcoming tragedy into perspective. How right he was!

Katy bar the door!

Pronouncements and prognostications that fully one third of the U.S. population would become ill with the H1N1 virus, claiming the lives of hundreds of zillions around the world.  Especially at risk were those around me that I loved the most- the children.  Who will protect the children?

This wasn’t the first time I had been duped by these Chicken Littles.

Howabout that Avian (Bird) Flu of 2007?  That was to be a major event.  Although many were sickened and some lost their lives, it was not the end of days we were led to believe might occur.   Human cases of bird flu peaked in 2006 at 115, with 79 deaths. The number has since declined, with 73 human cases and 32 deaths in 2009, the WHO said.

This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) is still singing that tune, like the song you can’t get out of your head with a fresh report warning that the danger still exists.

Oh, and remember SARS?  That was back earlier in the decade.  We were taught to be careful of airline travelers and birdies.

And mosquitoes that bite the birdies.

And Canadians.  Especially Torontonians.

Just kidding abooot dat, my puck-lovin’ friends!

Although we should be happy that the cataclysmic apocalypse has not yet happened, the truth is that it still may at some point in the future.  So how effective will the warnings from WHO and other government agencies be?  Falling short on the previous readings of their crystal balls, methinks most will refuse to pay attention when the feces truly hits the fan….

So what’s a previously mild-mannered, even-heeled, children-loving firefighter paramedic supposed to do?

I know! I’ll check to see if there are any expiration dates on the case of N95’s up in the attic…

Posted in EMS Health & Safety, Firefighter Safety & Health, H1N1 Flu Pandemic, News, WTF?

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Posted by on March 26, 2010 • 4 comments

Handerpants

Sometimes I feel the need to “glove up” when not at work, know what I mean?

Want a pair?   Really?   Wow, OK.  Click the pic…

Posted in EMS Health & Safety, H1N1 Flu Pandemic, Just For Fun, Tips and Tricks

Posted by on November 17, 2009 • 3 comments

Update: Can I Be Forced to Take the H1N1 Vaccination?

The pandemic sweeping across the country and the world brought at least one interesting question to mind that had previously not been considered:

If your agency is tasked with providing front-line medical care to those affected with the H1N1 virus, does your employer have the right to force you to be vaccinated or face being fired?

Many of us have already decided if we want to get the vaccinations.  But the ability for us to make our own decision is not so easy for some who want to stay employed.

Citing the “public health emergency”, some agencies feel it necessary to ensure its full compliment of workers is inoculated and ready to serve by taking the decision away from the employee.

In an earlier post, FireDaily.com brought you the story of a Chicagoland firefighter paramedic weighing his options. He posed several questions, many of which are coming to light all across the country as we speak.

We now have an update to the story we brought you on the three separate lawsuits, including one by New York’s second-largest state employees union, which prompted a NY State Supreme Court Justice to issue a Temporary Restraining Order barring mandatory vaccinations for certain health care workers.

New York State Health Commissioner Richard Daines had previously forced these workers to either take both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations by November 30 or face disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Although the next hearing date is set for later this week, the shortage of available vaccine has served to defuse the conflict, at least temporarily.

New York public health workers are no longer be required to take the vaccines, according to a statement from Governor David Paterson.

“The CDC acknowledged that New York would only receive approximately 23 percent of its anticipated vaccine supply,” Paterson said. “As a result, we need to be as resourceful as we can with the limited supplies of vaccine currently coming into the state.”

Production issues and increased demand has radically decreased the availability of the H1N1 vaccine.  The CDC had initially estimated 40 million doses would be available by the end of this week.  The revised number is now only 27.7 million doses.

Although the decision by New York authorities leave those declining the vaccines breathing a little easier, the conflict still remains without resolution.  Until then, health care workers across the nation are still uncertain if their right to decide what goes into their bodies can ultimately result in losing their jobs.

How is your agency handling this issue?

Stay tuned as FireDaily.com will continue to bring updates to this developing situation.

-J

Posted in EMS Health & Safety, Firefighter Safety & Health, H1N1 Flu Pandemic, News

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Posted by on October 26, 2009 • 6 comments

NY Judge Says “Whoa” to Mandatory Vaccinations of First Responders

In my blog posted October 8 here on FireDaily.com, I addressed some of the concerns of my buddy, Brett, a local firefighter/paramedic, regarding flu vaccinations for first responders. One of his questions: Could his employer, in the name of public safety, force him to get vaccinated against his will as a term of his employment?

Well, let the games begin.

Earlier today, Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice Thomas J. McNamara granted a temporary restraining order against mandated flu vaccinations for certain health care workers.

The New York Health Commission had previously ordered that certain employees must be vaccinated for both the seasonal and the H1N1 flu by November 30 or face the possibility of disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Three nurses from the Albany Medical Center claimed the regulation violates their civil rights. The New York State United Teachers Union and the New York State Public Employees Federation also sued. McNamara merged all three lawsuits under the restraining order and set a court date for October 30.

Of course, this was bound to happen. And I fully expect similar cases to arise at the state and local levels all across the country in the upcoming days and weeks.

So, do you think the government has the right to dictate your health care decisions during a pandemic?

-J

FireDaily.com will continue following all the developments on the pandemic, specifically its effects on first responders.

Posted in EMS Health & Safety, Firefighter Safety & Health, H1N1 Flu Pandemic, News

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Posted by on October 16, 2009 • 2 comments

Ohio F.D. Paramedic Diagnosed with H1N1 Flu

We knew it would happen, and we know it won’t be long until many more are affected.

A paramedic with Deerfield Twp. Fire Rescue Department in Ohio has been confirmed to have been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu. He has not been identified and was immediately placed on medical leave, according to Fire Chief Chris Eisele. His condition has not been reported. Several other members of the same Cincinnati-area department reported sick over the weekend, though it is not known if their illnesses are related. Here’s a report from WLWT-TV:

Last week, FireDaily reported on the apparent magnitude of the situation, citing the Centers for Disease Control prediction that 1 in 3 Americans will be infected. H1N1 put 1 in 5 into the ICU, with 7% of those dying during last winter’s flu season. 

As we begin the new flu season, the virus is slated to tax emergency services to unprecedented levels. Fortunately, federal and state authorities have been keeping a watchful eye on the brewing storm. However, local agencies that haven’t adequately prepared for their upcoming battles will find themselves vulnerable and thereby less effective to the communities they serve.

Earlier this year, Deerfield Twp. Fire Rescue Department reviewed and implemented H1N1 virus infection precautions as mandated by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because those precautions were in place, this singular case was immediately isolated to prevent spread of the virus to other members of the department or the public, Eisele said.

How does your community stack up? What can you tell about your agency’s effectiveness in its response to the pandemic?

As you browse the web, take a quick moment to visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) H1N1 site for frequent updates as the pandemic unfolds across the nation. Another good stop is flu.gov where you can find information specific to your state. Click on your state in their map to find numerous resources local to you.

Don’t wait for someone else to figure out what you will do.

Stay Stoked!

-J.

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Posted in H1N1 Flu Pandemic

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Posted by on October 13, 2009 • No comments

CDC Says 1 in 3 Will Contract H1N1

First Responders Are In For A Battle

Strap yourselves in, it’s starting to get rough out there. In a story that may rival the coverage of Hurricane Katrina, the H1N1 flu pandemic is sweeping across the nation and across the media.  As of today, the CDC reports that 79 children have died in America this year due to H1N1. 

The CDC fears that the public may not fully appreciate the magnitude of the situation.  As the flu hit earlier this year, one quarter of patients afflicted ended up in the ICU, and 7% of those died.  Today, a CBS poll reports that 51% of respondents say they will pass on the vaccination.  Parents of the those most affected (under 24 years old) are in a quandary over what to do.

video courtesy CBS News

Don’t be too quick to blame the parents, as they are getting mixed messages on whether or not to vaccinate their children.  Some pediatricians are advising to hold off on the first round of vaccine because the study sample was too small (only 600) to deem its safety.

And parents are listening.  The  poll released today indicates nearly 40% of parents will choose not to vaccinate their children.  Early government agency screw-ups haven’t helped give credence to a message that could very well be true.  And the wrong decision –either way- puts the parents un a life-or-death trick bag,

The Children’s Hospital at Oklahoma University Medical Center in Oklahoma City is one example of the pandemic’s impact today:

video courtesy CBS News

Some of these infected patients are arriving at the ER by ambulance, so some first responders say the vaccine can’t come soon enough for them.  As we speak, Milwaukee Firefighters join thousands of first responders as the first to get vaccinated.

Video courtesy of WISN-TV Milwaukee

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland signed a proclamation Wednesday allowing emergency medical technicians in the state to administer flu vaccines in light of continuing concerns about the spread of H1N1 influenza.  EMT’s normally do not administer injections, but will be put into action into what Ohio calls a “state of emergency.”

As the axiom goes: “Knowledge is Power.”  So go now and seek the knowledge you need immediately to get you and your family through this crisis. 

FireDaily will continue to follow all aspects of the pandemic, and will keep a special eye focused on its effects within our first responder community.

-J

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Posted in EMS, H1N1 Flu Pandemic

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Posted by on October 9, 2009 • 1 comment