NH EMS Community – as I am sure you already know, the Swine Flu situation in our country is shaping up and EMS, as part of the public health, healthcare and public safety systems needs to be prepared, and respond with vigilance until the situation is contained. I have provided the latest Health Alert Network (HAN) update, as well as important links to basic facts that you should make all your providers aware of, including a Fact Sheet, and FAQ’s from DHHS on Swine Flu. I have included the most up-to-date list for Point of Contact (POC) list for the states All Health Hazard Regions (AHHR) which EMS is a part of. You should consider contacting your AHHR POC for more local/regional information. Additionally, in collaboration with DHHS, an educational program for respiratory care protection, which was last updated in 2006, was developed and is available on our Web site, link also below. The material is pertinent to dealing with the flu and general respiratory protection. Also find below the information provided by the National Association of EMS Officials (NASEMSO) reference the Swine Flu including interim guidance for the cleaning of ambulances and guidance documents from the CDC that may be of interest. I will work to keep you in the loop and updated as I receive information. Please do not hesitate to call should you have questions (603)223-4212.

Bureau of EMS Chief Sue Prentiss

Swine Flu Fact Sheet from DHHS

Frequently Asked Questions

Respiratory Care Protection Information and Powerpoint for EMS

Point of Contact for all Health Hazard Regions

HAN Message April 26th, 2009

Interim Guidance for Cleaning Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Transport Vehicles during an Influenza Pandemic

Interim Guidance for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems and 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP's) for the Management of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1) Infection

CDC Guidance Documents