New cases of H1N1 influenza (novel swine flu) are still being reported, but analysis of the health, social, and economic impact has already begun. “Pandemic Flu: Lessons From the Frontlines report reviews 10 early lessons learned from the response to the H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak.” The preliminary lessons learned are:
- Investments in pandemic planning and stockpiling antiviral medications paid off;
- Public health departments did not have enough resources to carry out plans;
- Response plans must be adaptable and science-driven;
- Providing clear, straightforward information to the public was essential for allaying fears and building trust;
- School closings have major ramifications for students, parents and employers;
- Sick leave and policies for limiting mass gatherings were also problematic;
- Even with a mild outbreak, the health care delivery system was overwhelmed;
- Communication between the public health system and health providers was not well coordinated;
- WHO pandemic alert phases caused confusion; and
- International coordination was more complicated than expected.
Experienced EMS providers are not likely to be surprised by any of these findings. I am particularly struck by the synergy created by school closings and sick leave. The EMS workforce is generally young and likely to have school-age children. It is often a challenge to find childcare for a rotating 12 or 24 hour shift schedule. I would imagine that some EMS providers that were faced with a school or day care closing were forced to use sick leave to stay home to care for their healthy children that could not report to a closed school.
Has your EMS agency conducted a lessons learned assessment of its H1N1 preparedness and response? What did you learn?
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