Effects of Flu Pandemic on Fire Service
The IAFF has an article that lists recommendations for responding to a flu pandemic (via Firefighter Blog).
“With the threat of a human-to-human outbreak of the avian flu escalating, our challenge as all-hazard emergency responders is to prepare now, before the flu reaches pandemic proportions,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.
Here is an excellent checklist that you can use.
Here is an overview of a flu pandemic from the IAFF.
A pandemic can really have an impact on a fire department. Firefighters could be down with the flu just like members of the public. Will there be enough firefighters to respond effectively? Firefighters may be asked to assist with vaccination programs. Fire halls could be used for vaccination centers. With large portions of a population sick with the flu, infrastructure will suffer. Will there be enough dispatchers at the dispatch centers? Firefighters may also be asked to assist the EMTs to transport people to the hospital.
Has your department prepared for this type of event?
